Proposal Manager

Position Overview (Summary/Objective):

About ARKA Group:

ARKA Group is a leader in providing cutting-edge satellite communication and mission application solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors. We specialize in satellite ground systems, mission management, data analytics, data transport, and cloud infrastructure expertise, helping our customers advance their missions with precision and reliability.

Position Summary:

As a Proposal Manager, you will lead and manage the proposal development process for quick turn, complex opportunities within the aerospace and defense market. Working closely with the business development, engineering, and program management teams, you’ll ensure that proposals align with ARKA Group’s strategic objectives, meet customer needs, and demonstrate a competitive edge. You will be responsible for driving the proposal lifecycle from capture to submission, maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, and timely delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

· Proposal Management: Lead the development and submission of high-quality proposals for government and commercial contracts in the aerospace and defense industry.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with business development, engineering, finance, and legal teams to gather input and align proposal content with strategic objectives.

· Proposal Strategy: Develop win themes, competitive analyses, and proposal strategies to ensure ARKA Group’s strengths are highlighted and differentiators are clearly communicated.

· Schedule Management: Establish and manage the proposal schedule, ensuring milestones are met and compliance requirements are strictly adhered to.

· Compliance Management: Analyze requirements in Requests for Information (RFIs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) to ensure submissions are compliant.

· Writing and Editing: Oversee the creation, review, and editing of proposal content, maintaining consistency and clarity in messaging while mapping back to the solicitation.

· Risk Assessment and Costing: Collaborate with relevant departments to assess risk, and develop pricing strategies for Price to Win

· Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices, conduct post-proposal reviews, and gather feedback to improve future proposal processes.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in proposal management within the aerospace and defense market. · Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, engineering, communications, or a related field.
• Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple, high-stakes projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a focus on clarity, persuasiveness, and attention to detail.
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of the aerospace and defense industry, including key players, market dynamics, and contract types.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and proposal management tools (e.g., SharePoint, Adobe, or CRM systems).
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to anticipate challenges, adapt to changes, and find solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Active Top Secret / SCI Clearance

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Other Transaction (OT) Agreement procurements.
• Certification: APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification.
• Advanced Degree: MBA or Master’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with satellite communications, mission applications, or ground segment technology.
• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR): Knowledge of FAR/DFAR compliance for federal contracts.
• Leadership Skills: Experience leading and mentoring proposal teams or cross-functional project teams.
• Proficiency in Graphic Design Tools: Ability to create proposal graphics and logos to align with proposal themes.

Pay Range: $100,000 - $140,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

The application window will close in 40 days for this position. 

Location: 

Local position based out of ARKA’s nature abundant Aurora, CO campus. Being situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Aurora provides opportunities to enjoy all the beautiful nature that Colorado has to offer, while also being a 20-minute drive from downtown Denver and 15-minutes to the Denver International Airport.

 

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages 
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts 
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions 
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events 
• 13 paid holidays 
• Continuing education benefit up to $25k/year for approved programs 
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance 
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance 
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) 

EHS/Environmental Requirements:
This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 40 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

All Reqs: Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements: 

This position requires an active U.S. Government Security Clearance.

 

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

 

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check and drug screen.

 

ARKA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.