Proposal Operations Manager

Proposal Operations Manager ROLE West 4th Strategy is seeking a detail-oriented and deadline-driven Proposal Operations Manager to lead the development of competitive proposals in response to federal government solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and Sources Sought notices). This role owns the proposal lifecycle from solicitation release through submission — building compliant proposal shells, managing color team reviews, coordinating input from subject matter experts, and ensuring every deliverable meets federal compliance and formatting standards. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of hands-on federal proposal experience, is fluent in FAR-based solicitation structures, and thrives in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of federal capture and business development. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Apply today! RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as Proposal Manager on federal opportunities, managing the end-to-end proposal lifecycle in accordance with the Shipley or similar proposal development methodology. Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs to develop compliant proposal outlines, compliance matrices, and annotated outlines aligned to Sections L and M. Manage multiple, concurrent proposal activities and live RFP’s. Build and maintain proposal schedules, ensuring all internal milestones (kickoff, Pink Team, Red Team, Gold Team, production, and submission) are met on time. Coordinate and facilitate proposal kickoff meetings, storyboarding sessions, and color team reviews; consolidate reviewer feedback into actionable edits. Partner with capture managers, technical leads, and subject matter experts to translate win themes and discriminators into clear, compliant, and persuasive proposal content. Write, edit, and tighten proposal sections as needed, including executive summaries, management approaches, and past performance narratives. Manage pricing/cost volume coordination with finance and contracts staff to ensure alignment between technical and cost volumes. Ensure final proposal packages meet all formatting, page limit, and submission requirements. Maintain and organize proposal templates, boilerplate content, resumes, and past performance libraries in SharePoint (or other content management system), ensuring content is current, easy to locate, and properly version-controlled to support future pursuits. Support debrief analysis and lessons-learned sessions to continuously improve proposal quality and win rates. Train junior proposal writers on proposal development best practices, compliance requirements, desktop publishing, and effective technical/narrative writing R EQ UIRED QUALIFICATIONS 2–5 years of experience managing or supporting proposals for U.S. federal government clients (civilian and defense). Demonstrated experience and expertise with using AI in all aspects of proposal operations. Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement processes, including familiarity with Sections C, L, and M of RFPs. Demonstrated experience developing compliance matrices, proposal outlines, and managing color team review cycles. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent proposal efforts and shifting deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize technical input into clear, client-focused narrative. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint) and Adobe Acrobat. Ability to work under pressure and manage tight, non-negotiable federal submission deadlines. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience with federal opportunity-tracking and market research tools. Familiarity with Shipley Associates proposal methodology or equivalent formal proposal training/certification. Prior experience supporting proposals for a specific agency vertical (specifically Navy, DOJ, SEC, Treasury, or USAF). Exposure to desktop publishing/graphic coordination for proposal layout and design. Experience supporting Task Order proposals under GWACs or IDIQs (specifically GSA MAS, OASIS+, SEWP, or MDA SHIELD). CORE COMPETENCIES Compliance-first mindset with meticulous attention to detail Strong organizational and time-management skills Collaborative, calm-under-pressure team leadership style Clear, persuasive business writing and editing Adaptability across multiple simultaneous proposal efforts Ability to coach and develop others in proposal writing and process REQUIRED EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in business, communications, English, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. LOCATION McLean, VA (hybrid: Tuesday – Thursday in office); remote considered for the right candidate CLEARANCE Not required; ability to obtain Public Trust may be requested for certain engagements EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION Employment Classification Eligibility — W2 COMPENSATION Salary range: $100,000 – $110,000 Benefits: Benefits package includes options for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401k contribution options. Full benefits brochure available for review. West 4 th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law. Other Considerations: applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.