Senior Proposal Manager
About The Position
Aretum is a technology-enabled mission support company serving the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and civilian agencies. The Senior Proposal Manager runs proposal efforts for priority federal pursuits, from draft RFP through final submission, leading writers, subject matter experts, pricing teams, and teaming partners to produce compliant, clear, strategically positioned proposals. The role manages proposals across RFIs, sources sought, task orders, and full-and-open competitions; partners with capture managers to develop proposal strategy; and maintains and improves the proposal function. This is a hybrid role based in Aretum’s Vienna, Virginia office and reports to the Director of Proposals. The role may involve handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), requiring compliance with applicable safeguarding requirements.
Requirements
- 10+ years of federal proposal management experience, including at least 5 years leading complex proposals as the proposal manager.
- Track record managing proposals for DoD, DHS, or civilian agencies, including multi-volume responses and teaming arrangements.
- Working knowledge of the FAR, contract types, and federal acquisition processes, including IDIQs, GWACs, and task order competitions.
- Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to turn technical subject matter expert input into clear, persuasive content.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams under tight deadlines, often across several pursuits at once.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent proposal experience.
- Current U.S. work authorization; sponsorship is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Shipley or a similar capture and proposal methodology.
- APMP Foundation or Practitioner certification.
- Experience with tools such as GovWin, SAM.gov, or proposal automation platforms.
- Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
Responsibilities
- Manage federal proposals from kickoff through submission, including RFIs, sources sought, task orders, and full-and-open competitions.
- Analyze RFPs and develop compliance matrices, annotated outlines, and response templates mapped to Sections L and M or equivalent.
- Set and enforce proposal schedules, assign volume and section owners, and keep writers, subject matter experts, and partners on schedule.
- Coordinate with pricing and contracts teams to ensure technical, management, past performance, and price volumes present a consistent story.
- Partner with capture managers to translate win themes, discriminators, and customer insight into proposal strategy.
- Lead Blue, Pink, Red, and Gold reviews, ensure feedback is resolved, and conduct final compliance and quality checks.
- Support oral presentations and responses to evaluation notices, discussions, and final proposal revisions.
- Maintain and expand a library of reusable content, past performance write-ups, résumés, and templates.
- Conduct lessons-learned sessions after submissions and improve proposal processes.
- Mentor proposal coordinators and writers, and stay current on FAR/DFARS changes and evaluation trends.
Benefits
- Health care plan, including medical, dental, and vision.
- Retirement plan (401k).
- Life insurance, including basic, voluntary, and AD&D coverage.
- Paid time off.
- Family leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- Training and development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
