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Director Proposal Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proposal Manager Reporting to the Director, Proposals Solutions in the Sales Operations group, the ... You should also be able to provide a hands-on approach to the entire proposal development processes ...

S. government agency requires a full time Associate Director contractor to provide critical ... Support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive onboarding and training program for ...

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Director Proposal Development information

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$50.5K

$92.3K

$128.5K

How much do director proposal development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director proposal development in the United States is $92,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Proposal Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Proposal Development, you need expertise in proposal management, strategic planning, and persuasive writing, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal automation tools (like RFPIO or Loopio), CRM systems, and certifications such as APMP are commonly required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for leading teams, producing compelling proposals, and securing business opportunities in competitive environments.

What does a Director of Proposal Development do?

A Director of Proposal Development oversees the creation, management, and submission of proposals, typically for business development or government contracts. They lead a team of proposal managers and writers, coordinate with subject matter experts, and ensure proposals meet requirements and deadlines. Their role involves strategic planning, quality control, and often working closely with sales and executive leadership to align proposal efforts with organizational goals. Success in this role requires strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

How does a Director of Proposal Development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the proposal process?

A Director of Proposal Development regularly works with subject matter experts, sales teams, project managers, and executives to gather the necessary information and create compelling, compliant proposals. This role involves coordinating input from various departments, leading meetings to align on strategy, and ensuring deadlines are met. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the director must balance multiple priorities while ensuring consistency and quality in every submission. Building strong relationships across departments is key to streamlining the proposal process and improving win rates.

What is the difference between Director Proposal Development vs Proposal Manager?

AspectDirector Proposal DevelopmentProposal Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees proposal strategy, manages teams, and ensures alignment with organizational goalsCoordinates proposal efforts, manages proposal timelines, and ensures compliance with RFP requirements
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, extensive proposal experience, and leadership skillsUsually requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in proposal coordination
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in corporate or government sectorsOperational, detail-oriented, often in government contracting or consulting firms

The main difference is that the Director Proposal Development focuses on strategic leadership and overseeing proposal teams, while the Proposal Manager handles day-to-day proposal coordination and compliance. Both roles require strong proposal experience, but the director role involves higher-level planning and management responsibilities.

More about Director Proposal Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Proposal Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Proposal Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Development jobs? The most popular types of Proposal Development jobs are:
What states have the most Director Proposal Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Proposal Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Proposal Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,290 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Proposal Manager II

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Do you have strong analytical and communication skills, like to work in a collaborative environment, and have a background in the US Department of Defense, US Military, or Aerospace & Defense industry? We may have the perfect opportunity for you! As a Proposal Manager II, you'll drive and oversee the bid submission process from initial contact through contract signing for our cutting edge products and services, including winning. You'll direct proposal activities in accordance with the request for proposal (RFP) specifications. Your duties will also include a review and approve proposals to ensure the appropriate themes are incorporated and resolving conflicts in team dynamics and condensed project timelines.Our team is responsible for government affairs, international strategy, international business, and trade and regulatory compliance. We provide strategic guidance across the organization, helping to find alignment and compliance between SNC and the national security priorities of the U.S. government.


Responsibilities:

  • As an integral member of the Company's Business Development organization and Proposal Center, the Proposal Manager II manages the proposal development center and oversees the center's staff in the development and submission of task order and project proposals for both government and commercial customers.
  • Responsible for planning, organizing, facilitating and executing IDIQ proposals (both Prime and subcontractor role), and for assuring the company's proposal development process is clearly disseminated and efficiently implemented and administered.
  • Provide direct and indirect management of the company's overall bid and proposal efforts and direct management of the Proposal Center.
  • Directly or through others, ensure proposal preparation activities are timely and proposals submitted are professional to include writing, editing, graphics, formatting, estimating/pricing, data call coordination, production and submission of all technical and cost volumes.
  • Coordinate and guide proposal management activities and workflow such as creating and distributing all documents required for proposal development including proposal template, compliance matrix, schedule, and color review sheets; leading internal proposal status meetings and reviews; serving as the main POC for subcontractor proposal input; and acting as color reviewer on task order and project proposals managed by the Proposal Center staff.
  • Exercise ownership of proposal processes and take responsibility for quality and compliance of all proposals supported by the Proposal Center.
  • Direct the work of Proposal Center staff to ensure development of proposal products in accordance with RFP compliance and company business development goals.
  • Participate in capture discussions to ensure understanding of bid strategy.
  • Directly manage proposals and act as a color reviewer on proposals managed by other staff.
  • Supervise Proposal Center staff, including Proposal Managers, Proposal Analysts and Proposal Writers.
  • Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company's policies and applicable law.
  • Other responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, planning employees' training, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • 9+ years of experience in related field with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.
  • Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of related experience is required.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Proven track record of managing complex proposals.
  • Expertise utilizing proposal management software and AI tools.
  • Advanced experience with simultaneously managing multiple proposals of all sizes from proposal planning to delivery.
  • Progressive technical, proposal writing and proposal management experience with emphasis in technical products and logistics services.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to motivate/work with others.
  • Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing Pricing Volumes to include work breakdown structure (WBS) and Basis of Estimate (BOE), including government contracting proposal processes and procedures.
  • Prior experience in a Lead role; the ability to mentor, train, guide and inspect the work of team members and coordinate project tasks to ensure milestones are met.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Proficiency in proposal management software.
  • Self-starter and a problem solver; must have the ability to see the big picture and implement changes as required.
  • Association for Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) Certification.
  • Understanding of the design of program management to include, scheduling, organization and technical management/system engineering concepts.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to tailor conversations to adapt to technical vs. non-technical audiences.
  • Understanding of one or more of Adobe Creative Suite applications: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat.
  • Skills in the use of MS Word, i.e., formatting, outlining, graphics integration, for the use of proposals.
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense or US Military.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $124,771.42 - $171,560.71. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.


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