Lead Proposal Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Take the lead on designated proposal initiatives throughout the Shipley lifecycle (Proposal Planning → Development → Review → Submission).

• Analyze and interpret RFPs and associated solicitation documents to pinpoint requirements, evaluation criteria, deliverables, submission guidelines, and deadlines.

• Create and update the compliance/requirements matrix until submission.

• Monitor solicitation updates and amendments, prepare and submit inquiries to the government, and integrate government responses.

• Draft, compose, edit, and take ownership of persuasive, compliant, and customer-centric proposal content.

• Oversee the entire RFI, Sources Sought, and Market Research processes in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts.

• Manage final proposal production and submission tasks, ensuring proper formatting, page count, accuracy, completeness, and readiness for submission.

• Organize and coordinate Pink, Red, and Gold color team reviews while consolidating reviewer feedback.

• Keep track of opportunities on SAM.gov, GovWin, and similar platforms for new solicitations.

• Engage in strategy conversations and pre-RFP business development activities.

• Assist with post-submission debriefings and capturing lessons learned.

• Maintain and update the proposal content library, leading content-refresh initiatives.

• Organize SharePoint/Teams folder structures, adhere to file-naming conventions, and manage document version control.

• Collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders to collect inputs and uphold deadline accountability.

• Provide guidance, coaching, mentorship, training, and work-instruction support to team members.

• Facilitate RFQ and transactional bid processes, coordinating with suppliers for responses.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of proposal experience, with a solid grasp of government contracting and solicitation requirements; Federal or DoD experience is preferred.

• A Bachelor's degree in English, Business, or a related field is preferred; relevant proposal or professional/technical writing experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree. Military personnel with formal training or relevant service experience may also be considered in place of civilian experience.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating strong grammar, mechanics, and editing capabilities. Highly detail-oriented, ensuring thorough review and editing of one's own work for consistency and accuracy.

• Self-motivated and proactive; able to take the initiative to tackle challenges and organized in managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

• Proficiency in Adobe products like Acrobat, InDesign, and Illustrator is preferred.

• Training in Shipley and/or APMP proposal management processes is preferred.

• Competence in using MS Office applications (SharePoint/Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

🏝️ Benefits

• 3 weeks of PTO with a generous accrual policy.

• Wellness Program.

• 14 company-paid holidays annually.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Flexible work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, & FSA options nationwide.

• Casual work environment.

• Optional additional life insurance.

• Progressive Associate Recognition Program.

• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Company-sponsored professional development.

• Annual social and community events.

• Annual Education Assistance Program.

• Company-provided PC and office supplies.

• 401K with bi-weekly Safe Harbor contributions.

• On-site free parking [Hybrid/In-person].