Proposal Development Manager

PLEASE APPLY HERE!

Position Purpose

The Proposal Development Manager is Alford Group’s lead proposal writer. You’ll turn what our Sales Leads learn from prospective clients into clear, tailored and persuasive proposals that show nonprofit leaders why Alford Group is the right partner. You’ll own the proposal writing process from kickoff to submission: gathering inputs, writing, building the project budget, designing and packaging the final product and making sure every deadline is met.

This role requires an excellent writer, reporter and presenter. Sales Leads own client relationships and the decision to pursue new work. You’ll own the quality, consistency and timeliness of what we put in front of clients. You’ll also support marketing with case studies, service materials and copy, as needed. Lastly, there are sales and marketing CRM-related disciplines you will be responsible for maintaining as a natural process of writing, delivering and closing on the proposals created.

Key Performance Indicators

• Complete and submit approximately 10-12 proposals and protracts per month.
• Meet 100% of proposal submission deadlines.
• Share a complete draft proposal and project budget worksheet with the Sales Lead at least three business days before each deadline.
• Maintain an average performance rating of 3 or higher on proposal quality and responsiveness, reviewed quarterly.
• Average no more than 2 revision rounds per proposal, reducing overtime through stronger templates, intake and content library.
• Keep proposal record deals, stages and documents in HubSpot current within one business day of each change.
• Produce service agreements and related close of sales process actions.
• Produce weekly sales pipeline report and monthly sales dashboard.

Responsibilities

Proposal Development

• Write, design, format and package proposals, protracts and pitch decks tailored to each prospective client driving conversion and partnership growth for Alford Group.
• Lead a proposal kickoff with the Sales Lead to confirm scope, requirements, deadline, project team and key messages.
• Attend select prospective client meetings, as requested, to capture the situation and background information that shapes the proposal.
• Draft clarifying questions for prospective clients to inform scope and proposal content.
• Respond to RFPs, making sure every requirement is addressed and every submission is compliant.
• Build presentation decks, talking points and leave-behinds for Sales Leads. Present proposal content on occasion, as requested.
• Write, edit and proofread all material to follow Alford Group brand guidelines so every proposal is clear, accurate and error-free.

Project Budgets

• Create a project budget worksheet for each opportunity in partnership with the Sales Lead reflective of proposed scope of work and help colleagues understand and use the budget.
• Ensure scope, deliverables and pricing match between the budget worksheet and the proposal and each iteration of the proposal leading to signed contract.

Proposal Process, Templates & Content Library

• Maintain and improve proposal and sales presentation templates, bios, references, case studies and service descriptions so content is current, on-brand and easy to reuse.
• Work with the Director of Sales & Business Development to standardize proposal tools, templates and process across the consultancy.
• Ensure HubSpot accurately reflects current deals, stages, team and pricing.
• Complete lost proposal debriefs and evolve from what we learn to strengthen future proposals.
• Orient new colleagues to the proposal process and templates.

Marketing & Communications Support (as needed)

• Write client case studies, service one-pagers and copy relevant to sales for marketing content.
• Proofread outgoing materials for accuracy and brand consistency.
• Support preparation of conference and exhibit materials and logistics.

Coordination & Project Management

• Manage multiple deals and proposals at once, set internal timelines and follow up with contributors to keep them on track.
• Coordinate with the Chief Client Experience Officer, the Director of Sales & Business Development and Sales Leads on assignments and priorities. Notify the project team within one business day of team assignment.
• Within two business days of a decision to submit a proposal, confirm the scope of work with Sales Lead and start the proposal.
• Use HubSpot, Basecamp, BQE, Claude.ai and other tools to track proposal development, status and deadlines.
• Communicate status, risk and deadline changes early.

Teamwork, Responsiveness & Dependability

• Respond to internal and external emails within one business day (consultancy standard).
• Work in coordination with team members so they can fulfill their own responsibilities and meet timelines.
• Collaborate across teams and platforms, specifically Basecamp.
• Come prepared to meetings, capture notes and next steps accurately and check for understanding.
• Offer solutions when obstacles arise and act within the team’s decision-making structure.
• Share learnings and best practices with colleagues and at all-staff meetings.

Qualifications

Critical Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least three-to-five years of professional experience in proposal writing, grant writing or persuasive business writing
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with command of grammar and style; provide writing samples that show you can make a clear, persuasive case to a specific reader
• Ability to gather information from subject matter experts and turn it into polished content quickly
• Ability to listen carefully to prospective clients, ask thoughtful questions and use what they learn about each client’s goals and challenges to shape a relevant, persuasive proposal
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines at the same time
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience with CRM systems, such as HubSpot
• High attention to detail, with strong active listening and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and independently with minimal supervision

Desired Competencies

• Two or more years of experience working or volunteering in the nonprofit community
• Experience writing proposals or RFP responses for a consulting or professional services firm
• Experience building project budgets or pricing in Excel
• Proficiency in project management software, such as Basecamp
• Design proficiency in InDesign and/or Adobe Creative Suite

Equity-Centered Hiring Practices

Alford Group is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace culture that fosters a sense of belonging where you can bring all of your true and best self. We desire candidates who are excited about this role, open to advancing our commitment to partnering with diverse team members and clients, align with the behaviors that elevate our values and seek to grow personally and professionally. Alford Group will not discriminate against team members with respect to any term or condition. If you are looking to be a change maker, then we are eager to talk with you about careers at Alford Group.

Position Details

About Alford Group

Alford Group is a national, full-service consultancy serving nonprofits in nearly every state in the country. Since our founding, we have partnered with over 3,000 nonprofits to accelerate their impact and advance social change.

Alford Group expects each employee and associate of the consultancy to reflect and promote our vision, mission and values.

Vision: A world where possibilities are endless and reflect the best of who we are as humans.

Mission: We accelerate the nonprofit community’s impact and advance social change.

We Value:

• Honest Partnerships
• Equity-Centered Practices
• Continued Learning
• Joyful Connections

Link to Alford Group’s Core Services

All employees are expected to assist in fulfilling our consultancy-wide goals and innovation objectives, participate in meetings and contribute to the consultancy’s thought leadership.

Confidential Data

Our team members have access to sensitive, confidential information and are trusted to maintain these files and documents properly.

Physical Demands

The position requires sitting and working on a computer for long periods of time as well as occasional lifting and carrying of presentation materials and supplies. Employees must be able to interact seamlessly with clients and colleagues through visual, aural, physical and written communications.

Work Environment

We are currently maintaining a hybrid work environment, with flexibility to work remotely or make use of our office location in Chicago, IL.

Reports To

Chief Client Experience Officer, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Sales & Business Development for day-to-day proposal direction.

Compensation

This is a tiered, salaried position with a range of $50,000 to $80,000 based on experience and a full benefits package, including a 401(k) plan, health insurance and a generous paid time off and holiday policy.

To Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief introductory note (300 words or less) sharing:

1. Why writing for the social impact sector appeals to you.
2. The types of proposals, grant applications or pitch materials you most often write.

Please also include one or two writing samples, such as a proposal, grant application or pitch deck, with confidential details removed. Apply here.

Based on an initial phone interview, applicants can anticipate an additional two to three virtual interviews, including a writing exercise that shows how you turn background information into a persuasive proposal section. The entire interview process typically takes three to four weeks.

Full benefits package, including a 401(k) plan, health insurance and a generous paid time off and holiday policy.