Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager
Strategic Education, Inc · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $118,850 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead strategic RFP and RFI responses.
- Develop win themes and competitive positioning.
- Collaborate with sales and internal teams.
- Identify and track strategic opportunities.
- Improve proposal processes and content.
About the role
Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager
Strategic Education, Inc. is seeking a Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager to lead the development of high-quality, strategic responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other formal solicitations that support Workforce Edge’s growth. This role directly contributes to improving win rates by strengthening deal positioning, shaping proposal narratives, and aligning responses to client priorities and competitive dynamics.
The role also supports early identification of upcoming opportunities by monitoring market activity and partnering with Sales to engage proactively when possible, helping position Workforce Edge more effectively ahead of formal procurement.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Proposal Strategy & Strategic Alignment
- Lead the development of strategic, high-quality RFP/RFI responses from intake through submission, ensuring alignment to client needs and evaluation criteria.
- Define and embed win themes, key messaging, and competitive positioning into each proposal in partnership with Sales to strengthen Workforce Edge’s differentiation in priority opportunities.
- Guide contributors and SMEs to deliver clear, relevant, and compelling content, elevating overall response quality.
- Serve as a strategic partner to Sales, Marketing, Product, and Client Services to ensure consistent positioning across all materials.
- Partner with the Project Manager to ensure strategic priorities are reflected in execution while maintaining focus on content quality and deal alignment.
- Capture insights from proposals to inform ongoing improvements in messaging, positioning, and future deal strategy.
Strategic Opportunity Support
- Partner with Sales to identify and track upcoming RFPs and strategic opportunities across target markets, leveraging client relationships, partner channels, and industry networks.
- Monitor industry signals, procurement activity, and competitive trends to surface insights that inform earlier engagement.
Scalability & Continuous Improvement
- Track proposal outcomes and develop insights to improve future responses.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen: Messaging and positioning, Content reuse and efficiency, Overall proposal effectiveness.
- Leverage tools and emerging technologies, including AI where appropriate, to enhance content development and knowledge management.
Job Skills
- Strong proposal management and project coordination skills.
- Ability to translate complex solutions into clear, compelling written content.
- Understanding of sales processes and competitive positioning.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
- Familiarity with proposal tools and content management systems.
- Comfort leveraging tools and technology to improve efficiency and scalability.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in RFP management, proposals, or related fields (B2B, SaaS, healthcare, or consulting preferred).
- Exposure to or experience supporting deal strategy, sales processes, or early-stage opportunity engagement preferred.
- Experience building or improving proposal processes, tools, or content libraries.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered in lieu of formal education.
Certificates, Licenses And Registrations
- Relevant certifications in proposal management or project management are a plus but not required.
Other
- Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise.
- Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role.
- If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
- Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
- Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant.
- Able to access information using a computer.
Benefits
SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.
$95,100.00 - $142,600.00 - Salary
If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.
Key skills/competency
- Proposal Management
- RFP Response
- Strategic Alignment
- Sales Support
- Content Development
- Project Coordination
- Stakeholder Management
- Business Development
- Competitive Analysis
- Process Improvement
Skills & topics
- RFP Manager
- Proposal Development
- Strategic Sales
- Business Development
- Content Strategy
- Project Management
- Sales Operations
- B2B Sales
- SaaS
- Healthcare
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight RFP management, proposal strategy, and sales support experience.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Showcase your understanding of Strategic Education, Inc.'s mission and this role's impact.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Use the STAR method to detail your cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Research proposal tools: Familiarize yourself with common RFP software and content management systems.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking: Be ready to discuss how you've improved proposal effectiveness and win rates.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of the Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager at Strategic Education, Inc.?
- The Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager at Strategic Education, Inc. leads the development of strategic responses to RFPs/RFIs, defines win themes and competitive positioning, collaborates with sales and other departments, identifies new opportunities, and drives continuous improvement in proposal processes and content.
- What qualifications are essential for this Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager role?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience), a minimum of 5 years in RFP management or proposals, strong proposal management and project coordination skills, the ability to translate complex solutions into clear content, and an understanding of sales processes and competitive positioning.
- Is this a remote or on-site position?
- The job description indicates that the ability to work onsite in a Corporate or Campus location may be required based on the role. If it's an offsite or hybrid role, remote work requirements such as privacy, reliable internet, and video conferencing capabilities are necessary.
- What is the salary range for the Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager position at Strategic Education, Inc.?
- The expected salary range for this position is between $95,100.00 and $142,600.00 annually. Actual base pay may vary based on factors like knowledge, skills, experience, business needs, and geographical location.
- Does Strategic Education, Inc. offer benefits for this role?
- Yes, SEI offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement benefit.
- What kind of experience is preferred for the Sr. RFP and Proposal Manager role?
- Preferred experience includes B2B, SaaS, healthcare, or consulting environments, supporting deal strategy, sales processes, early-stage opportunity engagement, and experience building or improving proposal processes, tools, or content libraries.
- How important is attention to detail for this role?
- Attention to detail is crucial for this role. Candidates must ensure the accuracy and completeness of RFP and RFI responses, which is vital for strengthening deal positioning and improving win rates.