Proposal Writer – Federal and SLED Markets

Job Description

Job Overview: The Proposal Writer will be responsible for developing, writing, and producing winning proposals in response to federal and SLED (State, Local, and Education) Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Sources Sought notices, and other solicitations. This individual will work closely with the business development, capture, technical, and executive teams to ensure that all submissions are persuasive, compliant, and aligned with solicitation requirements and evaluation criteria. If you are someone who can make things happen, rather than just plan them, this is the role for you. Key Responsibilities: Proposal Development and Writing Lead and manage the writing of compliant, high-quality, and customer-focused proposals for federal and SLED solicitations. Develop compelling executive summaries, technical narratives, past performance descriptions, management approaches, staffing plans, and resumes. Translate win themes, discriminators, and technical solutions into clear, persuasive proposal content. Compliance and Quality Control Analyze solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, SSNs) to develop compliance matrices, outlines, and proposal templates. Ensure full compliance with solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and agency-specific guidelines. Conduct thorough reviews for grammar, clarity, consistency, and compliance. Collaboration and Coordination Work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), capture managers, technical leads, and business development to gather and synthesize input. Facilitate and document proposal strategy sessions, storyboarding sessions, and color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold). Support final proposal production, including formatting, editing, and submission coordination. Research and Content Management Research federal and SLED agencies' missions, priorities, hot buttons, and procurement practices to tailor proposal responses. Maintain and update a repository of proposal templates, boilerplate content, corporate qualifications, and reusable narratives. Continuous Improvement Conduct post-submission lessons learned and debrief analyses to refine the proposal development process and improve win rates. Assist in developing marketing materials, capability statements, and other business development collateral as needed. Job Requirements & Qualifications 5+ years of proven experience writing and managing proposals for federal and/or SLED opportunities. Strong working knowledge of federal, state, local govt procurement processes, agency structures, and contracting regulations. Strong knowledge of federal acquisition processes (FAR, DFARS) and understanding of SLED procurement environments. Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills. Ability to analyze solicitation documents and create detailed compliance matrices and outlines. Experience supporting small business and/or set-aside proposal efforts (8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB). Skilled in developing and integrating win themes, value propositions, and technical solutions into proposals. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with proposal management tools a plus (e.g., SharePoint, RFPIO, Loopio). Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High attention to detail, ability to work independently, and commitment to quality and compliance. Strategic Thinking & Action-Oriented: Able to think strategically while executing quickly and effectively. Must focus on driving real results, not just planning. Accountability & Decision-Making: Must be willing to make tough decisions and quickly address issues. Preferred Qualifications Experience writing proposals for AI, Data Analytics, IT services, or management consulting offerings. Familiarity with proposal color team review processes (Pink, Red, Gold). APMP Foundation or Practitioner Certification (preferred but not required). Experience working with HubSpot CRM to align opportunity and capture efforts. Familiarity with state procurement systems (e.g., California eProcure, Texas DIR, etc.). Understanding of government contracting vehicles (GSA Schedules, BPAs, IDIQs, etc.). Key Attributes Action-Oriented & Results-Driven: A hands-on person who gets things done. Should be highly focused on generating immediate, tangible results. Quick Pivoting & Adaptability: Capable of adjusting strategies rapidly based on market dynamics and operational challenges. No Tolerance for Mediocrity: Holds self to high standards and drives a performance culture.