Seeking a versatile, hands-on Capture & Proposal Manager for a full-time/perm position located in Colorado Springs. This is a single, dual-focused role requiring a unique blend of strategic patience and tactical execution for someone who understands federal, defense, public sector and strategic commercial pursuits. You will support the full pursuit lifecycle: opportunity qualification, customer research, competitive analysis, win themes, proposal planning, content coordination, compliance tracking and final submission.
The ideal candidate is a veteran proposal practitioner who thrives in the "doing" of proposals—from breaking down complex RFPs and writing compelling copy to managing compliance and submission deadlines. While you will lead the pre-RFP capture strategy, our primary requirement is absolute mastery of the RFP proposal machine. If you are a proposal expert ready to apply your skills earlier in the sales lifecycle, this role is for you.
Proposal Management & Execution
- End-to-End Ownership: Direct the entire proposal lifecycle from RFP release to final submission, ensuring a 100% compliant, persuasive, and on-time delivery.
- Hands-on Writing & Editing: Actively write executive summaries, past performance volumes, and corporate capability sections. Edit technical inputs from subject matter experts (SMEs) into a single, cohesive voice.
- Project Management: Create and maintain compliance matrices, proposal schedules, outline structures, and responsibility trackers.
- Review Leadership: Organize and lead milestone reviews (e.g., Pink, Red, and Gold Teams), constructively synthesizing executive and peer feedback into actionable document revisions.
- Quality & Compliance: Conduct rigorous final desktop publishing, page-count checks, and compliance verification against evaluation criteria.
Capture Strategy & Business Development
- Opportunity Shaping: Engage early in the procurement lifecycle to help position our organization favorably before the formal RFP drops.
- Competitive Intelligence: Gather market data, research incumbents, and assist in conducting competitive SWOT or "Black Hat" analyses.
- Win Theme Development: Collaborate with leadership to establish distinct "win themes" and value propositions that will eventually anchor the proposal narrative.
- Teaming Strategy: Help identify, evaluate, and coordinate with potential subcontractors and strategic partners.
- The "Proposal Veteran" Requirement: Minimum of 5–7+ years of direct, hands-on experience managing and writing complex proposals (GovCon or enterprise B2B experience preferred).
- Proven Track Record: A demonstrated history of leading winning proposals from kickoff to submission; you must be comfortable acting as both the project manager and a primary writer.
- RFP Literacy: Expert-level ability to dissect RFPs, Performance Work Statements (PWS), and evaluation criteria (Section L & M equivalents).
- Capture Aptitude: 1–3 years of experience supporting or leading capture activities. High comfort level learning and expanding your skillset in early-stage deal shaping, client relationship building, and teaming.
- Tools Mastery: Advanced proficiency in MS Word (formatting, styles, templates), Adobe Acrobat, and proposal collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, or specialized proposal software).
- Calm Under Pressure: High emotional intelligence and a steady hand when managing tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
- The "Do-er" Mentality: Someone who takes pride in the tactical execution and formatting of a document, not just high-level delegation.
- Influence Without Authority: Ability to effectively corral busy executives and technical SMEs to provide inputs on time.
This position offers a unique seat at the table. You won't just be handed a cold RFP and told to build a doc; you will have the agency to shape the opportunity beforehand. It is the perfect role for a seasoned proposal manager looking to broaden their strategic horizon into capture management without losing the thrill of crafting a winning bid.
- This is a hybrid position with the ability to easily visit the office in Colorado Springs
- Position does not require a security clearance, but must be able to get one if needed
- Therefore candidates must be US Citizens
- Offered salary range is $90,000 to $125,000