Proposal Manager

Proposal Manager

This Proposal Manager role is responsible for managing all aspects of the proposal lifecycle—from pre-RFP planning through submission and after action reviews—ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals for government customers. The Proposal Manager partners closely with capture leadership, business development, and operations teams to align proposal efforts with win strategies, customer priorities, and organizational objectives. This is a remote position. What you will be responsible for:

• Support strategic growth initiatives by leading the development of compliant and compelling proposals for government customers
• Partner with capture and business development leaders, operations teams, and teaming partners to drive pursuit excellence from pre-positioning through submission
• Develop and maintain detailed proposal management plans and assign tasks to team members
• Communicate requirements, assignments, and deadlines clearly to contributors across functions and seniority levels, escalating issues or delays through capture management to keep proposals on track
• Facilitate kick-off and status meetings, identify and validate win themes and strategic messaging, and lead the development of Draft RFP proposal sections
• Perform on-going compliance/quality reviews of proposal documents while in development
• Identify and resolve quality or compliance issues prior to submission, escalating risks early to capture management
• Manage the schedule and oversee activities of proposal resources including the proposal coordinator, desktop publisher, graphic artist, proposal writers, and subject matter experts
• Translate technical concepts into clear, persuasive messaging that aligns with customer priorities, RFP requirements, and organizational needs
• Identify content gaps and improvement opportunities across proposals, partnering with proposal operations leadership on improvements related to quality and compliance
• Assist in content library development, maintenance, and management
• Facilitate the use of proposal tools, such as SharePoint and PleaseReview
• Create and manage Microsoft Teams and SharePoint proposal workspaces to centralize content, contributor inputs, and version control
• Coordinate proposal inputs from Contracts, Legal, HR, Talent Management, and subject matter experts
• Mentor junior proposal operations personnel, contributing to proposal best practices and process improvements

Qualifications

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Business, Communications, or other relevant field
• 6+ years of experience in proposal management, with a track record of compliance and successful submissions
• Proficiency in desktop publishing, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications
• Understanding of government contracting processes

This position requires the ability to travel, including to US Military Bases that require US Citizenship in order to be granted base access.

Year One Critical Success Factors:

• Improve proposal effectiveness across assigned pursuits by increasing win readiness through strong color review evaluations, reduced late-stage rework, and consistently positive capture leadership feedback on proposal support.
• Consistent use of standardized proposal templates, processes, and workspace practices across managed proposal teams to reduce start-up time and improve proposal quality and version control.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships by earning consistent positive feedback from capture, business development, operations, and functional contributors for communication, coordination, and issue resolution during proposal execution.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: Competitive salary and bonus package Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) retirement plan with company match Generous paid time off program Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility. The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment. AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process.

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000 to $150,000 annually. This range reflects the salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Job: Defense

Primary Location: United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC

Schedule: Full-time

Overtime Status: Exempt AAR 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 veteran status.