About the role

Afton Partners is seeking an experienced independent contractor to manage end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) processes for our public-sector consultancy. The contractor will be responsible for coordinating, developing, and submitting high-quality proposals that are compliant, compelling, and delivered on time.

Engagement Type: Independent contractor 

Compensation: Hourly, invoiced monthly (alternative compensation details can be discussed)

Workload: Anticipate evaluating 20-30 RFPs and responding to 10-15 RFPs by the end of 2026

What you'll do

RFP Management

• Monitor and review RFP/RFQ/RFI opportunities relevant to the company’s services

• Lead the full proposal lifecycle from kickoff through submission

• Develop proposal schedules, compliance matrices, and task assignments

• Serve as the central point of coordination among internal stakeholders and external partners

Proposal Writing and Content Development

• Draft, edit, and refine proposal sections including executive summaries, technical responses, management plans, and qualifications

• Tailor content to client requirements, evaluation criteria, and win themes

• Incorporate past performance, resumes, case studies, and visuals as needed

• Ensure consistency of voice, messaging, and formatting across submissions

Compliance and Quality Control 

• Ensure all submissions are fully compliant with RFP instructions and evaluation criteria

• Conduct final quality reviews for clarity, accuracy, and completeness

• Manage submission logistics (electronic portals, file naming, formatting, deadlines)

Process Improvement and Knowledge Management

• Maintain proposal templates, boilerplate content, and proposal libraries

• Recommend improvements to proposal processes, tools, and workflows

• Capture lessons learned and support post-submission debriefs when available

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing and writing RFP responses for professional services firms seeking partnerships with state leaders and agencies, local leaders and agencies, national and regional philanthropies, professional or civic associations, and similar audiences

• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders independently

• Familiarity with common procurement portals and submission platforms

About Afton Partners

Afton Partners is an impact-driven consultancy that reimagines and implements systems, policies, and practices that improve lives. We bring technical savvy and a relational approach to partnerships with clients across the early care and education, K-12, higher education, and workforce development sectors. Since 2011, Afton has collaborated on more than 150 initiatives in 40 states, and our clients include state and local government agencies, public school systems, charter schools, and philanthropies. We’re creative, committed, and energized by complexity. Together, we can solve our toughest societal challenges and co-create a future where each person has the opportunity for growth and fulfillment.