Proposal Director

Proposal Director

Product

Location:

Here at Wilson Language Training, we are committed to working together for our mission to achieve literacy for all. We believe literacy is a fundamental right and should be attainable for all people. We strive to reflect this belief in our work.

The success of our team members is no less paramount. We’re dedicated to ensuring that every Wilson employee experiences truly satisfying professional development while feeling inspired to bring their authentic selves to work. Are you ready to be a changemaker?

Wilson Language training is growing and is looking to hire a Proposal Director to join the team.

Job Summary:

The Proposal Director position is responsible for ensuring that all Request for Proposals are fully executed from pre-proposal stage to post-proposal stage and contract handoff. This involves identifying and vetting opportunities; coordinating the proposal process to meet established deadlines; providing technical writing responses to RFP requirements; and coordinating internal stakeholders including Sales, Program Development, Legal, Finance, and other WLT departments to prepare proposals and ensure that content is complete. The Proposal Director is responsible for writing and coordinating the technical response of submissions. In addition, the Proposal Director develops and maintains a proposal library for use in future proposals, continuously analyzes the proposal steps for process improvement, and maintains the quality of WLT proposal responses to clients.

Essential Job Functions

• Utilizes marketing and/or communication expertise and experience to plan, develop and review proposal strategies and themes and assist in the development of an annual Proposal Management Plan in conjunction with the Leadership Team.
• Identifies and tracks district and state procurement websites and opportunities; utilizes RFP monitoring services (GovWin, e.g.) to identify and track opportunities.
• Conducts an initial review of solicitations to determine appropriateness for Wilson products and/or services.
• Manages a cross-functional proposal team to determine a go/no-go decision by providing relevant historical data, response scope of services and requirements, and potential business concerns.
• Participates in strategic planning to align proposal responses with business and marketing goals.
• Develops and writes the technical response to align with submission requirements including program and professional learning descriptions, standard alignments, evidence, and research requirements, etc., drawing on library of past proposals and vetted content from proposal library, and utilizing RFP software (Loopio, e.g.).
• Coordinates and reviews/edits proposal input from a variety of internal stakeholders, typically involving contributions from Financial Services Group (FSG), Legal, Education and Program Development departments.
• In accordance with the relationship with strategic partners, coordinates proposal responses within the required timeline and assists with submissions when WLT is asked to subcontract or co-submit.
• Establishes and develops relationships, processes, and systems with the WLT cross functional proposal team.
• Develops a proposal Compliance/Quality Assurance process/matrix and fulfill the requirements through this process for all WLT proposals.
• Reviews the client proposal details and requirements and ensure all WLT proposal responses are following client parameters and WLT standards.
• Manages the proposal response schedule and engages in proposal knowledge management processes.
• Develops and maintains a library of technical responses and relevant re-usable information and/or content; works with RFP software (Loopio, e.g.) to maintain library
• Maintains source files & accuracy of information.
• Keeps track of submission actions and results.
• Provides the final quality control check, including proofreading, alignment with WLT style guide, request for proposal (RFP) compliance, and conformance to established strategies and plans.
• Develops, reviews and refines the proposal program development processes and runs proposal development team operations effectively.
• Communicates proposal requirements and status to management.
• Contributes to internal and external strategic writing projects and communications through research, writing, review, and preparation of materials disseminated in print or electronic.
• Communicates clearly while displaying an awareness of current research-based practices in education and science of reading, and an understanding of Wilson’s goals and unique contributions to the field.
• Understand and display WLT’s values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of RFP and proposal process
• Highly developed writing and editing skills
• Strong project management skills and capabilities
• Strong understanding and knowledge of the science of reading
• Ability to deliver compliant, professionally produced proposals within customer agreed upon timeframes
• Ability to communicate at a senior level
• Ability to collaborate with and lead cross functional contributors and other relevant stakeholders in the proposal preparation process
• Must be able to independently manage a challenging workload when faced with unexpected changes in priorities and deadlines
• Must be organized and detail oriented
• Must have strong time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, build relationships, and work with cross functional contributors and stakeholders
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a function with multiple priorities and tight deadlines that require input of a cross functional team
• Strong understanding of process, process analysis, and continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of marketing principles
• Advanced user in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) and Adobe Creative Suite including In Design (Photoshop and Illustrator a plus)
• Experience using project management software (Asana, e.g.)
• Strong understanding of document template management
• Knowledge and experience with office procedures, systems, and protocols required

Education or Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, education, or a related field
• Master’s degree a plus

Experience

• 5+ years in marketing, communication or a proposal manager role or related experience at WLT or outside WLT
• Experience with proposal/technical writing and designing marketing material is preferred

Wilson has identified the anticipated pay range for this role based on the many factors that we consider in defining compensation levels for our roles, including market data, and internal equity considerations. Actual pay, and allocation between base and any target discretionary bonus, will vary based on geographic location, education, work experience, skills, market data, and internal equity considerations. Wilson offers competitive benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and Life & Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with partial employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• “O’Connor days,” which refers to a company-wide office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as well as other perks.

Anticipated Salary Range: $112,600 - $124,400 - $136,300

Wilson Language Training is an Equal Opportunity, Drug-Free Employer Committed to Diversity in the Workplace.