Proposal Writer

HCSC•Chicago, IL

About The Position

This position is responsible for writing and leading the activities associated with complex Request for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring the highest quality of service is provided while remaining consistent with the Company’s policies, procedures and philosophies – all under strict deadlines. Participate in the activities involved in the resolution of issues or concerns associated with the RFP process, ensuring follow-through to resolution. Coordinate assigned projects independently and with strict adherence to detailed customer specifications. Assist internal departments in creating additional documents, including pricing proposals, standard program proposals and ad hoc documents, when needed, to support the sales cycle. Support the Proposal Content Administrator in developing and maintaining proposal-ready response information and materials to utilize as a reference tool to complete future proposals or internal requests. Write, edit, organize, and package responses to Requests for Proposal, in compliance with detailed client requirements on stringent deadlines to ensure Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s qualification in bid process. Support sales and account management staff with questions regarding our products, processes, and administrative policies. Keep abreast of program, technical, product, and service enhancements or changes as they occur. Manage multiple projects simultaneously. Work with little supervision as well as know when to request supervision or assistance when necessary to meet deadlines. Communicate with Subject Matter Experts to answer specific client questions and record new information in proposals accurately. Interact with a variety of people in all areas of the organization, from technical staff to executive staff. Coordinate all kick-off proposal meetings to ensure all key players participate and understand their roles and responsibilities during the proposal process. Have the ability to work independently as well as work in a team atmosphere. Communicate effectively on unfamiliar topics to elicit technical and program information necessary to answer client questions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field and 3 years of proposal management experience specifically in the national/major or public sector OR 7 years of proposal writing experience
Demonstrated experience in leading complex RFPs for large, national employer groups.
Must be proficient in quickly reviewing and analyzing proposal solicitations and related documents to pull out all pertinent information
Demonstrated experience supporting highly customized proposal responses tailored to the client.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with ability to interface and work effectively as part of a team and cross-functionally.
Demonstrated ability to autonomously lead the proposal process from beginning to end, while working multiple RFPs/projects simultaneously
PC skills and experience in Microsoft products.
Verbal and written communication skills to complete Response for Proposals, coordinate activities with many departments, and incorporate layman terms in the proposal.
Demonstrated project management, organizing, planning and scheduling.
Demonstrated creative and business writing skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience and skills with proposal automation software such as Qorus, Responsive or Qvidian.
Proposal writing experience in the commercial, healthcare industry.

Responsibilities

Writing and leading activities associated with complex Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Participating in the resolution of issues or concerns associated with the RFP process.
Coordinating assigned projects independently and with strict adherence to detailed customer specifications.
Assisting internal departments in creating additional documents, including pricing proposals, standard program proposals and ad hoc documents.
Supporting the Proposal Content Administrator in developing and maintaining proposal-ready response information and materials.
Writing, editing, organizing, and packaging responses to Requests for Proposal.
Supporting sales and account management staff with questions regarding products, processes, and administrative policies.
Keeping abreast of program, technical, product, and service enhancements or changes.
Managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Communicating with Subject Matter Experts to answer specific client questions and record new information accurately.
Interacting with a variety of people in all areas of the organization.
Coordinating all kick-off proposal meetings.
Communicating effectively on unfamiliar topics to elicit technical and program information.