ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Proposal Strategist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sparibis

Proposal Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Provide strategic input during capture planning to shape proposal win strategies, discriminators, and competitive positioning. * Develop and maintain proposal templates, style guides, and best ...

SteerBridge

Proposal Manager

Vienna, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

SteerBridge Strategies is a modern technology company delivering innovative, mission-focused ... The Proposal Manager will oversee the proposal lifecycle from solicitation analysis through ...

SLSCO

Proposal Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

SLSCO is seeking a Proposal Manager to join our team. The SLS Northeast Proposal Manager will ... Strategic Planning : Collaborate with pursuit teams to define win strategies and ensure alignment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProposal Strategist Jobs

Proposal Strategist information

See salary details

$45K

$139.9K

$177.5K

How much do proposal strategist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal strategist in the United States is $139,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a proposal strategist do?

A proposal strategist develops and manages strategies for creating compelling proposals to win contracts or funding. They analyze client needs, coordinate with teams, and ensure proposals meet requirements, often using tools like proposal management software. Strong writing, project management skills, and understanding of client priorities are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Proposal Strategist, you need strong project management skills, persuasive writing abilities, and experience in business development or marketing, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with proposal management software (like RFPIO or Loopio), CRM systems, and compliance standards is commonly required. Outstanding attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to manage tight deadlines set top performers apart. These skills ensure compelling, compliant proposals that align with client needs and maximize win rates in competitive markets.

What is a Proposal Strategist?

A Proposal Strategist is a professional responsible for developing strategies, managing processes, and crafting compelling proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or other solicitations, often in business development or government contracting environments. They collaborate with subject matter experts, sales teams, and leadership to analyze client needs and create winning proposal documents. Proposal Strategists ensure proposals are tailored, competitive, and aligned with both client requirements and company goals. Their work is crucial for securing new business and maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

How does a Proposal Strategist typically collaborate with subject matter experts during the proposal development process?

A Proposal Strategist works closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather technical information, clarify requirements, and ensure the proposal addresses the client's needs effectively. This collaboration often involves facilitating brainstorming sessions, conducting interviews, and reviewing drafts to integrate SME input while maintaining a clear, persuasive narrative. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the Proposal Strategist must coordinate input from multiple contributors within tight deadlines. Building strong relationships with SMEs also helps streamline future proposal efforts and ensures content accuracy.

Is proposal management a good career?

Proposal management is a viable career that involves preparing and coordinating proposals to secure contracts or funding, often requiring strong writing, project management, and communication skills. It is common in industries such as government, defense, and consulting, with opportunities for advancement and specialization. Success in this field often depends on attention to detail, understanding client needs, and familiarity with proposal software tools.

What is the career path of a proposal specialist?

A proposal specialist typically starts in entry-level roles such as proposal coordinator or assistant, gaining experience in proposal development, project management, and industry knowledge. With experience, they can advance to senior proposal manager, proposal director, or move into related roles like business development or contract management, often requiring strong writing, organizational, and technical skills. Certifications like the Certified Proposal Professional (CPP) can support career growth.

What is the difference between Proposal Strategist vs Proposal Writer?

AspectProposal StrategistProposal Writer
Primary FocusDeveloping overall proposal strategies, win themes, and messagingWriting and editing proposal content based on strategy
Required SkillsStrategic thinking, market analysis, communication skillsExcellent writing, editing, and compliance skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, strategic planning sessionsFocused on content creation and editing
Common CertificationsProposal management certifications (e.g., APMP)Writing or communication certifications (optional)

Proposal Strategists focus on crafting the overall approach and strategy for winning proposals, while Proposal Writers concentrate on creating compelling content. Both roles often collaborate closely but serve different functions within the proposal development process.

How much does an RFP coordinator make?

An RFP coordinator's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require strong organizational skills and familiarity with proposal management tools to succeed in the role.
More about Proposal Strategist jobs
What job categories do people searching Proposal Strategist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Strategist jobs are:
Proposal Strategist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Strategist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,867 per year, or $67.2 per hour.
Proposal Manager

Proposal Manager

Thermal Engineering International

Joplin, MO • On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Thermal Engineering International (USA) Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Proposal Manager to become an integral member of our dedicated Sales team. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for leading proposal efforts to achieve booking and margin objectives. This position requires direct engagement with clients and coordination among a multidisciplinary team. The scope of the Proposal Manager role encompasses the entire range of TEi product lines, including Condensers, Feedwater Heaters, Moisture Separator Reheaters, Industrial Coolers, Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers for Power and Process applications, as well as Specialty Heat Exchangers. The Proposal Manager will be charged with the formulation and implementation of proposal strategies designed to maximize opportunities, secure sales, and ensure the timely and efficient transition of projects. This role is pivotal in enhancing the execution team’s capacity to meet overall project goals, maintain profit margins, and fulfill deliverables.

Key Responsibilities
  • Reviews customer specifications and identifies relevant commercial items.
  • Prepares and evaluates proposal estimates, plans, and implements proposal strategies.
  • Ensures proposals comply with RFP requirements and other governing documents.
  • Adjusts proposals in response to amendments, changes, and managerial feedback.
  • Finalizes contracts by negotiating outstanding open items.

Requirements

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Engineering from an accredited institution is preferred.
  • Experience in Engineering, Scheduling, or Estimating is required.
  • 3+ years of sales experience within the Oil & Gas and/or Energy/Power industry is essential.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to schedule, manage, prioritize and execute assignments.
  • Demonstrated capability to collaborate effectively within a team setting and efficiently manage multiple priorities.
  • Possession of PMP Certification is considered an advantage.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel at an advanced level.

To provide greater transparency to candidates, we include base pay ranges for all US-based job postings that encompass all potential locations and levels for the open positions. Our base pay ranges are set based on the function, discipline, level and regional location and are benchmarked against companies in the same or similar industry. Final offers may vary based on multiple factors including education, depth and relevance of work experience, relevant licenses and certifications, and may vary from the amounts listed in the job posting.

Compensation: $103,000 - $135,000 annually DOE & Location

Benefits

Click link to view a summary of our benefits. https://benefits.planyear.com/Z1ESv1fu/SalaryFTRecruiting