Sr. Manager, Strategic RFPs & Proposals

Goodwin Procter•Boston, DC

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers. The Senior Manager, Strategic RFPs & Proposals will lead Goodwin’s most competitive pursuits, shaping strategy, managing complex RFPs and pitches, and delivering persuasive, client-focused submissions. This role combines executive presence, persuasive storytelling, and operational excellence—transforming technical detail into compelling narratives that resonate with clients. Beyond execution, the Senior Manager will drive process improvements, leverage technology and AI, and capture insights that position Goodwin to compete and win at the highest level. At Goodwin, we don’t just respond to RFPs—we craft stories that win business. The Senior Manager, Strategic RFPs & Proposals is a senior leader in the firm’s most competitive and high-profile pursuits. This role partners with lawyers and Client Development leadership to set strategy, command complex RFPs and cross-practice pitches, and deliver persuasive proposals that demonstrate Goodwin’s capabilities and ambition. The successful candidate is not only a skilled writer and strategist but also a trusted leader with the presence to influence senior partners and the judgment to shape firmwide priorities. This role requires a unique blend of persuasive storytelling, executive presence, and operational excellence—turning technical complexity into clear, client-centered narratives that stand apart in the marketplace. Beyond execution, the Senior Manager is expected to drive innovation and continuous improvement—introducing smarter processes, technology, and AI tools that elevate the pursuit function and position Goodwin for sustained growth.

Requirements

A senior pursuits professional with 7+ years of experience managing complex proposals in a law firm or professional services environment.
A persuasive communicator and storyteller who can distill technical legal and business issues into client-centered, compelling narratives.
A leader with executive presence, able to influence senior partners, command strategy discussions, and drive alignment across multiple stakeholders.
Experienced in the full pursuit lifecycle, including competitive RFPs, cross-practice submissions, and global panel processes.
Skilled at balancing big-picture strategy with operational discipline, ensuring both creativity and flawless execution.
Technologically fluent, confident using tools and platforms to drive efficiency, speed, and quality.
Analytical and data-driven, capable of developing insights and recommendations that inform firmwide strategy.
Collaborative, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Responsibilities

Lead high-stakes pursuits: Take ownership of the firm’s most complex RFP responses, cross-practice pitches, and panel submissions, ensuring they are strategic, persuasive, and client-focused.
Craft compelling narratives: Develop executive summaries, case studies, team bios, and pursuit narratives that position Goodwin distinctively and speak directly to client priorities.
Shape strategy and execution: Define pursuit objectives, timelines, and win themes, guiding cross-practice teams with authority and clarity under tight deadlines.
Serve as a senior advisor: Partner with lawyers and Client Development leadership to shape competitive strategies for RFPs, pitches, and panel processes, including auctions.
Influence and collaborate across the firm: Build strong working relationships with partners, finance, and other stakeholders to integrate substantive expertise and client insights into winning materials.
Drive operational excellence: Standardize workflows, refine templates, and lead continuous improvement in the firm’s pursuit function.
Leverage technology and AI: Use platforms like Foundation, PERSUIT, and generative AI tools to streamline drafting, automate content, and accelerate the delivery of consistent, high-quality proposals.
Measure performance and outcomes: Track pursuit activity, win/loss data, and client feedback, turning insights into actionable strategies for leadership.
Maintain and elevate firm content: Lead the upkeep of proposal libraries, experience databases, and templates, ensuring the highest standards of quality and readiness.