Proposal Manager

Independent Consultant, 1099 HourlyEngagement type: Independent consultant, 1099 hourly. Rate range: $100 - $500 per hour, based on experience and scope (three-tier band detailed below). Time commitment: Project-based, scales with proposal volume. Location: Fully remote. Reports to: GovCon Division Lead, with dotted line to the Federal Capture Director.A Note From The FounderA great proposal is the difference between a captured opportunity and an awarded contract. We have the capture motion ramping up. We need the operator who turns the captured opportunity into a compliant, compelling, on-time response, and who builds the response library so every future proposal moves faster than the last.What Is Already BuiltThe Wilkinson Firm is a workforce strategy and staffing firm headquartered across NC and Atlanta. We launched in April 2025 and are now in Year 2 of operations. Two operational divisions today (HR Advisory for the mental health industry, Premium Hospitality and Event Staffing). Government Contracting division being formally stood up this quarter. Three active staffing contracts in delivery. FY26 trajectory $425-525K. Zero loans, zero institutional debt.Bench credentials: Former EEOC Administrative Law Judge, employment attorneys (JD, MBA), clinical advisors, 32-year enterprise operations specialist. 47 combined years HHS experience.What You OwnFull proposal lifecycle: kickoff, compliance matrix, schedule, color-team reviews (pink, red, gold), production, submissionTechnical writing and editing across executive summary, technical approach, management approach, past performance, and resumes of key personnelCompliance matrix ownership: every shall, every Section L and M requirement, every page count, every font and margin specResponse library build: past performance citations, key personnel resumes, technical narratives, reusable management approach modules, pricing structuresCoordination with the Federal Capture Director on win themes, discriminators, and ghosting strategyCoordination with subcontractor partners on teaming inputs and price submissionsPost-submission tracking, debrief capture, and lessons-learned documentationEngagement StructureHourly consulting rate, three tiers calibrated to experience and scope:Writer ($100-175/hr): Proposal writers and coordinators with 3-7 years federal proposal experienceManager ($175-325/hr): Proposal managers with documented win history and full-lifecycle ownershipPrincipal ($325-500/hr): Senior proposal directors with multi-million-dollar award history and Tier 1 prime experienceEngagement is hourly. Per-proposal scope and budget defined at proposal kickoff. Win-based bonus stack negotiable on top of hourly rate for proposals that result in awarded contracts.Success MilestonesFirst 60 days: Proposal process documented. Compliance matrix template built. Response library framework established with 5+ reusable past performance citations.First 120 days: First 1-2 proposals submitted on time, compliant, and competitive. Color-team review cadence established.First 180 days: 3-5 proposals submitted. First award or shortlist position. Response library covers 80% of TWF's standard content needs.Who You Are5-15 years in federal proposal management, technical writing, or capture supportDocumented track record managing $1M+ federal proposals through full lifecycle to submissionShipley-trained or equivalent. APMP credential preferredFluent in FAR/DFARS, RFP structure (Sections L and M), and compliance matrix methodologyStrong writing voice: clear, persuasive, and adaptable across technical and management contentComfortable working both as lead writer and as orchestrator of subject matter expert inputPast performance citations in workforce services, HHS programs, hospitality contracting, or staffing IDIQs preferredLocated anywhere in the USBonus PointsPrior role at a Tier 1 GovCon prime or boutique proposal shopExperience with VA, HHS, DoD behavioral health, or federal hospitality contractsPricing strategy fluency (cost narrative, BOEs, indirect rate structures)Experience standing up a proposal function inside an emerging GovCon firmHow We Will Get To Know Each OtherInitial 30-minute fit conversation with the GovCon Division LeadWorking session: walk through a real proposal scenario we are actively considering or recently submittedReference checks (3+ professional references) and work history verificationEngagement letter, scope of work, and rate confirmationKickoff within 7 days of signed engagementWhat We BelieveTrust before revenue. Mission before money. Real seats, real upside. We build durable federal relationships through earned credibility. We win together. We pay people in real numbers, not pizza parties.Application TipsVisit thewilkinsonfirm.com, hr.thewilkinsonfirm.com, hospitality.thewilkinsonfirm.comFind The Wilkinson Firm on LinkedInIn your cover note, answer two questions: (1) what's the engagement shape that works best for you (project-based, retained hours, hybrid), and (2) one example of a federal proposal you would point to as your strongest reference workWhat To Expect From UsReply within 48 hoursFirst-round conversation within 7 days of qualificationFull process: 2-4 weeksWe tell you yes or no. We do not ghost.