Proposal Manager

Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Proposal Manager to join our team at AET Federal, Inc.!
The Proposal Coordinator/Writer will provide proposal development and coordination support for federal and commercial solicitations, including RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and similar opportunities. This role is designed for a small, fast-paced team environment and focuses on proposal writing, organization, compliance, and submission support.
This is a full-time position based in our Tysons, VA office. The position will initially require on-site work, with hybrid work opportunities available after the first three months (90 days), based on performance, business needs, and management approval.
Responsibilities
Proposal Writing & Editing
• Draft, edit, and refine proposal content, including technical, management, and corporate sections, based on provided guidance and inputs.
• Tailor proposal language to align with solicitation requirements, evaluation criteria, and customer priorities.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, compliance, accuracy, and a professional tone across all proposal sections.
• Take responsibility for drafting RFI, RFP, and RFQ responses from initial development through final submission.
• Incorporate, track, and reconcile feedback from leadership and subject matter experts (SMEs).

Proposal Coordination & Support
• Track proposal schedules, milestones, deadlines, and required deliverables.
• Coordinate inputs from internal contributors and SMEs to support timely and compliant submissions.
• Develop and maintain compliance matrices and checklists to ensure solicitation requirements are met.
• Organize proposal files, templates, and maintain version control throughout the proposal lifecycle.

Compliance & Quality Control
• Review proposals for compliance with solicitation instructions, page limits, formatting, and submission requirements.
• Perform quality control checks for grammar, formatting, consistency, and completeness.
• Identify and communicate compliance gaps, risks, or missing information to leadership.

Process Improvement & Organization
• Assist in developing and maintaining proposal templates, content libraries, and reusable boilerplate materials.
• Identify, recommend, and implement efficient methods to improve proposal and business development processes.
• Support process improvements appropriate for a small, collaborative team environment.
• Maintain organized records of submitted proposals and supporting documentation.

Communication & Collaboration
• Communicate regularly with leadership regarding proposal status, priorities, risks, and resource needs.
• Participate in proposal-related meetings and discussions as needed.
• Work collaboratively with a small team while independently managing assigned responsibilities and deadlines.

Deliverables
• Proposal submission logs and organized proposal files.
• Proposal schedules, compliance matrices, and checklists.
• Drafted and finalized proposal sections and completed submission packages.
• Proposal templates, content libraries, and reusable materials.
• RFI, RFP, and RFQ responses.
• Capability statements, past performance materials, and other business development deliverables.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• 3+ years of proposal writing, GovCon, government contracting, or related experience.
• Knowledge of government proposal terminology, contracting processes, and business development methodologies.
• Previous experience writing government proposals, including RFI, RFP, and RFQ responses.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with leadership and SMEs.
• Ability to commute to and work on-site at AET Federal's Tysons, VA office during the initial 90-day period.
• Flexibility to support on-site business needs following the transition to a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits/Perks
• Great Work Environment
• Work-Life Balance
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Hybrid Work Opportunities After 90 Days
• Collaborative and Supportive Team Environment
• Professional Growth and Development

Work Arrangement: Full-time | On-site for the first 90 days, with hybrid work opportunities thereafter, subject to performance, business needs, and management approval.