Proposal Manager/Writer

PROPOSAL MANAGER/WRITER

ABOUT THE POSITION

Veterans Management Services, Inc. (VMSI) is seeking a Proposal Manager and Writer to support our continued growth. Our Proposal Manager is primarily responsible for managing, developing, and writing proposals in support of VMSI’s growth goals, strategic initiatives, and service offerings. This position is a highly visible role within our company and works closely with our executive leadership, business development, recruiting, contracts, pricing, and operations management. Duties are performed within a team environment with a focus on quality and excellence.

VMSI was founded in 2009 as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), currently has over 130 employees and annual revenues near $20M. VMSI is a consulting practice that specializes in providing government agencies with critical support services, such as: Acquisition/Contracting, Subject Matter Experts, Grants & Financial Management, HR & Personnel Support, IT Services and Administrative Support Services.

We are seeking a highly motivated, intelligent, inquisitive, driven, enthusiastic, self-starter individual who thrives in a small business environment and desires a direct impact on the organization in terms of daily driving growth.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for managing all aspects of proposal development from receipt of RFI/RFP through delivery.
• Envisions the entire proposal, ties in the win themes, reviews with internal stakeholders, runs proposal meetings, and understands and manages the entire proposal process.
• Develops and writes compelling, creative, and compliant proposal volume responses including technical, pricing, management/staffing, and past performance volumes.
• Manages assigned proposal resources, writing past performance and management sections, editing, ensuring compliance, resolving issues, coordinating among key stakeholders, and analyzing solicitations.
• Analyzes technical requirements of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Sources Sought Notices (SSNs), White Papers, and other client solicitations.
• Leads and participates in collaborative sessions to refine win strategy, competitive assessments, and customer pain points or hot buttons.
• Develops all necessary proposal documentation (e.g., compliance matrixes, the proposal outlines, writing assignments, responsibility matrices, proposal-related customer questions, annotated outlines, color review management, finalized proposal documents, oral presentations, lessons learned, etc.) to win the assigned bid.
• Authors appropriate proposal sections and help design graphic concepts.
• Ensures proposal documentation receives appropriate internal/capture management approval, coordinating any necessary communications, certifying compliance, and providing regular updates.
• Ensures the response clearly conveys the proper key messages, value propositions, and differentiators and reviews proposal content for compliance and cohesiveness.
• Establishes and maintains communications across internal and external teams, including subcontractors, using collaborative tools such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.
• Coordinates with the contracts and pricing team on cost and contractual volumes to ensure appropriate schedules and inputs.
• Monitors and remains current on bid amendments and modifications.
• Collaborates with and interviews other Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop well-formulated and convincing proposal content.
• Compiles materials for proposals, quotes, and other responses, ensuring the response is compliant, and compelling, and all client requirements are met. This involves conducting searches for appropriate materials, such as related project descriptions and resumes of project personnel.
• Proofreads with “one-voice editing” of all proposal content for compliance, clarity, proper grammar, spelling, and style.
• Assists with opportunity research through a variety of sources including business development resources (Sam.Gov, GovTribe, eBuy), internal BD resources, and teaming partners.
• Manages proposal schedule and pipeline.
• Develops/maintains proposal/past performance/graphics content library.
• Supports, communicates, reinforces, and defends the mission, values, and culture of the organization.

POSITION SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Desired:

• Experience with Information Technology (IT) proposals.
• Experience with Agency IDIQ and BPA task orders and proposals.
• Experience with Federal GWACs
• Experience with Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint.
• Experience with the Shipley Process
• Experience with APMP best practices

Required:

• 3-5 years of related experience managing and developing proposals over $1M in a government contracting services environment.
• Previous experience working for a small business (SB) government contractor such as 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, ANC, etc.
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously: able to be hands-on as well as strategic.
• Ability to understand and lead pricing efforts.
• Ability to work under pressure, attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to make the complex simple.
• Experience independently defining, scheduling, and managing the proposal preparation process throughout the full proposal lifecycle; must be able to understand and analyze the details of an RFP.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) – exceptional positive attitude and working well with others.
• Excellent facilitation and organization skills.
• Strong business acumen, with willingness and ability to learn additional skills.
• Ability to create a strong visual appeal through desktop publishing.