Job Description
Summary
The Proposal Director is a strategic, hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing and actively contributing to the full lifecycle of proposal development and submission processes. This individual leads proposal strategy while serving as a key writer for complex, high-value opportunities, including responses to RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and ITBs. The role partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, compelling, and competitive submissions while mentoring junior staff and driving continuous improvement. The Proposal Director provides direct oversight to the entire proposal team. And requires proven technical writing expertise and a demonstrated ability to develop and submit proposals to government agencies.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Lead and manage the end-to-end development of responses to RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and ITBs
- Develop and execute proposal and bid strategies to improve win rates and competitiveness
- Serve as a primary writer and editor for proposal content, including executive summaries, technical narratives, pricing narratives, and past performance
- Analyze solicitation requirements and ensure full compliance with all client specifications and deadlines
- Collaborate with business development, operations, subject matter experts, and leadership to develop winning solutions and messaging
- Manage proposal schedules, deliverables, and resources across multiple concurrent opportunities
- Lead proposal kickoff meetings, color team reviews, and post-submission debriefs
- Review and finalize all proposal materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with win themes
- Establish and maintain proposal processes, templates, content libraries, and best practices
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to Proposal Coordinators and support staff
- Support capture planning and pre-solicitation activities, including RFIs, market research, and positioning strategies
- Analyze win/loss data and client feedback to drive continuous improvement
- Ensure adherence to branding, messaging, and regulatory requirements
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 7+ years of experience in proposal management, business development, or related roles
- Demonstrated experience leading and writing successful responses to RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and ITBs
- Proven ability to manage complex, high-value proposals and cross-functional teams
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and compliance requirements
- Experience with proposal management tools, CRM systems, and document management platforms
- Familiarity with government portals such as SAM.gov or agency-specific submission platforms.
- Experience with proposal management tools and systems, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
Knowledge, Skill, & Abilities
- Advanced proposal writing, editing, and content development skills
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy
- Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute win strategies
- Ability to follow all company policies and procedures.
- Willingness to work outside of regular work schedule when necessary.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirement
- Primarily a sedentary role but must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift in an office environment
- Must be able to use hands and fingers, kneel, talk, hear, and balance
- Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Ability to lift and move up to 10 lbs.
Training Requirements:
Training Requirements within 1 year of hire: FEMA Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Courses:
- IS-27, Orientation to FEMA Logistics
- IS-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
- IS-200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200
- IS-230, Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- IS-406, Operating a Shelter
- S-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- IS-703, National Incident Management System Resource Management
- IS-800, National Response Framework, An Introduction
- IS-1010, Emergency Protective Measures
- IS-2200, Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
- IS-2900, National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Overview
- IS-2901, Introduction to Community Lifelines