OPT Proposal Manager Jobs
Proposal Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in business, communications, or technical writing. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization, and employers in government contracting, consulting, and engineering frequently sponsor H-1B visas for this position.
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We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.
Position Summary
A successful candidate will play a critical role in the quality of our RFP responses and the efficiency of the whole team. The quality analyst continuously strives to increase their knowledge of Aetna Medicaid, products offered, and industry best practices to produce thoughtful, strategic, quality edits at every milestone of the proposal process.
The Quality Analyst supports the quality and consistency of Aetna Medicaid proposal responses through detailed proofreading, editing, and structured review processes. This role focuses on foundational quality practices, ensuring content aligns with style, formatting, and compliance expectations while developing and honing their skills.
Required Qualifications
- Conduct structured quality checks to support compliance, consistency, and responsiveness to RFP requirements, following established guidelines and processes.
- 1-2 years of Medicaid proposal experience.
- 1-2 plus years of proposal writing experience.
- Ensure all content aligns with Aetna style, bid guides, templates, and brand voice, maintaining consistency across proposal materials.
- Collaborate with proposal writers and quality team members to provide clear, constructive edits and feedback throughout the review process.
- Utilize editing and collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Word, PerfectIt, and AI-enabled tools) to enhance efficiency and consistency.
- Support and drive the development of internal processes and procedures, including scorecards, quality business reports, style guides, and performance measures.
- Follow defined proposal processes, timelines, and quality standards to ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned work.
- Build foundational knowledge of Aetna Medicaid products, proposal structure, and industry best practices to support quality development.
- Actively participate in team meetings, training, and coaching to continuously strengthen editing, compliance, and quality review skills that drive effectiveness and efficiency.
- Ability to work extended hours including nights and weekends during proposal review stages.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (SharePoint, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint) and AI technology/tools (Asana, Domo, proposal management software).
- Ability to travel – up to 15-30%.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with understanding of Associated Press and internal style guides.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of APMP and Shipley best practices; Six Sigma certification and APMP Bid/Proposal Foundation Certification are recommended.
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Five plus years of experience in a quality reviewer/editor capacity.
Pay Range
The typical pay range for this role is:
$75,400.00 - $182,549.00
This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.
Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.
Great benefits for great people
We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.
This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.
Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.
We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 11/21/2026
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Proposal Manager
Target government contracting firms first
Defense and federal contractors like Booz Allen, SAIC, and Leidos hire Proposal Managers regularly and have established H-1B sponsorship pipelines. These firms plan hiring well in advance, giving OPT students time to secure sponsorship before their authorization expires.
Lead with your degree field explicitly
Proposal Manager roles require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, typically business, communications, or engineering. Make your degree field prominent in your resume header so hiring managers can immediately confirm you meet the specialty occupation requirement for OPT eligibility.
Quantify proposal win rates on your resume
Employers evaluate Proposal Managers on measurable outcomes. Include win rates, number of proposals managed, and contract values where possible. Concrete metrics signal readiness for the role and distinguish your application from candidates with only general writing experience.
Get Shipley or APMP certified before you apply
The Shipley Method and APMP Foundation certification are industry standards in proposal management. Completing either before job searching signals professional commitment and directly addresses employer concerns about hiring someone on a time-limited work authorization like OPT.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship after an offer, not before
Raising visa sponsorship during an initial interview shifts focus away from your qualifications. Wait until an employer expresses strong interest or extends an offer, then confirm their sponsorship policy directly. Government contractors and large consulting firms sponsor most frequently.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience
Proposal Managers work with legal, finance, technical, and executive teams simultaneously. Demonstrating that you have managed multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines reassures employers that you can contribute immediately, which reduces perceived risk in sponsoring someone on OPT.
Proposal Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Proposal Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes, in most cases. Proposal Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree in business, communications, English, or a technical field, which satisfies the specialty occupation requirement for OPT work authorization. Roles at government contractors and consulting firms almost always meet the standard. Positions at smaller companies with looser degree requirements may need closer review before you apply.
Which industries hire Proposal Managers and sponsor H-1B visas most often?
Government contracting is the strongest industry for both hiring and H-1B sponsorship. Firms supporting federal agencies in defense, IT, and infrastructure routinely sponsor Proposal Managers because demand for the role is high and qualified candidates are limited. Engineering firms, management consulting companies, and healthcare services contractors also sponsor regularly. You can filter by industry on Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers in these sectors.
Can I work as a Proposal Manager on STEM OPT extension?
Only if your degree falls under a STEM-designated field. Most Proposal Manager roles are supported by degrees in business or communications, which are not STEM-designated. If your degree is in a STEM field such as computer science, engineering, or information systems, and your employer qualifies, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How far in advance should I start my job search as a Proposal Manager on OPT?
Start at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Proposal Manager hiring cycles at government contractors can move slowly due to internal clearance checks and team budget approvals. Beginning early gives you time to complete the application process, negotiate an offer, and confirm H-1B sponsorship intent before your work authorization window becomes a concern for the employer.
What experience can I include on my resume if I have no direct proposal management experience?
Focus on transferable experience: grant writing, research reports, client-facing presentations, project coordination, or any work involving structured writing under deadlines. Internship experience in communications, business development, or consulting is directly relevant. Academic capstone projects that involved formal documentation or competitive proposals also count. Employers hiring junior Proposal Managers understand that candidates are developing the role, so demonstrating writing rigor and process discipline matters more than the specific job title.