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Proposal Lead

Colorado Springs

About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we're not just another tech company-we're a mission-driven team of innovators, problem-solvers, and trailblazers. Whether supporting space exploration, defense systems, global alliances, government initiatives, healthcare advancements, or commercial breakthroughs, our work spans industries that shape the future. Founded in 2018, Bluestaq has quickly become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management. Our name? A nod to our roots-"blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack).

Recognized Excellence
We don't just talk about excellence-we deliver it. Bluestaq has earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and is consistently ranked among Colorado's Best Workplaces. Whether we're supporting national security, enabling healthcare advancements, or driving commercial innovation, we're committed to building data management solutions that matter.

Join the Mission
Ready to push boundaries with tech that transforms industries? At Bluestaq, we engineer secure, scalable data ecosystems for space, defense, healthcare, and beyond. Join us to tackle mission-critical challenges, protect the world's most valuable data, and build what's next. Let's make extraordinary possible - together.

Drive High‑Value Proposal Wins
We are seeking a highly organized and strategic Proposal Lead to lead Bluestaq's most critical proposal efforts. This role blends proposal leadership with persuasive writing: you will operate independently driving process where none exists, and partnering with executives, sales, program managers, technical leadership, finance, and contracts to deliver winning, compliant proposals.

Why This Role Matters
Winning new business depends on our ability to translate complex technical and operational requirements into clear, compelling proposals. You will provide essential people, project, and proposal management skills-navigating a dynamic, hyper‑growth environment with competing priorities and overlapping schedules. Your work will directly shape Bluestaq's growth trajectory and secure high‑value contracts.

Responsibilities:

  • Independently lead the full lifecycle of large, strategic proposals from kickoff to submission, ensuring compliance and quality.
  • Engage directly with executives, sales teams, program managers, technical leaders, finance, and contracts to align on win themes, messaging, and pricing strategies.
  • Develop proposal outlines, schedules, and content plans, proactively driving progress without day‑to‑day oversight.
  • Write, edit, and refine proposal sections, synthesizing input from SMEs into clear, persuasive narratives.
  • Build proposal management processes and frameworks in areas where none currently exist.
  • Facilitate team reviews, incorporate feedback, and drive continuous improvement of proposal content and processes.
  • Maintain and expand a centralized proposal content library and templates for future use.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert and single point of accountability for proposal management.
  • Oversee graphics, production, and delivery, ensuring polished and professional submissions.
  • Support development of sales enablement materials for demos and capture efforts.
  • Track proposal metrics and lessons learned to inform future capture strategies and improve win rates.
  • Oversee the Bluestaq Technical Writer's work.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • 8+ years leading complex proposal efforts, with a proven record of federal or DoD proposal wins.
  • Comfortable working independently while engaging senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
  • Deep knowledge of RFP/RFQ processes, compliance matrices, and proposal best practices.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills, with a strong attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to influence and partner with senior executives and multiple business functions.
  • Proficiency with proposal management tools (e.g., MS Word, PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop).
  • Experience mentoring or training others on proposal best practices (even informally).
  • Proven ability to thrive in a deadline‑conscious, results‑driven environment while managing multiple projects.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to influence across executives, sales, technical, finance, and contracts teams.
  • Experience building and implementing new processes and frameworks in a fast‑moving organization.
  • In-depth understanding of the Shipley (or related) proposal process
  • APMP certification or equivalent preferred.
  • Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or high‑tech industries a plus.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, English, or a related field, with 8+ years of proposal management experience (federal, defense, or complex technical proposals preferred).

Clearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, US Citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.

Why Colorado Springs?

  • Tech Talent Hotspot - Ranked #2 up-and-coming tech market in North America by CBRE (2024).
  • Top Place to Live - Named #3 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and Most Desirable City overall by U.S. News (2024-25).
  • Neighborly Spirit - Recognized as America's Most Neighborly City (2024) for community engagement and quality of life.
  • Active Lifestyle Hub - Top 5 for hiking and fitness, blending outdoor recreation and wellness (2022).
  • Pet-Friendly Leader - Ranked #1 Most Pet-Friendly City in the U.S. (2023) for furry, scaly, and feathery friends.
  • Women's Workforce Haven - Ranked #6 Best City for Women in the Workforce by Checkr (2025), highlighting earning potential and female leadership opportunities.

With 300 days of sunshine and the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, Colorado Springs offers the perfect mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure.

Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted until October 4, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.

Salary Range (CO)

$120,000 - $140,000 USD

Why Join Us?

  • Purpose-Driven Work: Support systems that power industries and critical operations, including healthcare and defense.
  • Continuous Growth: Expand your technical expertise with hands-on projects and mentorship.
  • Dynamic Environment: Be part of a team that thrives on problem-solving, learning, and collaboration.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of data management in healthcare, defense, and beyond!

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.

Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com.

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