Proposal Manager

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

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.