Senior Proposal Specialist

Cognizant’s Workday practice seeks an experienced Senior Proposal Specialist to support the sales organization and manage the full life-cycle of the proposal development process including planning, scheduling, and managing the request for proposals (RFPs) and other bidding opportunities and documents in the state & local and federal government space. This individual should be detail-oriented, flexible, a self-starter, and should enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment. 

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all major proposal efforts for federal response which includes but is not limited to, develops the strategy, writes, reviews and edits content. 

• Analyze RFIs/RFPs and outline and organize proposal/submittal to be responsive to customer requirements, including content, format, forms, and other information. 

• Manage multiple RFIs/RFPs simultaneously, while under deadline-driven environment. 

• Establish the desired proposal themes, key issues, messages in conjunction with other members of the pursuit team along with an aligned sales manager. 

• Create assignment plans, develops schedules, and deliverables for proposal efforts. 

• Build proposal draft according to the set outline in each RFI/RFP and in alignment with company established style guidelines and messaging. 

• Coordinate with various functional groups including sales, delivery, marketing, legal, finance and resource management to develop the main components of the proposal. 

• Craft core proposal content by leveraging reusable content. 

• Edit proposals for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and consistent voice. 

• Drive proposal reviews including determining participants, review timeliness, and integrating appropriate comments/modifications. 

• Manage and coordinate publishing efforts with print vendors for hard copy requirements as needed. 
• Capture reusable content utilized for proposals and maintain in SharePoint. 

• Assist with the development of PowerPoint in preparation for presentations. 

Skills & Requirements:

• 10+ years of proposal management experience in the federal space with support of a variety of departments and agencies (federal/civilian and DoD/IC). 

• Experience reading and analyzing federal requests for proposal (RFPs), request for information (RFI), requests for quotation (RFQs), sources sought, and task orders. 

• Working knowledge of government and military contracts, GSA, and FAR. 

• Understanding of federal business development cycle, RFPs, and proposal requirements 

• Very organized individual with the ability to work in a highly deadline-driven environment with strong time management and multi-tasking skills. 

• Excellent project-management skills and strong attention to detail. 

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, demonstrating flexibility, accountability, initiative, and self-motivation to identify and execute tasks. 

Ability to work closely with project teams with varying work styles and work schedules. 

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) skills required, SharePoint and Salesforce a plus. 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university or equivalent experience. 

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until 06/22/2025 The annual salary for this position is between $92,772 - $139,158 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program , based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Why choose Cognizant:

• Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas
• Opportunity to do great work
• Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit
• Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement
• Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific
• An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs

Cognizant Core Values:

• Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other’s strengths to win as a team.
• Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver.
• Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what’s possible.
• Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice.
• Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community.

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