Senior Proposal Manager

Reference #: R3458Job Type: RegularSenior Proposal ManagerOverviewRAND seeks a Senior Proposal Managerto lead proposals for federal, state, and local government, private foundations, nonprofit, and commercial clients.Reporting totheManager, Proposal Management within PDS, the Senior Proposal Manager leads proposals for federal, state, and localgovernment,private foundations, nonprofit,andcommercial sponsorswith minimal supervision.This positionworks closely with principal investigators and division staff in planning proposals, including developing strategies to ensure that proposal sectionscomply withRFX specifications and instructions. This position oversees all proposal volumes and components, managing staff, timelines, inputs. And overall quality and compliance on the proposals they support.The Senior Proposal Manageris responsible forensuring adherence toestablishedproposal development and management best practices, tools, templates, and processes within proposals supported. They lead the development of win themes for up to 50% of supported proposals; oversee and manage all volume inputs and team deliverables such as past performances, resumes, supplemental budget documents, certifications, and subcontractor inputs while controlling the timelines and team communications. The position is tasked with flowing data and insights from proposals from salesforce and CLM systems up to the Manager.Responsibilitiesand Duties85% ProposalManagement-ManagesRAND'smoderately complex and large opportunities (importance, complexity, and value) and works across a variety of clients. Works seamlesslywithprincipalinvestigators,divisionstaff, pricing analysts, contracts and grants staff and others to ensuretimelycollection and accumulation ofappropriate cost, schedule, and technical elements of proposals.Ensures compliance with RFX requirements and has a good understanding of contractual language and the implications on the proposal and how to address them.5% Strategy Development -Dissect RFXs andrequiredtechnical and business volume components and provides this information to technical teams. Compiles cost, schedule, and technical elements for the development of proposalsin accordance withRFX specifications and instructions. Reviews proposals todetermineproposal compliance with customer requirements and alignment to proposed scope of work. Leads the development of win themes, proposal approaches, and strategies on approximately 50% of opportunities assigned. Provides insights and guidance onsponsor-specific solutions, nuances, andstrategies for the defined portfolios that they support.5% Training and Development - Develops internal and external training initiatives for - and presenting at - formal trainings on topics related to proposal development including:capabilities, proposal management, timeline management, compliance, among other areas. Provides training, advice, and guidance on an as needed basis to members of the proposal team around proposal best practices, processes, and compliance.5%ProposalProcess Improvements-Revises proposal processes and policies to driveefficiencies and qualitywithin the client portfolios assigned.Maintains templates, tools, and other proposal resources for client portfolios to which they are assigned.Cross-functional Collaboration-Worksclosely withpricing analysts, contracts and grants staff, research and analysis staff, division leadership, external affairs, and other teams on proposal components and deliverables.Works within the CRM platform to track,monitor, andadviseproposal inputs and outcomes for their client portfolios.Documents standard operating procedures and processes.Provides individual trainings on proposal development and templates to stakeholders within RAND.QualificationsWorkingproficiencyof Microsoft Office, Excel, limited experience with database and enterprise proposal development platformsGood written and verbal skills de ling with a variety of proposal staffDeep understanding of most funding opportunity types (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements etc.).Expertknowledgeof budget types and price proposal implications (T&M, CPFF, FFP etc.).Profound comprehensionof FAR, DFAR and contractual terms and implications on proposal development.ExperienceSenior Proposal Manager: Minimum: 10 years related experience; Preferred: 6 years related experience (with a bachelor's degree)Security clearanceCurrent possession of a U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance, isrequired.EducationABachelor'sdegree in English, Communications, Marketing, Business or similar disciplines and 6 years of relevant experience is preferred, however, a combination of education and relevant experience may be substituted for a BS/BA degree.Please note relevant experience or current professional certification may be considered in lieu of a degree from a university or college that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.LocationWashington, DC, Pittsburgh, PA, or Santa Monica, CAThis can be a 100% remote position.Salary Range$88,000-$130,900RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills,expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND'ssabbaticpay (which providesadditionalcompensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.Equal Opportunity EmployerEqual Opportunity Employer-minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity

Created: 2026-02-05