Senior Proposal Manager / Writer

<p><strong>Senior Proposal Manager / Writer</strong></p> <p>Rackner | Remote | Full-Time</p> <p><strong>The Role</strong></p> <p>Rackner is hiring its first dedicated Proposal Manager to own and build our proposal function from the ground up.</p> <p>You will lead end-to-end proposal execution—ensuring submissions are compliant, well-structured, and competitive—while bringing the structure and discipline needed to scale how we pursue federal work.</p> <p>This is not a coordination role. You’ll run the process, contribute directly to writing, and work closely with executive and technical stakeholders to turn complex capabilities into clear, winning proposals.</p> <p>Today, proposals are managed by leadership alongside other priorities. You will change that; creating a repeatable, high-quality proposal engine that supports growth across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps programs.</p> <p>You’ll work directly with executive leadership, capture, and engineering teams to shape how opportunities are structured, communicated, and submitted.</p> <p>This role owns proposal execution and process development, with the opportunity to evolve into broader proposal or capture leadership as the function scales.</p> <h4>What You’ll Do</h4> <p><strong>Own Proposal Execution</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the full proposal lifecycle from solicitation release through submission</li> <li>Translate RFP requirements into clear structure, timelines, and deliverables</li> <li>Drive alignment across capture, leadership, and technical teams under tight deadlines</li> </ul> <h4>Write and Shape Content</h4> <ul> <li>Own and contribute directly to proposal writing (technical, management, past performance)—not just editing or coordination</li> <li>Translate complex technical concepts into clear, evaluator-friendly language</li> <li>Ensure consistency in voice, structure, and messaging across sections</li> </ul> <h4>Ensure Compliance &amp; Quality</h4> <ul> <li>Build compliance matrices and compliant outlines</li> <li>Apply federal procurement requirements (FAR/DFARS, evaluation criteria) to ensure compliant responses</li> <li>Run compliance checks and structured color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold)</li> </ul> <h4>Build Proposal Infrastructure</h4> <ul> <li>Stand up and improve proposal processes, templates, and workflows</li> <li>Create and maintain a reusable content library (past performance, resumes, boilerplate, graphics)</li> <li>Improve how teams access, structure, and reuse proposal content</li> </ul> <h4>Drive Process &amp; Continuous Improvement</h4> <ul> <li>Bring structure and clarity to complex, evolving requirements without slowing execution</li> <li>Lead post-submission reviews to improve future proposals</li> <li>Track proposal pipeline in partnership with capture leadership to anticipate workload and resourcing</li> </ul> <h4>What We’re Looking For</h4> <h4>Must-Have</h4> <ul> <li>Experience leading federal proposals end-to-end with a track record of compliant, on-time submissions</li> <li>Strong writing ability; able to turn technical input into clear, structured, and persuasive content</li> <li>Working knowledge of federal procurement (FAR/DFARS, evaluation criteria, compliance) and how it applies to proposals</li> <li>Experience managing multiple concurrent proposals under tight deadlines</li> <li>Ability to work cross-functionally with executives, engineers, capture, and partners</li> <li>Comfortable operating as an early proposal hire, building structure in an evolving environment</li> </ul> <p><em>(Typically 5+ years in proposal management or related roles)</em></p> <h4>Nice-to-Have</h4> <ul> <li>Experience supporting proposals in AI/ML, cloud, cybersecurity, or DevSecOps environments</li> <li>APMP certification (Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional)</li> <li>Experience with proposal tools (GovWin, SharePoint, Google Workspace, etc.)</li> <li>Background in small-to-mid-size GovCon environments</li> <li>Ability to structure and communicate ideas visually (PowerPoint, diagrams, workflows)</li> </ul> <h4>Level Calibration</h4> <p>This is a Senior individual contributor role with full ownership of proposal execution.</p> <p>You’re expected to:</p> <ul> <li>Operate independently</li> <li>Drive structure and process</li> <li>Influence content and outcomes</li> </ul> <p>This is not a junior coordinator role and not a people-management role (today), but it is a foundational role with growth potential as the function scales.</p> <h4>What Success Looks Like</h4> <ul> <li>Proposals are compliant, structured, and submitted ahead of deadlines</li> <li>Technical ideas are clear, compelling, and easy for evaluators to understand</li> <li>Teams are aligned and operating with structure—not reacting at the last minute</li> <li>Proposal processes become repeatable and scalable over time</li> </ul> <h4>Why This Role Matters</h4> <p>This role directly impacts Rackner’s ability to win and scale federal work.</p> <p>You’ll be working on proposals tied to AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and national security missions, where clarity, compliance, and execution quality determine outcomes.</p> <p>You’re not just supporting proposals; you’re building the system that powers them.</p> <h4>Who We Are</h4> <p>Rackner is a software consultancy that builds cloud-native systems for startups, enterprises, and the public sector.</p> <p>We focus on solving complex, real-world problems across:</p> <ul> <li>Distributed systems</li> <li>DevSecOps</li> <li>AI/ML</li> <li>Cloud-native architecture</li> </ul> <p>Our work is outcome-driven and mission-aligned—we prioritize delivering real capability over producing documentation or code for its own sake.</p> <p>You’ll be working closely with teams building high-impact technical solutions, translating that work into proposals that win.</p> <h4>Clearance Requirements</h4> <ul> <li>U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of federal contracting work</li> <li>Active security clearance is not required to start, but strongly preferred</li> <li>Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance</li> <li>Willingness to work in a clearance-enabled or secure environment if required by program needs</li> </ul> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li>Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance</li> </ul> <h4>Benefits</h4> <ul> <li>401(k) with 100% match up to 6%</li> <li>Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage</li> <li>Generous PTO and paid holidays</li> <li>Weekly pay schedule</li> <li>Home-office equipment plan and remote work support</li> <li>Fitness and wellness reimbursement</li> <li>Company-supported certifications</li> <li>Clear advancement tracks and future leadership opportunities</li> </ul> <p>Rackner invests in employee development and covers the cost of certifications aligned with your role and our technology focus.</p>