Job description:
Do you have what it takes to help win the mission?
Every federal contract Caplock Security delivers, starts with a proposal that has to land. We're looking for someone who can own that process start to finish — schedule, compliance, strategy, and the writing itself.
About the Role:
Caplock Security is seeking an experienced Proposal Manager to lead the full lifecycle of federal proposal development — from solicitation analysis through submission — for pursuits spanning IT, AI/Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Application Development, Operations and Program Management. This individual contributor role owns proposal strategy, schedule, and compliance while also writing and editing proposal content directly. While remote, we are looking for someone residing in the NOVA area.
What You'll Do:
- Lead the full proposal lifecycle — from RFP/RFQ/RFI analysis through submission and post-submission debrief
- Build and maintain proposal schedules, compliance matrices, and outlines aligned to Section L/M
- Lead kickoff meetings and color team reviews (Pink/Red/Gold/White Glove), capturing feedback and driving revisions
- Coordinate inputs from SMEs, capture managers, contracts, pricing, and executive leadership
- Write and edit proposal content: executive summaries, technical approaches, management/staffing plans, and past performance narratives
- Coordinate with designers on charts, infographics, and visuals
- Oversee final production and submission via SAM.gov, GSA eBuy, PIEE, or other required platforms
- Maintain reusable content libraries, boilerplate, and past performance write-ups
- Conduct lessons-learned reviews to continuously improve win rate
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Business, English, Communications, or related field
- 3+ years of federal proposal experience, including 2+ years managing proposals in a government contracting environment
- Demonstrated success across multiple contract types (IDIQ, BPA, Task Order, GWAC, FFP, Cost-Reimbursable) and full compliance with FAR/DFARS
- Hands-on experience with color team reviews
- Strong understanding of federal acquisition platforms (SAM.gov, GSA eBuy, PIEE, Deltek GovWin, or similar)
- Advanced Microsoft 365 proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)
- Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills
- Able to manage multiple concurrent deadlines
- U.S. citizenship required for access to controlled solicitation materials
- Must pass a background check
- Ability to obtain a security clearance if required (varies by contract)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Shipley or APMP methodology knowledge; APMP certification a plus
- Experience in Cybersecurity, IT, AI/Data Analytics, or Application Development proposals
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or proposal management tools (RFPIO, Loopio, etc.)
- Active security clearance a plus, though not required for all contracts
Caplock Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
This is a remote position.