Senior Proposal Manager​/Public

Overview

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The role falls within the Growth Unit (Public Sector), which manages how RTI pursues, wins, and grows our project portfolio across U.S., state, local, and foreign governments, and foundations, in collaboration with technical staff across the organization.

As Senior Proposal Manager, you will serve as a strategic thought partner leading multiple concurrent opportunities using industry-proven methodologies. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will guide cross-functional teams through strategic planning, proposal development, and submission processes to ensure compliant, compelling, high-quality proposals that maximize win probability. You will continuously implement best practices and explore process efficiencies through AI tools and automation.

Successful candidates will have experience with the domestic public-sector procurement processes and stakeholder engagement. This role will report to the Director, Proposals and Capture. While this is a US-based remote position, local candidates within commuting distance to an RTI office (RTP, DC) are preferred.

• Opportunity Analysis & Strategic Planning: Simultaneously manage multiple competing opportunities by analyzing solicitations, creating proposal plans, outlines, compliance matrices, developing proposal strategies, and win theme development across concurrent pursuits with overlapping deadlines. Develop and manage Pre-Proposal & Capture plans that inform go/no-go decisions and proposal strategy development while balancing priorities across multiple active opportunities.
• Leadership and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Lead proposal kickoff meetings establishing clear objectives, win strategies, and team alignment. Manage cross-functional deliverables from technical experts, pricing, and contracts while ensuring effective collaboration and communication. Maximize efficiency by strategically sequencing and managing live proposal review sessions (Pink Team, Red Team reviews) using Shipley methodologies to ensure continuous improvement and strategic alignment.
• Proposal Development & Management: Navigate competing deadlines through priority management while ensuring compliance through detailed matrices. Inform and guide content development for consistency and client alignment. Execute quality control processes for professional, compelling deliverables including formatting and graphics, and maintain critical milestones for timely, compliant submission.
• Process Improvement & Innovation: Implement Shipley best practices and enhance efficiency through AI tools and automation. Utilize section planners, win strategy templates, and color review scorecards. Conduct lessons learned sessions and shadow/mentor team members to build internal proposal development capabilities.

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of relevant experience in proposal management and coordination experience, or Master's degree and 6 years of relevant proposal management and coordination experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience with the domestic public-sector procurement processes and stakeholder engagement.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa sponsorship.