Proposal Manager

About the role

AE Works is seeking a talented and highly skilled Federal Proposal Manager to join our dynamic Architecture & Engineering firm. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex federal proposals from inception to submission, requiring a strategic thinker with exceptional writing, organization, and project management skills. In this role, you will oversee the preparation and production of proposals for federal opportunities across a range of sizes and types, managing client deliverables throughout the entire pursuit lifecycle while driving positioning strategy and shaping proposal content and structure.

Responsibilities

• Proposal Development & Management — Lead the development and coordination of complex proposals, ensuring compliance with client requirements and alignment with the firm's strategic goals; manage proposal schedules and deadlines to keep pursuits on track.
• Writing & Content Creation — Craft compelling proposal content that clearly communicates the firm's value proposition, expertise, and differentiators; edit and proofread all materials for clarity, grammar, and compliance.
• Team Collaboration & Leadership — Partner with technical staff, the marketing team, and senior leadership to gather the information and insights needed for proposal development; lead and facilitate proposal strategy sessions.
• Market Research — Research prospective clients, competitors, and market trends to inform and sharpen proposal strategies.
• Quality Control — Ensure all proposals meet a high standard of quality, accuracy, and consistency with the firm's brand and messaging.
• Process Improvement — Continuously refine the proposal process by incorporating feedback, lessons learned, and industry best practices.
• Client Interaction — Engage with clients throughout the proposal process to clarify requirements, gather feedback, and present proposal elements as needed.

Qualifications

• What’s Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or a related field
  • 10 years of experience in proposal development
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite, with familiarity in proposal management software
  • Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously under tight deadlines
• What Puts You Ahead:
  • Experience in federal proposal development within the Architecture & Engineering industry

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
• Collaborative culture built on mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence
• Generous paid time off, including a company-wide break from Christmas through New Year’s Day
• Flexible hybrid schedule
• Resources that promote mental health, financial wellness, and professional growth through training, education, and licensure support