RFP and Pursuits Manager

Polsinelli•Chicago, IL

19h•$140,000 - $200,000

About The Position

At Polsinelli, What a Law Firm Should Be is not just our tagline, it is what we live every day. We strive to create a dynamic environment where our team members are encouraged to bring their creativity and professional passions into the workplace so that they can thrive. Polsinelli is seeking an experienced RFP and Pursuits Manager to lead and execute the firm’s Request for Proposal (RFP) and strategic pursuits efforts. This role is central to the firm’s business development (BD) function, serving as both a strategic advisor and project manager throughout the full pursuit lifecycle — from early-stage opportunity assessment to pitch preparation and post-submission follow-up. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys partnering with attorneys, firm leadership, and cross-functional teams to develop winning proposals that highlight Polsinelli’s strengths and value to clients. The Manager will have one direct report and will work in close partnership with our entire BD team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
7+ years of relevant work experience in the legal industry strongly preferred
Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Strong writing and editing abilities with a focus on clarity, tone, and client impact.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively with senior partners and leadership.
High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality deliverables.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with CRM and marketing databases such as Foundation.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
A proactive, client-focused mindset with a collaborative spirit.

Responsibilities

Serve as project lead for multi-practice and preferred panel counsel RFPs – from intake to submission – coordinating timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders.
Communicates professionally and effectively to ensure the appropriate fact gathering occurs, deadlines are met, and stakeholders and other team members appreciate their tasks, responsibilities and deadlines.
Collaborate cross-functionally with attorneys, BD and marketing, pricing, HR, and other administrative departments to develop responsive, compelling and client-centric RFP responses and strategic proposals.
In partnership with the BD team, support attorneys in evaluating RFPs and other client pursuits, identifying where the firm’s capabilities can address client priorities and deliver additional value.
Prepare attorneys for pitch meetings and finalist presentations, including developing any additional materials, refining messaging, coordinating prep sessions and providing strategic coaching to strengthen delivery.
Coordinate with content “owners” to manage and improve proposal materials, while leveraging strong writing skills to create original, accurate and persuasive content as needed.
Ensure quality and consistency, maintaining high standards of accuracy, tone, and visual presentation.
Leverage internal technology (e.g., Foundation, CRM, etc.) to identify representative experience and relationships, track opportunities, manage content, and analyze outcomes.
Track and analyze RFP results to identify trends, measure success, and inform future improvements.
Identify, develop, and support implementation of best practices for proposals, pitches, and related client engagement initiatives across the BD team.