Proposal Development Specialist

Responsible for the development, coordination, and timely response to RFPs and RFIs in support of local, mid-market and national sales objectives for current and prospective customers of various sizes and across all lines of business (including medical, Medicare, prescription drug, and specialty lines). Fully accountable for the entire proposal development process and has overall responsibility and accountability for the quality and timeliness of our response. Engage with Sales and stakeholders in a consultative manner to define and ensure our messaging needs are clear. Facilitates strategy meetings to ensure that corporate and group specific strategy is reflected in our proposal. Additional responsibilities include responding to proposal follow-up, completing ad-hoc requests, participating in project initiatives, and backing up our team with Utilization review support as needed.

Manage all phases of the proposal process

Develop detailed project plans

·          Anticipate project timelines in light of available resources and scope of activity. Be able to report on status and progress.

·          Analyze proposal criteria and all addendum documents to determine the specific needs of each customer.

Facilitate strategic planning meetings

·       Facilitate strategic planning meetings with the sales team and subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop a proposal strategy, resolve logistical issues, and implement plans of action to ensure the timely completion of proposal production and delivery.

·       Serve as a trusted advisor / consultative partner to sales team regarding proposal strategy.

Assign responsibilities based on areas of expertise

·          Properly identify content and scope of questions and requests

·          Properly identify SMEs

·          Secure buy-in

Coordinate multiple communications

·          Communicate proposal strategy to all stakeholders and serve as the focal point for collection of responses and materials from multiple sources.

·          Support the sales team by providing appropriate services as new requirements are identified.

Produce drafts

·          Analyze, evaluate, and edit original text provided by SMEs into customized responses that specifically address the goals and objectives identified by the customer / prospect. Work with SMEs to provide the most appropriate answers and escalate issues as needed.

·          Use Qvidian database application to complete proposal responses.

·          Monitor changes or extensions in solicitations, incorporate and respond to amendments, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the proposal process.

Produce final documents by strict due dates

·       Ensures that the completed proposal is customer focused and responds to the customer needs specified in the RFP/RFI.  Tailor proposal responses wherever necessary to appropriately address these needs.  Creates original text describing the benefit program being offered in full detail, covering all functional aspects as required.

·       Perform quality checks. Ensure compliance with customer / prospect specifications, company Style Manual, and departmental conventions.

·       Be able to work with multiple Internet-based submission platforms.

·       Produce hard copy submission of proposals.

o   Maintain detailed records and facilitate proper record submission to database administrator.

o   Assist with the production of Executive Summaries as needed.

Qualifications 

·       Minimum one year of prior experience in a high-pressure environment coordinating the completion of complex, high-profile RFPs and RFIs or relevant experience.

·       Proven effective oral and written communication skills required to discuss and convey sales strategy to a wide variety of subject matter experts, officer-level management, and external consultants.

·       Effective facilitation and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to influence people and build consensus.

·       Proficient in coordinating resources and implementing changes in pursuit of increased efficiency and cost savings.

·       Must be exceptionally detail oriented and understand corporate objectives.

·       Must be able to demonstrate effective project management skills with ability to follow through on project life cycle while maintaining target deadlines. Must be able to develop contingency project plans.

·       Must be able to work in a collaborative fashion, especially when working on a co-assigned proposal or project

·       Demonstrated leadership of projects and proposals.

At Independence Blue Cross, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability.

Must have an Android or iOS device which is compatible with the free Microsoft Authenticator app.