Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has developed, maintained, and integrated simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming domains. CESI also designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator, and services provider.
Position Overview
Vice President, Proposal Management leads full-lifecycle proposal development for DoD Modeling, Simulation & Training (MS&T) and associated defense markets. This senior-level role owns the proposal process from kickoff through submission and post-submittal support, ensuring every deliverable is compliant, compelling, and deadline-driven. The ideal candidate brings deep familiarity with federal acquisition, proven leadership of high-performing proposal teams, and a forward-leaning orientation toward AI-enabled workflows.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end proposal development for highly complex, competitive DoD procurements, including written volumes, oral presentations, and demonstration components.
- Develop and enforce proposal schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, resource plans, and annotated templates.
- Lead, organize, and motivate diverse proposal teams—writers, technical contributors, graphic artists, pricing analysts, and reviewers—toward on‑time, high‑quality submissions.
- Conduct and manage structured color reviews to drive continuous quality improvement from draft to final.
- Translate win strategy and capture intelligence into compelling proposal narratives that differentiate the company and directly address evaluator criteria.
- Manage post‑submittal deliverables including oral presentation preparation, clarification responses, final proposal revisions, and debrief preparation.
- Coordinate with contracts, pricing, and legal teams to ensure fully compliant, responsive submissions.
Process, Tools & Infrastructure
- Define, document, and continuously improve proposal management policies, procedures, workflows, and toolsets.
- Champion adoption of AI‑enabled proposal tools, including automated compliance checking, content curation, graphics generation, and predictive pricing support.
- Evaluate and implement new tools and technologies that improve proposal quality, velocity, and team efficiency.
- Maintain and grow a structured proposal content library for rapid, accurate reuse.
- Use Salesforce or equivalent CRM for tracking opportunity records, proposal milestones, and performance metrics.
- Ensure all proposal activities comply with company policy and ethical standards.
Team Development & Mentorship
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing proposal team capable of executing multiple simultaneous pursuits.
- Coach and mentor proposal staff in persuasive federal proposal writing and Shipley methodology best practices.
- Guide team members in integrating AI‑assisted workflows into daily proposal work.
- Communicate and influence effectively at senior leadership levels.
Required Experience & Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, Communications, English, or a closely related field.
Experience
- 10+ years of combined leadership experience in federal government proposal development and/or business development support.
- 7+ years of direct proposal management experience within DoD and/or Federal Government acquisition environments.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, competitive proposals across multiple contract types.
- Proven experience managing proposal teams under compressed schedules and high‑volume pursuit pipelines.
- Strong understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, DFARS, and DoD acquisition processes.
Technical & Domain Knowledge
- In‑depth knowledge of the Shipley methodology (certification preferred).
- Hands‑on proficiency with proposal management platforms and AI‑enabled tools.
- Familiarity with the DoD Modeling & Simulation market, key customers, and competitive landscape.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, or equivalent collaboration tools.
Leadership & Communication
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to write and edit compelling, evaluator‑focused prose.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams under pressure without direct authority.
- Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to compliance and detail.
- Ability to communicate and present at executive and customer‑facing levels.
Preferred Experience & Qualifications
- APMP certification (Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional level).
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Experience with oral proposal and demonstration management for DoD acquisitions.
- Prior experience as a proposal writer or volume lead on M&S, simulation‑based training, or software development programs.
- Familiarity with LVCG domain terminology and customer sets.
Special Requirements & Security Clearance
This position requires U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a SECRET—TOP SECRET clearance. Security clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.
Benefits Overview
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- Wellness Program
- 401(k) Matching
- Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)
Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.
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