Proposal Manager, Client Solutions
Immediate
Chicago, IL
We are seeking an experienced Proposal Manager with proven experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Working with our Client Solutions group, this individual will be responsible for understanding how Cresa’s suite of services work together and for articulating our unique value add to prospective portfolio clients through thoughtfully crafted proposals, presentations and custom collateral. This individual will support both business development, existing/expanding business efforts and internal initiatives.
The Proposal Manager will manage the pursuit process from strategy and content development through draft revision and final submission. The ideal candidate is comfortable writing short- and long-form copy, working within InDesign and PowerPoint templates and managing competing deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must – our Proposal Manager will work with representatives from multiple service lines to create comprehensive responses to complex RFPs. They must be capable of enhancing boilerplate and also writing new content with input from multiple team members. The ideal candidate will make complicated concepts accessible through clear, concise writing. Most importantly, the Proposal Manager will be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented and share Cresa’s “one team” mindset.
Responsibilities
- Create collateral to support a range of business development and existing business efforts
- Lead the entire proposal process from kick-off and content development through draft review and final submission, ensuring our response aligns with the client’s request
- Synthesize ideas to write short- and long-form copy (initial proposal drafts, resumes, case studies, etc.) including Cover Letters or Executive Summaries for important pursuits
- Establish a proposal response schedule which outlines action items, the team member responsible and internal deadlines – this includes pricing templates and MSA redlines
- Manage the revision process and ensure content is finalized in a timely manner to allow for formatting and design
- Input and upload the final proposal to procurement platforms when applicable (e.g. Ariba)
- Develop additional deliverables following proposal submission, as needed (Workshops, YellowPads, Final Presentations, Best and Final Offers, etc.)
- Schedule in-person dry runs and secure meeting spaces for the pitch team when traveling, coordinating with local counterparts, as necessary
- Conduct light research and interview team members across the organization to elicit the information required for new collateral
- Conduct knowledge management by maintaining a library of newly developed content and ensuring that content is routinely updated and easily accessible for future use
- Identify and share best practices and process improvements
- Develop a thorough understanding of Cresa’s value proposition and how the organization’s suite of services work together
- Collaborate with the Senior Graphic Designer and Cresa’s Corporate Marketing team to ensure alignment with brand standards
Requirements
- 5-8 years of marketing experience
- Prior experience supporting business development efforts by managing proposals, presentations and custom collateral for commercial real estate services
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or Business
- Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills – attention to detail is critical
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently, lead large pursuits and manage competing deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven experience working with cross-functional teams
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign is a must) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work across multiple time zones to accommodate global initiatives on occasion
Location
- Remote
Cresa is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Cresa strongly believes in equal opportunity extended to all individuals in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, belief, creed, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity (including childbirth and related conditions), family responsibility (e.g. child care, elder care), nationality, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, political view or status as a qualified individual with a disability, protected leave status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.