Proposal Manager

Location: Hybrid in Fairfax, VA
Job Type: Full-time

Summary of Job Description

AOC Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Proposal Manager to perform the preparation, development, coordination, and production of high-quality government proposals. In this role, you will drive opportunity planning and capture efforts, manage the full proposal lifecycle from kick-off through submission, and own the end-to-end editorial and copy-edit process to deliver compliant, compelling, and winning proposals. Remote work capability is required at times, and extended hours during active proposal periods do occur.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, deadline‑driven, and skilled at managing competing priorities. They communicate clearly across all organizational levels and are comfortable working both independently and as part of a cross‑functional proposal team. They maintain a positive, solutions‑oriented mindset in demanding environments and apply rigorous editorial standards—reviewing drafts, enforcing style guides, fact‑checking, and coordinating with technical writers and SMEs to produce submission‑ready federal proposals.

Responsibilities

Proposal Strategy & Leadership: 

• Identify and research federal opportunities using GovWin, SAM.gov, and related tools; maintain an up‑to‑date pipeline and notify the team of new releases.
• Lead proposal kick‑offs and strategy sessions to establish win themes, differentiators, and value propositions aligned with capture strategy.
• Develop clear, compelling bid narratives that strengthen the probability of award.

Proposal Management & Execution:

• Manage the full proposal lifecycle, including schedules, writing assignments, team reviews, and final submission.
• Ensure proposals are compliant, complete, and submitted on time.
• Maintain consistent communication across the proposal team, tracking RFP requirements, amendments, Q&A, and draft iterations.

Copy-Editing & Content Quality:

• Own the end‑to‑end editorial workflow across all volumes—writing, revising, and refining content for clarity, consistency, and compliance.
• Apply style guides, conduct fact‑checks, and perform final proofreading prior to submission.

Skills & Competencies 

• Proven success supporting or leading federal proposals.
• Strong understanding of the federal acquisition process and relevant regulations (FAR, DFAR, AFAR, etc.), with the ability to interpret and respond to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
  
• Experience with federal contracting vehicles (GSA, 8(a) STARS III, OASIS+, IDIQs, BPAs).
  
• Proficiency with GovWin, SAM.gov, and proposal management tools for opportunity research and pipeline reporting.
  
• Ability to develop proposal artifacts such as compliance matrices, outlines, executive summaries, review materials, oral presentations, and lessons‑learned reports.
  
• Demonstrated editorial expertise ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance across all proposal content.
  
• Strong communication and facilitation skills with experience managing diverse technical and management teams.
  
• High adaptability and confidence operating in ambiguous or high‑pressure environments.

Education & Experience 

• Bachelors degree required (preferably a related field such as Writing, Communications, Business, Marketing, etc.); six (6) years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for the degree.
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience, preferably solicitations and proposal submission, with specific experience in the federal procurement process.
• Proven track record of leading at least one $4M+ successful federal proposal opportunity; experience with pursuits exceeding $4M strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements 

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Relevant certification a plus
• Membership in a related professional association a plus