Director of Proposals

Position description

The Director of Proposals leads and manages the full lifecycle of proposal development in support of federal government contracting opportunities. This individual is responsible for identifying the requirements for and staffing/overseeing a high-performing team of proposal managers, graphic designers, and technical writers, and ensuring alignment with capture plans and market intelligence. The role includes leadership of business development knowledge management and supports continuous improvement in proposal processes and win strategies.

Supervisory responsibilities

* Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the department

* Sources qualified independent contractors when needed to augment TRISTAR capabilities and capacity

* Oversees the daily workflow of the department

* Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations

* Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy

Essential functions and duties

* Lead the planning, scheduling, and execution of compliant, compelling, and responsive proposals for DoD customers

* Oversee color team reviews, proposal outlines, compliance matrices, and final production

* Verify adherence to internal proposal development processes and external solicitation requirements (e.g., RFPs, RFQs, BAAs, task orders)

* Integrate competitive and market intelligence into proposal strategy and positioning

* Collaborate with capture managers to refine win themes and discriminators

* Evaluate lessons learned and competitor feedback to inform future submissions

* Maintain and enhance the corporate proposal knowledge base, boilerplate content, past performance library, and graphics repository

* Continuously evaluate and refine proposal processes, tools, and templates

* Lead training and development initiatives for BD and proposal staff

* Develops and implements departmental budget

* Performs other duties as required

Required experience, education, and skills:

* Bachelor's degree in business or communications, or equivalent professional experience

* 10+ years of experience in federal proposal development

* 5+ years in a leadership role managing proposal teams.

* Deep understanding of federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) and government procurement processes

* U.S. citizenship

* Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

* Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

* Strong supervisory and leadership skills

* Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees

* Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate

* Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Preferred qualifications:

* Ability to obtain a secret/top secret clearance

Working Conditions

* Primarily works in an office environment with frequent use of computers

* May require occasional travel for company meetings, proposal activities, conferences

* Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours when necessary to accommodate time-sensitive matters

About TRISTAR

TRISTAR is a professional services company supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs. Our core competencies include Electronic Warfare, Enterprise Management, Full Spectrum Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Software Engineering and Development, Maritime Modernization and Engineering, and Technical Solutions. Founded in March 1995, TRISTAR has built an employee-focused collaborative environment enabling our team of professionals to create and deliver customized solutions to meet mission critical challenges.

TRISTAR provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.