Job Description

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Director of Government Contract Sales and RFPs for New Business is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new government contracting opportunities that align with the organization’s strategic goals. This position leads the full lifecycle of the RFP process, manages proposal development efforts, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and drives growth in the government sector. The role demands a combination of business development strategy, government contracting expertise, and strong leadership to expand the organization’s footprint across federal, state, and local government markets.

This position reports to the Chief Business Strategy Officer and is responsible for leading efforts to secure new government contracts by reviewing various portals and websites that align with our current and potential offerings and managing the full sales and proposal lifecycle. This role supports organizational growth by identifying strategic opportunities, executing targeted outreach, and driving the development of high-quality, compliant proposals. Additionally, this position ensures seamless coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders, while also contributing to market research, event participation, and content development aligned with government contracting objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the federal, state, and local government sectors from different avenues, such as government and state portals and websites;
• Manage the full RFP lifecycle, including review, response development, and final submission;
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather technical, financial, and operational inputs for proposals;
• Draft, edit, and refine high-quality, compliant proposals tailored to specific contract requirements;
• Lead contract negotiations with government agencies to secure favorable terms;
• Manage post-award compliance, documentation, and legal reviews in collaboration with relevant departments;
• Ensure proposals and contracts comply with applicable regulations and internal policies;
• Work with marketing teams to develop supporting materials and messaging for government outreach;
• Build and maintain relationships with procurement officers, agency representatives, and other government contacts;
• Monitor and analyze government procurement trends and upcoming opportunities;
• Conduct debriefs on awarded and non-awarded contracts to refine future proposal strategies.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Business Development
• Proposal and RFP Management
• Government Contracting Knowledge
• Relationship Building
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Written Communication
• Leadership and Team Collaboration

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

• 7–10+ years of experience in sales, business development, or government contracting with a focus on RFPs and new business acquisition;
• Demonstrated success in securing contracts at the federal, state, or local levels;
• Familiarity with government procurement platforms (e.g., SAM.gov, FPDS, GSA schedules);
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through the proposal development process;
• Strong understanding of government contract types, pricing structures, and associated compliance risks;
• Advanced writing and editing skills, especially in crafting responses to RFPs, RFIs, and other procurement requests;
• Experience in developing proposal budgets that align with cost requirements and organizational capabilities;
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or government contracting certification preferred.

Employee Benefits

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
• Medical (~65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse), dental and vision insurance offered
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

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