Proposal Manager III

SUMMARY

The Proposal Manager III engages early to document competitive position, oversees all aspects of the bid and proposal process in pursuing new business through open Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and supports efforts to create efficiencies in policy, process and procedure for the entire proposal and capture function. Works closely with Business Development and Practice Area Leads to support sound proposal strategies. Incorporates positioning tactics (win themes, discriminators, etc.) into the final proposal. Tactically handles proposal development from start to finish and ensures a high standard of quality in their timely submission. Requires the ability to assess quickly RFP requirements in order to create successfully winning proposal responses.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. serves as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries engaged in several lines of business (Business Services, Health, Infrastructure and Engineering, Mission Optimization, Technology and Transportation) for the federal government and commercial enterprises. A portion of our profits is used to support Chickasaw citizens. We are proud to support the economic development and long-term viability of the Chickasaw Nation and its people. CNI offers premium benefits eligible on the first day of hire to full time employees; (Medical - Dental – Vision), Company Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(K) Immediate Vesting, Professional Development Assistance, Legal Aid Assistance Program, Family Planning / Fertility Assistance, Personal Time Off, and Observance of Federal Holidays.

As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to pass a background investigation.

Must engage early with proposals/opportunities to maximize competitive advantage.

Must oversee all aspects of the bid and proposal process to create winning proposal.

Must support efforts to create team efficiency and improve overall quality.

Must be committed to adhering to team processes and procedures and aiding in own personal development.

APMP certification preferred.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Engages Early to Maximize Competitive Advantage

In early phases (1 – LEAD, 2 – QUALIFY, 3 – CAPTURE), the Proposal Manager III engages with Business Development to document our competitive position and advantage. This level of engagement will incorporate touchpoints with diverse stakeholders (CNI Business Development, CNI operations, partner companies, customers, etc.). Documents critical positioning tactics (teaming strategies, win themes, discriminators, measurable evidence of past success, etc.), and ensures that the appropriate content is represented in the final proposal.

Oversees All Aspects of the Bid and Proposal Process to Create Winning Proposals

Manages the development process of government proposals from RFP release to oral / written presentation (phase 4 – PROPOSAL and phase 5 – SOURCE SELECTION). Responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant proposals within established deadlines.

• Reads and analyzes the RFP and engages expertise as necessary to assess risks through RFP shred process.
• Prepares and manages proposal materials, including outlines and schedules, kick-off presentations, etc.
• Identifies needed personnel (subject matter experts (SMEs), color team reviewers, etc.), and delegates responsibilities.
• Manages the process of gathering, reviewing and submitting RFP clarification questions.
• Identifies existing content for all proposal sections.
• Manages the writing and editing process.
• Assembles and reviews the efforts of partner teams, consultants, subcontractors, writers, editors and illustrators. 
• Performs desktop publishing, proofreading, quality control and print reproduction.
• Ensures consistency and accuracy of win themes and key messages throughout the proposal.
• Reviews and edits proposal sections for compliance, completeness and readability.
• Works with the pricing team to ensure communication of all pertinent information so that the RFP can be priced as competitively as possible. 
• Reviews proposal draft and final versions for responsiveness, thoroughness, accuracy, staffing, financial considerations, quality and effective design and layout of the RFP.
• Ensures proposal structure complies with the RFP requirements and CNI standards.
• Schedules and facilitates all meetings, including kickoff, section planning, color reviews, debrief sessions and proposal lessons learned meetings.

Simultaneously and effectively manages multiple proposals and projects at all stages of opportunity development.

• Proposal/Project Types (examples include the following):
  • Graphic Design Support
  • Market Survey, Sources Sought and Request for Information Responses
  • Task Order Responses
  • Data Call Responses for Prime Contractors
  • Data Call Requests for Subcontractors and Potential Teammates
  • GSA Schedule (aka Multiple Award Schedules, Federal Supply Schedule) Responses
  • Indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) responses
  • Sole Source and Direct Award responses
  • Evaluation Notices
• Proposal Volume:
  • Must be able to handle concurrent responses, proposals, and ancillary tasks.
  • Approximate expected mix of responses anticipated to be as follows:
    • Pre-solicitation submittals (RFI/SS/White Paper) – 44%
    • Task Order Responses (Non-competitive) – 11%
    •           Proposals (Prime & Subcontractor Roles) – 44%
  • Total average volume is anticipated around four (4) responses per month. Volume may vary monthly based on external factors.
  • Proposal Manager III expected to handle higher complexity responses/proposals as compared to Proposal Managers I & II.

Supports Efforts to Create Team Efficiency and Improve Overall Quality

Enhances and expands resources and documents to grow business efficiently and effectively. These resources, documents and team policies may be related to items such as, marketing materials, past performance citations, practice area capabilities, etc. Actively engages in continuous improvement of source content and proposal materials. Initiates engagement with operations personnel to facilitate documentation of current contracts, value propositions and proof points.

Team Commitment and Personal Development

Complies with all team policies, processes and procedures (including but not limited to clear and accurate reporting of information, efficient communications, high quality writing and editing, availability within core hours of 10AM – 3PM ET). May periodically work extended evening and weekend hours, sometimes on short notice. Travel may be required.

Plans daily activities within the guidelines of company policy, job description and supervisor’s instruction in such a way as to maximize personal output.  

Responsible for aiding in own self-development by being available and receptive to all training made available by the company. 

In depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Operational knowledge of the bid and proposal processes with the ability to understand business and technical requirements.

Exceptional leadership and motivational skills.

Skilled in facilitating teamwork and coordinating efforts for the successful achievement of goals.

Ability to inspire outstanding work from team members having a wide range of experience and technical abilities.

Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.

Detail-oriented with exceptional organization, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.

Ability to effectively interact and manage multi-departmental and/or remote teams for planning and control of projects.

Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management.

Ability to work under tight deadlines with the flexibility to work concurrently on multiple projects / proposals.

Ability to represent CNI in a positive and competent manner with current and prospective customers and teaming partners.

Ability to make sound, well-informed and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Ability to persuade others to accept recommendations and to negotiate to find mutually acceptable solutions.

Ability to organize work, set priorities and determine resource requirements.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree preferably in English, Communications or Marketing; Master’s degree preferred. 

Must have a minimum of four (4) years of experience in Proposal Management, or equivalent combination of education/experience. 

Experience preparing sources sought responses, request for information responses and proposals for high-value contracts (exceeding $100M), 8(a) sole source contracts, as well as competitive contracts preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls. Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic. 

EOE including Disability/Vet

The estimated pay range for this role is $86k to $110k, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience.

CNI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Family Planning/Fertility Assistance

STD/LTD/Basic Life/AD&D

Legal-Aid Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Time Off (PTO) – (11) Federal Holidays

Training and Development Opportunities

Your application submission will be considered for all potential employment opportunities with Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI).

*Please note, that this position is contingent upon the award or funding. The essential duties, experience, education requirements, and salary are subject to change.*