The Proposal Manager coordinates cross-functionally with Sales, Legal, and Finance to execute complex bid responses and improve win rates. They are responsible for managing the end-to-end RFP/RFI process, from identifying opportunities to maintaining content libraries.
JOB TITLE: Proposal Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Public Administration & ERP
REPORTS TO: VP of Finance
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No
JOB LOCATION: Remote
TRAVEL: 5-10%
The Proposal Manager partners cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Legal, Finance, and Operations to execute proposals efficiently, ensure alignment with market strategy, and improve win rates. This role serves as a critical enabler of the sales process by bringing structure, consistency, and expertise to complex bid responses.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist verticals by identifying RFPs/RFIs using corporate tools (GovWin, GovSpend)
- Coordinate with EVP, Sales Manager, Account Executive (AE), Finance, Development, and Legal to determine if opportunities are a strategic fit. All RFPs/RFIs over $100K require a review meeting with Sales Manager, AE, Proposal Manager, EVP, Paul Christians, Lisa Coram, and Alysha Marx.
- Once determined to move forward with RFP/RFI - Set up and manage tools (Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce, Loopio, Copilot, etc.) in alignment with the RFP Detailed Process to track and execute responses
- Balance workload based on deadlines and priorities as directed by the Sales Manager and/or EVP
- Proactively identify and manage risks (contractual, pricing, scope) and escalate as needed
- Communicate regularly with Sales Managers and EVPs regarding due date changes, priorities, status, and strategy
- Facilitate client communication following the rules set forth within the bid, such as submitting questions within the allotted timeframe.
- Monitor and communicate any amendments, deadline changes, or requirement updates
- Assign sections to SMEs and provide clear guidance on expectations
- Coordinate with Legal, Finance, and Product teams to gather required inputs
- Escalate delays or risks impacting deadlines to Lisa Coram and Alysha Marx
- Develop, draft, and edit proposal content, including cover letters and response narratives
- Tailor responses to align with client requirements, vertical strategy, and win themes (leveraging prior “won” proposals). Participate in debriefings/lessons-learned sessions after delivery of a proposal to contribute ideas and recommendations towards proposal process improvements.
- Maintain overall proposal quality by ensuring:
- All questions are fully answered
- Requirements are met
- Submissions are accurate, consistent, and professional
- Maintain, update, and leverage proposal content libraries and tools (Loopio, Salesforce, SharePoint, Copilot)
- Set and manage follow-up reminders with AEs, Sales Managers, and EVPs after proposal submission
- If approved or requested by the vertical EVP and/or CRO – submit and track the FOIA process on any submitted RFI/RFP’s
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE):
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1+ years of managing proposal content
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office experience
- Ability to communicate effectively, conduct presentations, and draft concise and detailed proposals.