Proposal Director
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Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.
Job Summary:
ACET is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Proposal Manager to lead enterprise-wide proposal development efforts in support of the CFT IDIQ and other high-value government contracting opportunities. This position is responsible for driving proposal excellence, improving win probability, and establishing scalable, repeatable processes across the full proposal lifecycle.
The Proposal Director will operate at both the strategic and execution levels, overseeing proposal operations, managing cross-functional collaboration, and developing a high-performing proposal organization aligned with ACET’s growth objectives. This role requires strong leadership, disciplined process execution, and hands-on proposal expertise within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine enterprise proposal processes, tools, and best practices (e.g., Shipley methodology, CRM integration)
- Establish a scalable and repeatable proposal framework aligned to ACET’s long-term growth and capture strategy
- Drive win strategy development and integration across all phases of the proposal lifecycle
- Support executive leadership in bid/no-bid decisions and strategic pursuit prioritization
Operational Management
- Lead the end-to-end proposal lifecycle, from pre-RFP shaping through submission and post-award debriefs
- Ensure strict compliance with RFP/RFQ requirements, FAR/DFARS regulations, and customer expectations
- Manage multiple concurrent proposals, ensuring adherence to schedules, milestones, and deliverables
- Oversee development of compliance matrices, outlines, and structured proposal artifacts
Team Leadership
- Lead and manage a team of proposal managers, writers, coordinators, and support staff
- Allocate resources based on opportunity value, workload, and strategic priorities
- Mentor and develop personnel to build a high-performing, scalable proposal organization
- Establish accountability metrics and performance standards for proposal staff
- Translate operational performance into financial outcomes and forecasts.
- Quality Assurance & Reviews
- Lead all color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold, etc.) and final proposal evaluations
- Ensure all submissions are compliant, compelling, and clearly aligned to win themes and discriminators
- Implement continuous improvement processes leveraging lessons learned and customer feedback
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with Business Development, Capture Managers, Technical SMEs, Pricing, and Operations to ensure alignment
- Drive seamless integration between capture strategy and proposal execution
- Coordinate with finance and pricing teams to ensure alignment on cost strategy, pricing narratives, and compliance
Required Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years leading high-value, competitive proposals within DoD, federal contracting, or related industries
- Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams under tight deadlines and influencing senior stakeholders
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of RFP/RFQ processes, compliance matrices, FAR/DFARS, and proposal development systems
- Process Discipline: Experience with structured methodologies (e.g., Shipley) and proposal lifecycle management tools
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field
- Certification: APMP certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting IDIQ, MAC, and large-scale multi-award contract pursuits
- Familiarity with DoD aviation, engineering, sustainment, or logistics programs
- Experience integrating pricing strategy and technical solutions into winning proposals
- Proven track record improving win rates and proposal efficiency metrics
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and execution discipline
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Executive-level communication and presentation ability
- High attention to detail and compliance rigor
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
- Position involved long periods of standing and sitting at desk.
- Position will require Teams Meeting
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
**All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen to apply**
Drug Free Workplace: ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.
ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.