Manager, Proposals & New Business (Hybrid)

Salary: $80,000-$92,000/annually, based on experience.

Morreale is hiring an experienced professional who is passionate about developing winning new business proposals. The Manager, Proposals & New Business will harness the concepting and idea-sharing that takes place during a brainstorm with the new business team to deliver thoughtful and targeted proposals rooted in research, awareness, and measured outcomes. We are not looking for a cut and paste philosophy. The successful candidate is a leader who is intuitive, curious and innovative, possessing a natural interest and drive to understand industry trends and opportunities. They bring a developed perspective to the table while collecting big ideas from the new business team to draft and design targeted and solution-oriented proposals.

The ideal candidate will have experience across multiple verticals including transportation, healthcare, and utilities, as well as a foundation of basic graphic design skills. This individual should be well-organized, self-motivated and a strong communicator and writer.

The Manager, Proposals & New Business will come prepared to proposal kick-off meetings with subject matter research done, a solid understanding of proposal requirements and the right questions to facilitate an inspiring and productive meeting. They will bring clarity, logic, and structure to the proposal process to establish best practices in the development of the business pursuit cycle. The Manager, New Business will work across all sectors and practices within the firm.

Job Responsibilities:
Proposal Process

• Lead the proposal process from capture through the interview stage.
• Assist with large proposals and lead Requests for Information, Requests for Qualifications, and other proposals for local, state and federal clients in addition to private sector clients.
• Participate in pre-RFP capture/proposal planning, supporting the development of key messages and differentiators in deliverables.
• Serve as lead writer/editor for, at least, cover letters, resumes and past performance sections for proposals.
• Collaborate with pursuit leads, and the creative and operations team on the content development, design, and administrative compliance of submissions.
• Lead the process to develop visually impactful new business presentations and proposals in-person and virtually. This includes managing the room setup for in-person pitches, pitch prep sessions, day of pitch facilitation and follow-up.
• Lead internal debriefs after proposal submittal, and review client feedback on proposals to drive continuous improvement.
• Identify and build relationships with team partners and subconsultants to support successful pursuits.
• Responsible for quality and compliance deliverables.

Strategic Positioning

• Research relevant trends, competitors, or category benchmarks.
• Manage weekly business development meetings and use CRM system to track pending proposals, follow-up, and win rate and facilitate debrief meetings for lost pursuits.
• Track (and sometimes attend) networking events, sponsorship opportunities, memberships to associations and committee/board assignments for member organizations we are part of. This position will help to make sure we are in the right room with the right people to position the team for success.
• Identify and monitor Request for Proposal (RFP) sites in key business lines to identify new business opportunities, including Health and Wellness, Energy and Utilities, Transportation, Infrastructure and Mobility and Public Affairs.
• Research new business opportunities in the public and private sector. Manage public sector procurement opportunities and position the firm to be invited to bid on public sector opportunities.
• Leverage existing relationships with supplier diversity professionals and others to position the firm for successful pursuits.
• Identify opportunities for firm and leadership participation at events in key business areas to support strategic positioning for new business opportunities.
• Keep proposal templates, capabilities decks, and case studies updated.
• Attend events as needed.

To be successful this person must be/have:

• Attention to detail and deadline driven.
• Strong writing and copy-editing skills.
• Organized with strong communication skills.
• Creative and a natural problem solver.

Job Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible hybrid schedule in the Morreale office, three days per week.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of related experience in marketing roles with an emphasis on proposal development and new business pursuit management.
• Passion for the work we do and genuine excitement to translate that into proposal and marketing content to highlight our value proposition in key business areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: MS Office, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design preferred but not required.
• Experience working and collaborating with marketing and creative teams.
• Comfort interacting with all levels of team members, including executive leadership.
• Ability to work independently and quickly, managing multiple projects to completion.
• Well organized, accurate and self-motivated with high attention to detail.
• A positive attitude and desire for continuous learning and growth.
• Super collaborator that is detail-oriented and seeking growth in their career.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to attend Morreale or other relevant industry events, throughout the state of Illinois, is required.

Benefits:

• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits
• 401k with Safe Harbor contribution
• Profit Sharing Program
• Paid personal time off
• Paid Maternity Leave

Commitment to Morreale Core Values
View our Core Values video here !
Our core values represent the beliefs, philosophies and principles that define who we are and how we do business. We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates commitment and character to upholding the Morreale Core Values in all they do. 

• Accountability: Own it and honor our commitment to others. 
• Diversity: Embrace diverse perspectives and foster a culture of inclusion. 
• Excellence: Think big. Be bold and make every action count. 
• Integrity: Be honest, respectful and trustworthy. Always do the right thing. 
• Collaboration: Stronger together. Elevate each other’s unique abilities to build on our collective strength. 

This position requires being in the office three days per week and will enjoy a hybrid office environment with competitive health benefits, professional development opportunities and additional perks throughout the year. Morreale works out of a custom office in Rosemont, IL. The office is within walking distance to shopping, dining and special events with free parking and transportation from the CTA Blue Line. While we will continue to offer a flexible work schedule, we are only considering candidates who are enthusiastic about being in the office to collaborate with their colleagues three days per week.

About Morreale
Founded in 2006, Morreale Communications is a leading strategic communications agency working at the intersection of business, media, policy and people. Driven by the desire to empower our clients by elevating their voices during times of change, crisis and opportunity, Morreale offers an integrated suite of solutions. Core capabilities include strategic message development, stakeholder engagement, branding and creative strategy, digital & social communications, diversity & inclusion, policy strategy and media relations. Morreale is a certified WBE/WBENC agency bringing unrivaled experience from a wide range of backgrounds to provide deep insights and counsel to our clients.

Morreale Communications is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. Thank you to all applicants for your interest in this opportunity. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.