USBU Proposal Manager II at FHI 360

Job Title: USBU Proposal Manager II

Job Location : Washington, DC

Time type : Full time

About The Company

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

As we evolve to meet the challenges of the future, we stand committed to the principles that have guided our organization for the last 40+ years. Our work continues to be grounded in research and science, strengthened by partnerships and focused on building the capacity of individuals, communities and countries to succeed.

About FHI 360’s United States Business Unit (USBU)

FHI 360’s U.S. Programs work to improve the well-being of all Americans throughout their lifetimes by focusing on the three main drivers of success — health, education, and employment. Our projects are designed to promote equity so that people can reach their full potential and live productive and healthy lives. These programs expand opportunities, particularly for low-income or otherwise marginalized groups of children, youth, and adults.

Job Summary

Responsible for managing the capture and proposal development process fostering compliant and compelling proposal responses that meet client needs. Responsible for the security and integrity of all proposal documentation, efficient coordination of internal flow and review of all proposal inputs, schedules, activities with cross functional business areas, and submission of the final proposal.  In partnership with proposal team members and proposal coordinators, will contribute to stakeholder and competitive analyses, staffing strategy, conceptualization of proposal graphics, strategic pricing, writing and editing for specific sections, drafting annexes and other tasks for both capture and live proposal efforts. This is a headquarters-based position.

Accountabilities:

• For priority bids, leads teams through a comprehensive capture process to ensure solution readiness in advance of solicitation release.
• Partners with the technical proposal design lead (PDL) to deliver a compliant, competitive proposal to the client on time.
• Oversees the entire proposal process, making sure that every member of the proposal team, including sub- and prime contractors, knows what is expected of him/her and when tasks are due.
• Creates the proposal schedule and assignments and keeps track of proposal progress (technical and business) to ensure milestones are met.
• Ensures proposals receive appropriate review(s).
• Assists the PDL to ensure compliance with solicitation and develop and communicate proposal strategy.
• Prepares proposal responsibility assignments, technical outline and template, compliance matrix.
• Undertakes routine writing assignments.
• Assists the PDL in securing resources, such as authors and reviewers.
• Archives final proposal documentation.
• Ensures bid strategy implementation and compliance.
• Resolves internal team issues.
• Provides process and best practice leadership and experience.
• Identifies and executes process improvements.
• Participates in developing and delivering proposal training for the business unit.
• Assists in interviewing applicants and training of newly hired peers.
• Checks work of less experienced peers and acts as mentor.
• Identifies, tracks, and circulates opportunities to key internal stakeholders.
• Supports bid planning, intelligence gathering, field research, data collection, competitive analyses, and partnership strategy.
• Facilitates bid/no bid decision-making.
• Facilitates the development of win themes, technical strategies and design approaches.
• Contributes to partnering decisions and negotiations, as well as manages partner data call process.
• Assists in maintaining relationships with sponsors, governmental agencies, universities, multinational, and other NGOs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of fundamental principles, terminology, and methodology of capture approach and proposal development.
• Extensive knowledge of proposal management conventions.
• Effective organizational skills and track record for effectively managing proposal teams of diverse levels of seniority and experience.
• Effective communication skills, required for providing diplomatic and constructive comments to clients.
• Skill in observing detail.
• Ability to understand and follow written guidelines, including departmental policies, FHI360 policies and procedures, and work orders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and other staff.
• Effective multi-tasking and flexibility to meet competing needs and sensitive deadlines.
• Skill in abstracting, condensing, or writing general information for inclusion in proposal documents.
• Ability to manage short-term, long-term proposals of varying complexity.
• Ability to analyze tasks and determine appropriate level of effort.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize own work and to adapt to changes in priorities, workload, and workflow.
• Develop good understanding of the program sectors within the USBU (education, social marketing, evaluation, early childhood education, juvenile justice, and college and career readiness).
• Read, write and speak English.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Exercise judgment within well- defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Interact frequently with less experienced peer team members as resource/mentor.
• Understand quality and timeliness goals for projects.
• Work on assignments that are diverse and challenging in nature.
• Identify and execute process efficiencies.
• May assist with review and evaluation of staff performance.
• Interact and educate technical experts that may not be as familiar with business and proposal development processes.
• Ability to step in to fill gaps during proposal development process if no other resources can be identified within timeframe.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Employee works under minimal supervision; handles problems and deviations in assignments in accordance with policies and accepted practices; confers with supervisor on unusual matters; broad latitude for unreviewed action or decision; work may be reviewed for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and goals.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a related field; at least 3 years in proposal development is required.
• Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and/or Shipley Associates or other relevant certification/training preferred.
• Knowledge of Non-governmental Organization (NGO) preferred.
• Leadership of grant applications and US Government portal submissions, such as grants.gov preferred.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment, with flexible remote work permitted in coordination with manager and proposal teams.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5 – 25 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MSTEAMS, e-mail), office telephone, cell phone and printer/copier.
• GovWin IQ
• Salesforce
• Online collaboration software, such as Miro

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10%

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360’s Career Portal.