Sr Proposal Specialist

Introduction to Shield AIFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. 
Job Description:The Business Development (BD) Operations team is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Proposal Specialist with a background in defense contracting to join our team. The Proposal Specialist will be responsible for the development and submission of high-quality proposals documents to government agencies, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD). The successful candidate will have a keen understanding of the defense contracting landscape, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and be adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet proposal deadlines.
This opportunity is a management track that has exceptional growth potential within BD Operations and beyond.

What You'll Do:

• Developing and editing proposal content: Writing, editing, and refining proposal narratives, ensuring clarity, coherence, and compliance with RFP requirements.
• Proposal planning and administration: Supporting the planning, scheduling, and coordination of proposal efforts, including managing timelines, resources, and documentation.
• Compliance management: Ensuring proposals adhere to RFP specifications, government regulations, and company standards.
• Collaboration with stakeholders: Engaging with proposal manager, subject matter experts, technical teams, and other internal and external stakeholders to gather necessary information and ensure proposal accuracy and completeness.
• Proposal coordination: Coordinating cross-functionally between departments to gather necessary inputs, review proposal drafts, and finalize submissions.
• Documentation and reporting: Documenting proposal findings, communicating results to management or proposal teams, and preparing technical presentations as required.
• Training and support: Providing training and support to departmental staff on proposal development processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Research and promotional material: Developing research and promotional content, including marketing brochures and displays, to showcase the organization's projects and technical capabilities.
• Confidentiality: Maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Technical Writing, Business Administration/Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of Federal contracting experience preferred, with a focus on defense contracting. Alternatively, 7+ years of technical writing and editing experience, with familiarity in federal government requirements, will be considered.
• Familiarity with FAR-15 and DFARS regulations, involving expertise in federal acquisition processes and defense contracting compliance.
• Strong technical editor with the ability to author technical content for requests for information, abstracts, quad charts, statements of work, and technical proposal volumes.
• Must demonstrate a basic technical understanding of military or commercial systems (e.g., UASs, aviation, software) and technical writing/editing practices and standards.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively – both verbally and in writing.
• Outstanding record of academic and professional achievement.
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
• Proven track record of diligence, trustworthiness, high standards, kindness, and commitment to Shield AI's mission and core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference given to candidate with an active Secret Security Clearance (minimum) with the ability to obtain a higher clearance.
• Strong technical background especially with Medium and Large Segment (Group 3-5) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs).
• Familiarity with Foreign Military Sale/Funded (FMS/F) cases and relevant proposal submission experience.
• Demonstrated deep understanding of military operations and acquisition processes, facilitating strong customer relations.
• Demonstrated understanding of specific DoD operational scenarios and systems.
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