Proposal Manager

Proposal Manager

As a member of the Business Development & Marketing Department, the Proposal Manager works collaboratively within the Business Development team to lead and manage complex pitches and RFPs, driving proposal strategy, drafting high-quality content, and ensuring successful execution of the Firm's proposal processes.

Essential Functions:

• Working with the Director of Proposals, Business Development Managers, attorneys, and departments across the Firm to evaluate RFP opportunities, identify key response contributors, and shape content approach and positioning.
• Supporting go/no-go decisions by assessing RFP requirements, Firm capabilities, competitive dynamics, and resource demands, and providing clear recommendations to BD leadership and attorneys.
• Leading complex and high stakes RFP responses, including assigning components across Firm departments, running attorney kick-off and status calls, overseeing project timelines, developing drafts according to RFP requirements, and crafting client-focused messaging that articulates the Firm's value proposition.
• Drafting, reviewing, and refining original proposal and pitch content – including executive summaries, cover letters, and other tailored materials – exercising independent judgment to ensure quality, consistency, and strict compliance with all RFP requirements.
• Making strategic judgment calls regarding content, format, and the involvement of key Firm departments.
• Translating attorney input and legal concepts into clear, compelling, and client-focused proposal messaging, ensuring Firm capabilities and value are communicated effectively to prospective clients.
• Serving as a core resource for proposal best practices, leading training, onboarding, and professional development for the Business Development Support Team and guiding team members on large-scale, specialized, and high-visibility proposals.
• Playing an active role in developing and managing the Firm's experience database, standard proposal content, and various proposal templates.
• Tracking and managing RFP and pitch activity using DealCloud, Foundation, and related tools to support reporting, efficient processes, and continuous content improvement.
• Partnering with the Director of Proposals and Business Development Managers to conduct post-submission debriefs and win/loss analyses, capturing feedback and trends to inform future proposal strategy and content improvements.
• Liaising with Knowledge Management to procure and analyze competitive intelligence, industry research, and corporate information, helping attorneys and BD leaders translate data into compelling proposal messaging.

Additional Functions: Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

Education: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in marketing, business, communications or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of related work experience, preferably in the legal marketing or professional services industry.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading capabilities. Excellent interpersonal communication and analytical skills. Detail-focused; high level of accuracy is a must. Strong customer service skills, including the ability to anticipate needs and exercise sound judgment. Outstanding project management and organizational skills. Ability to prioritize deadlines, stay poised under pressure, and multi-task with a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to solve problems, analyze situations and suggest appropriate solutions. Demonstrated ability to work with individuals at all levels across the Firm as well as within the Business Development and Marketing Department. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Must be self-motivated, resourceful, and reliable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Ability to maintain professional standards of confidentiality, tact, and discretion.

Work Environment & Physical Demands: This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Requirements Sedentary work: Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.