Proposal Manager - Hybrid Remote

ICMS is a growing firm looking for a Proposal Manager in the DMV area with three to five years of experience in responding to Federal Government Request for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Task Orders, and Requests for Quote (RFQs). This is a hybrid position; primarily remote with occasional trips into the corporate office located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Proposal Manager will oversee the proposal development activities from pre-proposal planning to final production, delivery, and capture of lessons learned. They will provide guidance to proposal development teams. The Proposal Manager will deconstruct government RFP documents to develop annotated outlines that are compliant with RFP instructions and form the structure of proposal documents. The Proposal Manager will work with the proposal development team, including Business Development, solutions architects, and other subject matter experts, to ensure all written content is compliant with RFP instructions, is accurate and compelling, and is up to the highest quality standards, while also ensuring adherence to deadlines.

The successful candidate has a strong understanding of the Federal Government procurement lifecycle. They are a self-motivated effective communicator, with very strong attention to detail, and a commitment to integrity. They are very organized and able to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and effectively lead a team of proposal development professionals. The successful candidate is a thought-leader, able to see the big picture without overlooking the details, fosters a positive and responsive team environment, and can quickly adjust to dynamic proposal development schedules and requirements. They promote collaboration across departments, best practice proposal development methodologies, high standards of excellence, learning, and accountability.

Responsibilities:

Proposal Development:

• Lead end-to-end proposal development efforts, from initial analysis of RFP requirements to final submission, ensuring all proposal content aligns with client objectives and requirements.
• Proposal Team Coordination: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, technical writers, graphic designers, and other contributors, to facilitate the proposal development process.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all proposal components are compliant with RFP instructions, are of the highest quality, and reflect the company's standards for excellence.
• Schedule Management: Develop and manage proposal schedules, providing clear deadlines and milestones for the proposal team, and ensure adherence to the timeline.
• Content Development: Contribute to the development of proposal content, including executive summaries, technical sections, past performance references, and pricing information.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks or issues in the proposal and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Proposal Review: Coordinate proposal review meetings, address reviewers' comments, and refine the proposal as necessary.
• Knowledge Management: Maintain a repository of proposal content, templates, and best practices for future reference.
• Market Research: Stay informed about industry trends, client needs, and competitive intelligence to improve proposal strategies and positioning.
• Post-Submission Support: Engage in debriefing sessions, analyze feedback from clients, and participate in the lessons learned process to enhance future proposal efforts.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of the federal procurement process, including FAR and DFAR regulations.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to handle multiple proposals concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in proposal development software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and lead proposal teams effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and strategically.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 3 years (5 years preferred) of proposal management experience of which a minimum of two years were in a Federal Government services/contracting organization.
• Strong understanding of the Shipley proposal process (Completion of the Shipley Proposal Management training course preferred).
• Membership in the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) (Certification is preferred).

ICMS offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, disability, 401k, and paid time off.

ICMS is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.