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Federal Proposal Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Practice Development Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Coordinate attorney teams on pitches and proposals, managing opportunities from concept through ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity ...

... federal regulations to confirm compliance. * Compiling, evaluating, analyzing, and presenting ... Project management responsibilities may include developing proposals; managing project budgets and ...

... federal regulations to confirm compliance. * Compiling, evaluating, analyzing, and presenting ... Project management responsibilities may include developing proposals; managing project budgets and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Federal Proposal Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$102.5K

$147.3K

How much do federal proposal manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal proposal manager in Chicago, IL is $102,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $121,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Proposal Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Proposal Manager, you need expertise in proposal development, compliance with federal acquisition regulations, and strong project management skills, often supported by a bachelor's degree and experience in government contracting. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and proposal management software (e.g., SharePoint or Privia) is typically required. Exceptional written communication, attention to detail, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the timely delivery of compliant, competitive proposals that increase an organization's chances of winning government contracts.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Proposal Managers during the proposal development process?

Federal Proposal Managers frequently encounter tight deadlines, shifting requirements, and complex compliance regulations when preparing government proposals. Coordinating input from multiple stakeholders, such as subject matter experts, technical writers, and pricing teams, can also be challenging, especially under time constraints. Additionally, ensuring strict adherence to federal guidelines (such as those in the FAR) while producing a compelling, competitive proposal requires strong organizational and communication skills. Successful Proposal Managers use detailed schedules, clear communication channels, and robust document management systems to navigate these challenges.

What are Federal Proposal Managers?

Federal Proposal Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the development and submission of proposals to secure contracts with U.S. federal government agencies. They coordinate teams, manage timelines, ensure compliance with government requirements, and produce persuasive documents that meet the specific needs of the solicitation. Their role is critical in helping organizations win government business by delivering high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposals.

What is the difference between Federal Proposal Manager vs Proposal Coordinator?

AspectFederal Proposal ManagerProposal Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires experience in federal contracting, proposal writing, and sometimes security clearancesUsually has a background in proposal development, communication, or administrative support
Work EnvironmentWorks in government contracting firms, often in team leadership rolesSupports proposal teams, often in administrative or coordination roles
Industry UsageCommonly employed in government contracting and federal agenciesUsed across various industries, including government and private sectors

The Federal Proposal Manager focuses on leading and managing federal proposals, requiring specific federal contracting knowledge. Proposal Coordinators assist in the proposal process, handling coordination and administrative tasks. While both roles collaborate closely, the Proposal Coordinator typically supports the proposal team under the manager's guidance.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Federal Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Federal Proposal Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Federal Proposal Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Proposal Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,490 per year, or $49.3 per hour.
Senior Project Manager Federal Construction

Senior Project Manager Federal Construction

DAWSON

Vernon Hills, IL โ€ข On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Mahalo for your interest in this role! Please see the full position description below and click Start Your Application when ready. For more information about DAWSON, please visit dawsonohana.com.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Construction Project Manager (PM II) is responsible for independently managing medium-to-large-scale construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. This role involves leading project teams, managing client relationships, controlling budgets and schedules, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. This Project Manager is responsible for projects ranging from $500K to $6,000,000.00 and may be required to manage multiple projects at a time up to +-$15,000,000.00 in total Contracts. The Project Manager II will report to Project Manager III or a Program Manager.

  • Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000 depending on Experience
  • Location: Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, IL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Be the Primary Liaison between DAWSON and NAVFAC at Naval Station Great Lakes
  • Manages project teams by clearly communicating expectations for project requirements, scope, schedule and budget.
  • Evaluates specifications for plan procedures, start and completion dates, and staffing requirements for the project.
  • Responsible for overall management of the Construction Contract to include the following items:
    • Schedule
    • Budget Creation
    • Overall Project Financials (Project Costs, Subcontractor Pay Applications, and Owner Pay Applications)
    • Subcontractor Management
    • Owner/Client Relations
    • Notification to Senior Management of project status and/or project related issues.
  • Development, Review, Issuance, and Execution of Subcontracts and Purchase Orders of subcontractors and suppliers
  • Attend and conduct Weekly Coordination Meetings with Government to discuss project(s) status and/or issues.
  • Project Submittal Review and Submission to Client
  • Development of Pre-Construction Plans (Quality Control Plans, Accident Prevention Plans, etc.)
  • Assist in Proposal Review, Generation, and Development with Dawson Senior Construction Management team for new Construction Contracts
  • Utilize Government Project Management Software (USACE RMS3.0, NAVFAC ECMS, and Project) to manage Government Construction Contracts
  • Projects will Primarily be located at Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, IL this position will require the Project Manager to be onsite or local.
  • Applicant will be required to be currently located near Naval Station Great Lakes or be willing to relocate to the area.
  • Ensure proper safety measures are provided to field staff to ensure a safe and compliant project site.
  • Assist or Lead in Proposal Review, Generation, and Development with DAWSON Senior Management Team for new Construction Contracts to develop multiple concurrent proposals from Solicitation Date to submission for new contracts under existing MACC (Multiple Award Construction Contracts) and IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts)

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or related field required.
  • Minimum 510 years of experience managing federal or DoD construction projects, including concurrent projects valued at $5M or greater.
  • Demonstrated experience leading construction teams on projects with moderate to high complexity, including Design-Build federal construction projects.
  • Proficiency with CPM scheduling methods and Primavera P6 required.
  • Experience using government and construction project management software, including USACE RMS 3.0, NAVFAC ECMS, PROJNET, Procore, CMiC, and Bluebeam.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and project documents.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify project risks, adapt to changing conditions, and collaborate effectively with project teams and stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • OSHA 30 and EM385-1-1 certifications required. QCM Certification (USACE or Navy) required or ability to obtain. PMP or CCM certification preferred.

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.

DAWSONs career portal utilizes a third-party applicant tracking system that allows us to send and receive messages, along with our official DAWSON email addresses. Recruiting emails from DAWSON will only come from @dawsonohana.com or @msg.clrco.com. DAWSON will never: Ask you to send money or purchase equipment as part of the hiring process; Require you to download any apps to interview such as Teams, WhatsApp, etc.; Conduct interviews via Teams chat or messaging-only platforms; or Request banking information outside of secure onboarding steps. To verify current opportunities, use this official careers page. If you are ever unsure about DAWSON roles and communications, contact us at Recruiting@dawsonohana.com before taking action.