Business Development Proposal Writer Jobs in California

GFT is seeking a Business Development & Proposal Manager to join our West Team in NorCal, SoCal, Washington, or Arizona. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our closest office.

• Lead key business development support efforts for multiple regional business lines or a global business line, contributing to GFT’s strategic plan.
• Own cradle‑to‑grave internal support from client management phase through proposal development phase, including managing proposal efforts and participating in writing and reviewing proposals.
• Supervise one or more proposal specialists, assign tasks, review work for quality, and ensure compliance with department practices.
• Assist Business Development Manager or Leader with proposal workload and resourcing for regional or global business development teams.
• Approve timesheets, conduct performance evaluation reviews, recommend training, and provide input to the annual training plan.
• Manage proposal and capture strategy, ensuring the capture strategy transitions to proposal strategy throughout the development phases.
• Lead multiple large, long‑term, complex pursuits concurrently.
• Develop interview content and work closely with Manager for input and oversight.
• Write key strategic win theme and messaging, organizing resources (graphics, other specialists, print production, operations, etc.) to produce high‑quality proposals without direct oversight.
• Proactively identify pipeline opportunities, initiate capture, promote, and lead Capture Planning support without managerial oversight.
• Research and develop opportunities with Capture Manager; prioritize across multiple opportunities.
• Maintain CRM documentation and use capture management plans per company templates.
• Coordinate with MARCOM staff for early opportunity and client pre‑positioning activities.
• Develop client and teaming relationships; lead Tier 1/2 client management plans; facilitate client meetings; document in CRM.
• Communicate and prioritize BDM support efforts based on business plan.

• 4‑year degree in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or related field.
• Must have requisite experience in California.
• 10+ years of combined experience in the full lifecycle of business development (marketing, communications, client, capture, and proposal phases).
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in capture planning support.
• Demonstrated success in taking opportunities from capture through proposal management.
• Minimum of 5 years of increasing responsibility in business development lifecycle phases.
• At least 2 years of experience supervising staff (if applicable).
• Certification or training in business development, marketing, communications, or sales from a professional organization is highly desirable.

• Experience supporting, facilitating, and participating in capture planning support.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex pursuits concurrently.

Salary range: $125,000 – $165,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid work environment (in‑person and remote).
• Comprehensive benefits package: wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development and support of participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Location: Irvine; Los Angeles; Sacramento; Seattle

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full‑Time