Proposal Development Manager Jobs in Elkton, TN (NOW HIRING)

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Proposal Manager leads the development of compliant, compelling, and competitive proposals in response to Federal Government Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Sources Sought notices, and other competitive solicitations. This position is responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams throughout the full proposal lifecycle, from opportunity planning through final submission, ensuring proposals are delivered on time, meet all solicitation requirements, and support the organization's strategic business development objectives.

This position may be hired at Levels I through IV based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated proposal management expertise.

Essential Functions

• Manage, coordinate, prepare, and submit responses to Federal Government Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Sources Sought notices, and other competitive bidding opportunities.
• Lead all phases of proposal development, including planning, scheduling, content development, production, and final submission.
• Facilitate proposal development activities, including kick-off meetings, compliance matrix development, outlines, templates, storyboarding, writing assignments, color team reviews, and final production.
• Schedule and lead proposal planning meetings, content development sessions, status meetings, and proposal reviews.
• Analyze solicitation requirements and develop proposal strategies aligned with customer objectives and evaluation criteria.
• Prepare proposal documents for reviews and final production. Format, edit, proofread, and validate all proposal documents prior to color team reviews and final submission.
• Write and support the development of technical, management, past performance, and corporate proposal content.
• Coordinate with Graphics/Production personnel, Capture Managers, Business Development, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Contracts, Pricing, and other contributors to execute all proposal phases and milestones.
• Assign, track, and ensure timely delivery of proposal content from internal and external contributors.
• Track the status of data calls and ensure timely responses and required information from all contributors.
• Ensure all proposal content complies with solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, formatting requirements, page limitations, and organizational quality standards.
• Validate proposal compliance and completeness prior to final production and submission.
• Develop and maintain reusable proposal assets, including past performance information, organizational experience, project summaries, personnel qualifications, and proposal templates for future opportunities.
• Leverage approved AI-assisted tools to support proposal development activities, including requirements analysis, compliance verification, and content refinement while ensuring all AI-assisted content is reviewed for accuracy, compliance, and quality prior to submission.
• Support proposal process improvements, content management initiatives, lessons learned, and knowledge-sharing efforts.
• Provide regular project status updates to management and ensure all proposal milestones are achieved within established deadlines.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for personnel. The Proposal Manager provides functional leadership by coordinating proposal teams, facilitating collaboration among cross-functional contributors, and guiding subject matter experts through proposal development and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and SharePoint.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and accurately enter and manage information within organizational databases.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and document formatting skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple proposals and competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer service skills, including active listening, responsiveness, and effective follow-up.
• Ability to develop, edit, and review proposals, white papers, and responses to Federal Government agencies.
• Ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, justify recommendations, and communicate issues effectively to leadership.
• High degree of initiative, professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential and proprietary information.
• Ability to quickly learn organizational policies, procedures, and business processes and apply them effectively.
• Knowledge of government procurement processes, proposal development methodologies, and competitive bidding environments.
• Experience using proposal development tools, content management systems, and collaborative document platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Qualifications

• Experience managing and developing proposals within a government contracting, federal consulting, or professional services environment.
• Experience managing structured proposal development processes using established methodologies such as Shipley or similar best practices.
• Demonstrated success developing compelling technical, management, past performance, and corporate proposal content.
• Strong understanding of proposal compliance, structured review processes, and proposal best practices.
• Shipley Proposal Management, Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), or equivalent proposal management training or certification is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.