Proposal Manager at Guidehouse
McLean, VA
About the Job
Job Family:
Proposal Management
Travel Required:
Clearance Required:
Guidehouse is seeking a proposal manager to join our team of professionals supporting significant proposals for our Defense and Security clients. This position calls for a collaborative professional with a positive strategic outlook, excellent communication, writing, editing, and project management skills.
At Guidehouse, proposal managers always work as part of a team, working closely with our consultants, management, executives, and other members of our proposal team to strategize, plan, and execute a winning response. Proposal managers often manage more than one proposal concurrently, and have support for graphic design, writing, editing, formatting, and/or final production depending on the complexity of the pursuit.
The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to work efficiently and collaboratively under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities to produce high-quality material with attention to detail. Proposal managers should be able to work at times in the evenings or weekends as required to meet proposal deadlines.
This position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop your strengths and become a significant contributor to the success of the company. Our dynamic team will enable you to take on new challenges and new roles as our business continues to grow.
What You Will Do:
Proposal Management:
Manage the proposal development process from beginning to end, in accordance with the Guidehouse pursuit framework, ensuring that proposals meet all customer requirements such as deadlines, formats, and contents.
Interact effectively with senior leadership and staff throughout the development of the proposal.
Perform detailed analyses of requirements documents (e.g., RFP, RFQ, SOW) and communicate the results.
Develop or lead development of proposal tools such as the outline, team assignments, proposal management plan, schedule, kick-off meeting materials, writing plans).
Establish and maintain communications among teammates using collaborative tools, phone calls, e-mail, etc.
Provide direction and coordination of content for proposal graphics.
Coach subject matter experts and other contributors in persuasive writing.
Perform substantive reviews of both text and graphics, ensure the assigned writing sections comply with RFP requirements, contain compelling messaging, and comply with standard format and style criteria.
Own all sections of the proposal, responsible for production and delivery of all proposal documents.
Coordinate with pricing staff to ensure that all information needed to prepare the Cost Proposal is available and input is received on time.
Coordinate and obtain final approvals and signatures.
Attend win/loss debriefings and assist with developing lessons learned.
Proof work to minimize errors; rework errors.
Ensure that all documentation relevant to the project is retained in accordance with company and department procedures.
Additional Responsibilities:
Contribute to or lead team initiatives or special projects related to process improvement, content management, quality management or related subjects.
Provide orientation and training for new proposal team members on the proposal development process and procedures, writing strategies, etc.
What You Will Need:
Bachelor’s Degree; Four (4) years additional professional experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
Six (6) + years of professional experience
Experience in federal professional services proposals is required. A Proposal Manager should be able to manage large, complex proposals independently, so much of that experience should be leading proposals as well as supporting complex proposals.
High level of attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.
Ability to review, understand, and summarize the requirements of RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs.
Ability to coordinate the development of multiple proposals simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time management skills, and multitasking abilities.
Ability to translate complex concepts and ideas into clear communications.
Intermediate skill in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
Ability to work on-site 1-3 days per week in Tysons Corner, VA (dates/times will vary based on meetings and working sessions).
Additional Requirements
The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.
Selected Candidate must be able to work Eastern Standard Hours.
Must be a US citizen due to the nature of many of our US government proposals.
What Would Be Nice to Have:
Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Working skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and experience creating and editing graphics in Illustrator and InDesign.
Experience working with proposal automation software such as Loopio.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend
About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.
