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I’m Deborah Helfrich, a versatile leader, writer, and strategist with 25+ years of experience spanning proposal development, writing and editing, coaching, people management, and organizational leadership. I’m known for creating innovative programs, scaling services across complex organizations, and helping individuals and teams perform at their best. At ICF, I founded and scaled the Writing Center, integrated AI-assisted drafting, and designed practical toolkits that doubled adoption and standardized best practices company-wide. I lead cross-functional teams, coach talent, and translate strategy into high-quality content and compelling proposals that win business.…I’m Deborah Helfrich, a versatile leader, writer, and strategist with 25+ years of experience spanning proposal development, writing and editing, coaching, people management, and organizational leadership. I’m known for creating innovative programs, scaling services across complex organizations, and helping individuals and teams perform at their best. At ICF, I founded and scaled the Writing Center, integrated AI-assisted drafting, and designed practical toolkits that doubled adoption and standardized best practices company-wide. I lead cross-functional teams, coach talent, and translate strategy into high-quality content and compelling proposals that win business.

Deborah Helfrich

Writer, Content Producer, Project Manager, +1

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I’m Deborah Helfrich, a versatile leader, writer, and strategist with 25+ years of experience spanning proposal development, writing and editing, coaching, people management, and organizational leadership. I’m known for creating innovative programs, scaling services across complex organizations, and helping individuals and teams perform at their best. At ICF, I founded and scaled the Writing Center, integrated AI-assisted drafting, and designed practical toolkits that doubled adoption and standardized best practices company-wide. I lead cross-functional teams, coach talent, and translate strategy into high-quality content and compelling proposals that win business.…I’m Deborah Helfrich, a versatile leader, writer, and strategist with 25+ years of experience spanning proposal development, writing and editing, coaching, people management, and organizational leadership. I’m known for creating innovative programs, scaling services across complex organizations, and helping individuals and teams perform at their best. At ICF, I founded and scaled the Writing Center, integrated AI-assisted drafting, and designed practical toolkits that doubled adoption and standardized best practices company-wide. I lead cross-functional teams, coach talent, and translate strategy into high-quality content and compelling proposals that win business.

Available to hire

I’m Deborah Helfrich, a versatile leader, writer, and strategist with 25+ years of experience spanning proposal development, writing and editing, coaching, people management, and organizational leadership. I’m known for creating innovative programs, scaling services across complex organizations, and helping individuals and teams perform at their best.

At ICF, I founded and scaled the Writing Center, integrated AI-assisted drafting, and designed practical toolkits that doubled adoption and standardized best practices company-wide. I lead cross-functional teams, coach talent, and translate strategy into high-quality content and compelling proposals that win business.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Director, Writing Center, Enterprise Proposal Center at ICF

January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Created and scaled the company’s first Writing Center, leveraging coaching, workshops, and AI-powered drafting to support proposal development. Directed all program strategy and operations, supporting proposals with contract values from $100K to $5B.

Director, Proposal Services, Enterprise Proposal Center at ICF

January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023

Led a 40-person cross-functional team of editors, writers, designers, formatters, and coordinators providing enterprise-wide proposal support. Oversaw service expansion, organizational restructuring, quality delivery, and customer engagement.

Senior Proposal Manager & Team Lead at ICF

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021

Managed complex federal and state proposals, guiding teams through the full lifecycle from planning to submission. Directed writers and editors while aligning content with business strategy.

Senior Publications & Proposal Support Manager at ICF

January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2017

Built and led publication groups and proposal support teams, establishing content libraries and elevating quality standards. Guided leadership on business development strategy.

Editor at ICF

January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003

Provided editorial and formatting expertise to strengthen proposals and other publications. Introduced quality standards that improved compliance and readability.

Owner at Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

January 1, 2011 - Present

Offer dog-centered, people-friendly training programs, classes, and workshops.

Director of Training & Certification at Therapy Dogs of Vermont

January 1, 2005 - Present

Oversee statewide certification program and 20+ volunteers; former Board VP.

Foster & Canine Behavior Advisor at Self-employed / Therapy Dogs of Vermont

January 1, 2002 - Present

Provide training, foster dogs, and support humane education.