What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Proposal Writer position at Orbis Operations?
ORBIS is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Proposal Writer to support our Business Development (BD) and Capture teams. This role is responsible for developing strategic, compelling, and customer-focused responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) in support of federal government contracts within the Intelligence Community.
The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who can work independently, think critically, and produce high-quality written content in a fast-paced environment while collaborating effectively with BD/Capture teams and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop, write, and edit proposal content with a focus on technical accuracy, compliance, and persuasive messaging (RFPs, RFIs, white papers, and related deliverables)
- Write clear, compliant, compelling, persuasive, proposal text.
- Effectively communicate and employ interviewing skills to gather needed information from internal and external personnel to support writing activities
- Ensure adherence to proposal style guides, templates, and standards (voice, tone, terminology, acronyms, and formatting)
- Format proposal documents to meet submission requirements and maintain a professional presentation
- Maintain disciplined version control and configuration management practices to reduce risk and rework
- Review and refine content to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with customer requirements
- Collaborate with capture managers, SMEs, program managers, and business leaders to validate technical accuracy and messaging
- Support and participate in color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold), including comment adjudication and action tracking
- Leverage AI tools to improve proposal quality, efficiency, and content development
- Identify and mitigate proposal risks across active opportunities - Develop and implement process improvements to help improve proposal quality.
Education & Experience
- Active TS/SCI clearance - Poly is desirable
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, English, Communications, or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of proposal writing experience, preferably supporting federal or Intelligence Community customers
- Demonstrated success writing and leading technical, management, transition, staffing, and/or corporate experience & past performance volumes for complex efforts
Required Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of National Security mission, capabilities, and services
- Ability to manage the full RFP lifecycle from kickoff through submission
- Experience developing RFIs, white papers, and unsolicited proposals
- Proficiency in maintaining proposal repositories and reusable content libraries
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Experience with proposal tracking tools, compliance matrices, and SharePoint workflows
- Knowledge of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to translate complex technical input into clear, customer-focused narrative
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Critical thinking skills and ability to work independently
- Willingness to adopt and integrate AI tools into proposal workflows
Desired Skills & Abilities
- Familiarity with Shipley or APMP methodologies
- Experience supporting federal government proposal efforts
- Knowledge of proposal development processes and compliance standards
- Background in marketing coordination or business development support
- Experience supporting industry engagement activities or events
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer
- Participation in virtual and in-person meetings
- Ability to attend planned meetings and work in classified space for prolong time periods within the Washington Metro Area region.
- Ability to travel to support proposal efforts, primarily in the Washington Metro Area (WMA), to work on classified responses
Orbis Operations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Orbis Operations is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued and respected. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Orbis Operations will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at hr@orbisops.com.
Orbis Operations is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.