Proposal Specialist at Hatcher – Bethesda, Maryland

The Hatcher Group is seeking an experienced, highly organized Proposal Specialist to lead and manage complex proposal efforts in support of our business development goals. This role is central to producing proposals that are compliant, compelling, and delivered on time across federal, state, local, nonprofit, and commercial solicitations. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in proposal management, a calm and confident approach to deadlines, and a strong ability to coordinate cross-functional teams through every phase of the proposal lifecycle.

You are a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. You excel at managing proposal schedules, tracking deliverables, and aligning contributors around clear processes and expectations. With strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, you are comfortable serving as the operational lead for proposals—keeping teams organized, informed, and moving forward while maintaining a high standard of quality and compliance.

Our flexible-first work culture empowers you to deliver your best work wherever you are. While remote work is a regular part of our operations, candidates within commuting distance of our Bethesda, MD office are strongly preferred to support periodic in-person collaboration and team building.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will serve as the proposal manager for assigned pursuits, overseeing proposal development from kickoff through submission. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the full proposal lifecycle, including kickoff, scheduling, compliance tracking, content development, reviews, production, and submission across federal and non-federal RFPs.
• Developing and maintaining detailed proposal schedules, outlines, and responsibility matrices to support timely, compliant submissions.
• Leading proposal coordination efforts by facilitating meetings, tracking action items, and maintaining alignment among internal teams, partners, and subcontractors.
• Conducting thorough solicitation reviews to identify compliance requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions, and translating them into clear guidance for proposal teams.
• Managing data calls for internal contributors and external partners, tracking inputs, following up as needed, to deliver timely, complete responses.
• Coordinating required forms, certifications, resumes, past performance, pricing/staffing materials, and other proposal components.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in proposal tracking systems, content libraries, and shared workspaces, including Monday.com and Box.
• Partnering with writers, designers, and subject matter experts to craft proposal content that is well-organized, responsive, and aligned with win strategies.
• Supporting proposal reviews by coordinating color team reviews, compliance checks, and final quality control prior to submission.
• Producing and delivering final proposals in accordance with submission requirements, including electronic portals, email, and hard-copy delivery when required.
• Leading or supporting post-submission activities, including lessons learned sessions and after-action reports, and contributing to continuous improvement of proposal processes and tools.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree with 7 to 10 years of related proposal management experience.
• Strong work ethic and ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work directly with internal clients and manage projects in collaboration with others.
• Previous proposal writing experience, or a curiosity to build your writing skillset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Flexibility to quickly adapt when high-priority needs arise.
• Experience working under pressure with deadlines.

We are pleased to offer a competitive salary range of $85,000 to $105,000 per year based on experience and aligned with our internal standards. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes robust healthcare coverage, generous paid time off, and continuous learning opportunities. Plus, take advantage of monthly perks, a home office fund, and a supportive community with in-office snacks and social events.

About The Hatcher Group

We are catalysts for change, solution engineers, and champions of your mission.

A Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) headquartered in Maryland, Hatcher creates award-winning marketing and communications campaigns for clients from across our four sectors: education, environment, public health, and community and opportunity. Since 2000, Hatcher has partnered with nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and other organizations committed to activating change and creating a better world.

Our diverse team of strategic experts in marketing, communications, media, and design bring their all to every project. We immerse ourselves in our client's world, leaving no stone unturned to tailor solutions and elevate creative potential. By prioritizing authentic and trustworthy partnerships, we execute strategies that capture precise visions and advance meaningful missions.

Hatcher envisions a just and sustainable world where no person is left behind. We create for the social challenges of our time, uniting our clients' messages with audiences that need to know. Powered by purpose, we are The Hatcher Group.