Principal Proposal Manager

Description

The Work: ICF is seeking a Principal Proposal Manager to lead the development of high-quality, compelling, and compliant federal proposals focused on technology and experience-driven solutions within the Digital Modernization and Experience (DMX) Group. You will partner with capture, technical, and business leaders to translate solicitation requirements and win strategies into clear proposal plans and guide teams from kickoff through submission. This role combines proposal leadership with hands-on management, coordination, and production.

Job Location: This position requires that the job be performed in the United States.  If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses, and also prohibits personal VPN connections. You may be asked to travel once a quarter to an office.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the entire proposal lifecycle, managing schedules, assignments, risks, and deadlines to deliver compliant, compelling proposals on time.

• Partner with capture and technical leads to align proposal content with solicitation requirements, evaluation criteria, and win strategies.

• Guide proposal writers and subject matter experts in developing clear, responsive content supported by relevant evidence.

• Organize and lead proposal color team reviews and debriefs, and drive resolution of reviewer feedback.

• Lead preparation and coordination for oral presentations, demonstrations, and technical challenges.

• Use approved AI tools responsibly to improve productivity and efficiency across the proposal lifecycle, while protecting sensitive information and applying human judgment to verify accuracy, quality, and compliance.

Basic Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience managing federal IT proposals, including proposals valued at more than $50 million, for a large consulting firm or similar organization
• Candidate must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience managing all aspects of proposal preparation, development, and production.

• Experience reviewing and analyzing proposal content for consistency, clarity and compliance and providing sound direction on how to improve.

• Experience partnering with capture and account leads to translate opportunity strategies and proposed solutions into compelling proposal content.

• Ability to lead proposals independently while collaborating with capture, business development and technical teams.

• Experience managing competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with desktop publishing for proposals, including managing templates, styles, graphics, tables, and formatting to meet solicitation requirements.

• Experience using AI tools responsibly across the proposal lifecycle.
• Experience managing oral presentations, demonstrations, and technical challenges.

• Experience coaching proposal contributors and mentoring less experienced proposal staff.
• Experience facilitating proposal strategy sessions and driving decisions, accountability, and follow-through.

Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

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Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.

Working at ICF

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: