Proposal Manager

The Algorithms, Modeling and Assessments Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an immediate opening for an experienced and well-organized, full-time Proposal Manager. The qualified candidate must have 2-4 years of previous experience. The Proposal Manager is responsible for organizing multiple inputs into seamless, compliant responses to Request for Proposals (RFP). The Proposal Manager will manage each proposal through its life cycle, coordinate with multiple people, ensure deadlines are met and compliance is adhered to.

Candidates not in the Arlington, VA area have the option to work remotely. Those in the Arlington, VA area will have the option to work a hybrid schedule.

What you’ll do as a Proposal Manager:

• Lead responses to draft RFPs, RFIs, and other solicitations.
• Work with technical, cost, and review teams to make sure all solicitation requirements are completed within the proposal deadline.
• Compile cost, schedule, and technical elements in the development of proposals in accordance with RFP specifications.
• Communicate proposal requirements and status to management. Work with corporate offices as necessary to fulfill proposal requirements.
• Provides guidance to proposal teams from inception to completion.
• Develop schedules and identify resources required to perform proposal review and production.
• Develop compliance matrices and ensure client requirements of each solicitation are fully satisfied.
• Schedule and conduct proposal after action reviews (AARs) with management.
• Continue to develop and refine proposal processes, templates, and procedures from pre-RFP through post-RFP phase.
• Lead all color reviews and proposal components.
• Manage division’s Proposal SharePoint site.

Requirements needed to be a Proposal Manager:

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of related experience managing proposals or a Master’s degree with 0-2 years of related experience.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software (Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat and SharePoint).
• Experience with industry – best practices in proposal management (such as those taught in Shipley).
• Must be able to lead the proposal team to ensure all proposal requirements are met.
• Must have experience taking the initiative to coordinate with all proposal team members through submission.
• Must be a team player with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to adapt to various people and working styles under tight deadlines.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner.
• Must be able to ensure that all proposals are compelling, compliant, and well written. Especially the technical and scientific ones.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 0-2 years of experience.
• Experience with DoD proposals.
• Secret Security clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance.
• Proposal Management training and/or Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) Certification(s).

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,306 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. We believe in the importance of open and honest communication as well as work/life balance. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

ARA is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer

Experience

• 2 - 4 years: Bachelors with relevant work experience

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)