Proposal Specialist

National Express•Warrenville, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Summit School Services is seeking a Proposal Specialist to develop clear, compelling, and concise proposals that comply with RFP requirements and differentiate the company from competitors. This role involves leveraging knowledge of proposal development, the public transportation industry, marketing methods, and contract administration policies. The specialist will collaborate with various departments to gather information, proofread submissions, and participate in bid planning. The position also involves assisting with new formats, tools, graphics, and procedures to support the bid proposal process, as well as tracking RFPs in Salesforce and assisting with interview preparation. The role requires ensuring timely submission of all bids, including physical production, and keeping proposal software updated. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, English, or related field or equivalent experience.
Two or more years of Marketing experience and/or two or more years of experience in comprehensive proposal preparation.
Experience with effective presentation/marketing methods and contract administration policies.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio).
Strong working knowledge of Customer Relationship Management Systems (Salesforce preferred).
Strong working knowledge of SharePoint.
Strong working knowledge of Adobe Software (InDesign and PhotoShop preferred).
Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Flexible attitude, a team-player and strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to meet tight deadlines, if required, and manage multiple projects effectively.

Nice To Haves

Transportation industry experience preferred.
UPS and Fed Ex Shipping Software knowledge an advantage.
Working knowledge of proposal software preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop clear, compelling, and concise proposals that not only comply with individual RFP requirements but present Durham in the best possible light and differentiate us from our competitors.
Leverage strong knowledge of proposal development principles, trends/services/programs in the public transportation industry, effective presentation and marketing methods, contract administration policies, proposal, and the company’s mandate/vision/service commitments/goals to develop industry-leading proposals.
Liaise with stakeholders across the organization (e.g. Finance, Operations, Maintenance, etc.) to obtain required bid information, collaborate and/or clarify and maintain approved proposal boilerplate content.
Proofread and edit final proposal submissions for grammar and consistency aligned with Company policies and RFP requirements.
Participate in the development of new formats, tools, graphics, and procedures to support the Company’s bid proposal process.
Participate in bid planning sessions to support the development of strategies and annual sales plans for identifying potential new business opportunities.
Work with Senior Stakeholders to gain their approvals and/or signatures, where necessary.
Ensure all bids are submitted on time using the required delivery format. This includes physical proposal production.
Track all RFPs received by the Company and actions taken in Salesforce.
Assist business development leads in interview preparation which may include PowerPoint presentations and leave behinds.
Assist in keeping proposal software up to date.
Other duties as assigned.