Senior Proposal Manager

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.Requisition #: 954Job Title: Sr. Proposal ManagerLocation: 1430 Spring Hill Rd Ste 200 McLean, Virginia 22102SUMMARYWe are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Proposal Manager to lead the development of compelling, high-quality responses to federal and commercial solicitations. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for crafting winning proposals and leading collaborative teams, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven organization.As a key member of our business development team, you will manage all aspects of proposal creation, from interpreting solicitation requirements to submission and delivery. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to winning business strategies and drive organizational success.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Proposal Development Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of proposal creation, including writing, editing, compliance checks, and production, ensuring adherence to solicitation requirements and deadlines.• Team Collaboration: Lead and coordinate efforts with capture managers, subject matter experts, writers, and graphic designers to develop winning proposals.• Strategic Planning: Develop proposal schedules, compliance matrices, win strategies, and themes that align with solicitation requirements and business objectives.• Leadership and Mentorship: Guide and mentor proposal staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct kick-off meetings, color team reviews, and daily status calls to ensure alignment and progress.• Content Development: Write, edit, and refine proposal sections, including executive summaries, management plans, past performance, and staffing plans, integrating strategic themes and discriminators.• Quality Assurance: Ensure proposals are clear, persuasive, and compliant with all solicitation instructions, including Section L and M requirements.. Database and Artifact Management: Maintain solicitation documents and proposal artifacts on collaboration platforms such as SharePoint or MS Teams.. Continuous Improvement: Conduct post-submission reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future proposal processes.Education, Background, and Years of Experience• Bachelor's degree preferred (fields such as English, Literature, Business, or a related discipline are ideal). Equivalent experience or certifications (e.g., APMP, Shipley) will also be considered.• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience managing federal proposal processes, with expertise in IT services, cybersecurity, or professional solutions a plus.ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONSRequired Skills• In-depth understanding of federal procurement processes and solicitation requirements - FAR 15 and 16.• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and desktop publishing tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, InDesignPreferred Skills• Orals experience desired• Shipley or APMP certifications desiredWORKING CONDITIONSEnvironmental Conditions• OfficeStrength Demands• Sedentary - 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles. Some occasional walking or standing may be required. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.Physical Requirements• Stand or SitEmployees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.We also believe in supporting our employees by offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. To explore the benefits we offer, please visit our website under the Careers section.Happy - Be Infectious.Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.Helpful - Be Supportive.Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.Honest - Be Trustworthy.Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.Humble - Be Grounded.Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.Hungry - Be Eager.Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.Hustle - Be Driven.Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.