Lead Proposal Writer-Editor

Job Family:

Proposal Management

Travel Required:

Up to 10%

Clearance Required:

None

Guidehouse is looking for a lead technical writer/editor to support writing and editing of public sector proposal deliverables, typically prepared in MS Word and Power Point. Our proposal writers/editors help write, review, proofread, and copy edit various sections of proposals, providing compliance with solicitation requirements and adherence to Guidehouse branding standards. The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to work efficiently under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities to produce a large volume of high-quality material with attention to detail. This position will also provide direct guidance to SME writers on how to construct effective proposal content, including acting as a color team reviewer. Therefore, the ideal candidate will have proposal management experience.

The technical proposal writer should be able to craft outlines and approaches based on RFP instructions, existing proposal content, Guidehouse's solutions library, and interviews with SMEs. They will be expected to serve as a volume lead for management, staffing, quality or security content.

What You Will Do:

Proposal Support:

• Write sections or the entire proposal, depending on the nature of the tasks required. At the P5 level, the expectation is to perform more technical writing to address RFP requirements including outline development, content planning, strategy implementation, draft writing, and final editing. Narrative subjects may include executive summaries, management structure and approach, organizational charts, schedule narratives, design/build and construction approaches, phasing and logistics plan narratives, technical design solutions using drafts provided by design team, safety, and quality.

• Interview technical experts and operational resources to gather information that supports proposal development and transforms that information into clear, concise, compelling proposal text.

• Collaborate with Proposal Managers on kickoff material to provide guidance to SMEs tasked with writing proposal sections.

• Provide iterative guidance to individual SMEs tasked with writing to make sections more compelling and easier to evaluate.

• Collaborate with graphic artists to conceptualize visuals (diagrams, workflows, icons, etc.) to accompany writing.

• Perform substantive reviews of both text and graphics, ensure the assigned writing sections comply with RFP requirements, contain win strategies and win themes, and comply with standard format and style criteria.

• Review and copy edit proposals to ensure a compliant product ready for client review; proofread for content, grammar, style, formatting; edit, organize, and reference attachments and exhibits. Edit proposals in accordance with established styles, referencing our Guidehouse style manual, proposal proofreading checklist, and at times, client-specific writing or style guides. Edit to achieve one-voice, readability, clarity, and responsiveness to requirements.

• Apply Guidehouse's brand messaging, including tone, style, and theme, within all responses. Effectively and consistently demonstrate and promote the Guidehouse solutions and value proposition. Help edit copy to meet page limitations.

• Identify, re-use, edit, and contribute content in the proposal content management systems.

• Coordinate with subject matter experts to inform responses to RFPs and/or to support the maintenance of content organized in knowledge base, including its technical accuracy.

• Recommend continuous improvement initiatives to refine writing processes and techniques as appropriate.

• Proof work to minimize errors; rework errors.

• Ensure that proposal documentation is retained in accordance with company and department procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Contribute to or lead team initiatives or special projects such as updates to writing guides.

• Provide orientation and training for new proposal team members on proposal writing and editing processes and tools.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor's Degree; Four (4) years additional professional experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.

• Eight (8) + years of experience in professional services drafting technical approaches or scope of work documents, in collaboration with consultant/SME teams, in accordance with client RFP requirements and company procedures.

• Substantive experience as a Proposal Manager working on federal proposals.

• Advanced skills in Word, Power Point, SharePoint, and PDF.

• High level of attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.

• Ability to review, understand, and summarize the requirements of RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs.

• Ability to coordinate the development of multiple proposals simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time management skills, and multitasking abilities.

• Ability to translate complex concepts and ideas into clear communications.

• Familiarity working in Microsoft Word, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• Superior communication, writing, editing, and proofing skills.

• Excellent customer service with individuals at all levels both internal and external, and an ability to take direction as well as give direction.

• The ideal candidate will be a problem-solver with a can-do attitude who is comfortable working in a team environment.

• Must be a US citizen due to the nature of many of our US government proposals.

• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities to produce a large volume of high-quality material with attention to detail.

• Ability to work on-site 1-3 days per week in Tysons Corner, VA (dates/times will vary based on meetings and working sessions).

• Ability to work outside normal work hours (i.e., nights, weekends, and/or holidays when required).

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Advanced skill in Microsoft Word, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• Experience using PerfectIt or similar automated tools for editing.

• Experience working with large, complex, and highly technical documents.

• 15+ years of proposal writing and management

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.

Selected Candidate must be able to work Eastern Standard Hours.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Basic Life & Supplemental Life

• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Student Loan PayDown

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities

• Skills Development & Certifications

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program

• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.