Business Development Manager, Proposals and Pursuits

Chapman & Cutler

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$140,000–$160,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Adobe InDesign, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Practices, Bid Analysis, Brand Marketing (Branding), Business Development, Business Growth, Communication Skills, Competitive Analysis/Strategy, Content Delivery/Distribution, Content Development, Content Management, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Customer/Client Research, Database Marketing, Detail Oriented, Editing, Finance, Financial Services, Graphic Design, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Internet Portal, Leadership, Legal, Market Surveys, Market Trend Analysis, Marketing, Materials Management, Mentoring, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Project/Program Management, Proofreading, Proposal Writing, Request for Proposals (RFP), Sales Presentation, Security Protocols, Statistics, Storytelling, Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Work From Home, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
1 day ago

Chapman and Cutler LLP, a nationally recognized law firm in the financial services sector, is seeking a Business Development Manager, Proposals and Pursuits ("BD Manager") to join the Marketing and Business Development Department. As part of our dynamic and expanding business development team, the BD Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the firm's growth and success by leading and executing the firm's Request for Proposal (RFP), pitch, and pursuit efforts. This role serves as both a strategic advisor and project manager, crafting compelling, client-focused materials that go beyond standard capabilities and responses.This is a unique opportunity to build an important function within our growing business development team. The successful candidate will work with the Director of Business Development to improve and expand the proposal/pursuit process at the firm, oversee the end‑to‑end pursuit workflow, including development and submission of RFPs and pitch materials, management of content repositories and data sources, coordination of survey and league table responses, collaboration with attorneys and business development staff, and continuous improvement of response standards.We are seeking a highly organized and creative individual with experience in proposal and pitch management in the legal or financial services industry. The position is open to all Chapman locations, with a preference for the Chicago office. Our offices are located in key financial centers across the United States: Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. The position requires an in‑office presence but includes flexibility for some remote work.The responsibilities of the BD Manager will include:ProposalsLeadership and ownership of all aspects of the Requests for Proposal (RFP) response process, including RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and client compliance surveys, from notice to submission, including coordinating with other firm departments and functions.Produces proposal and pitch documents, including identifying most applicable content, editing existing content, and drafting new content (practice overviews, experience summaries, biography and statistics updates, etc.), delivering compelling content and design to differentiate the firm.Serves as primary liaison for online proposal portals (PERSUIT and others) and coordinating responses with relevant stakeholders.Acts as an advisor to identify and implement best practices for each pitch opportunity.Manages go/no‑go decisions and tracks proposal outcomes.Presentations / Pitches and PublicationsResponsible for all aspects of preparing pitch books and qualification statements, including customizing practice group descriptions and industry experience, in both Word and PowerPoint formats.Ensures newly developed content (experience summaries, biography and statistics updates, etc.) are added to the firm's data sources and other relevant marketing materials.Ensures design and formatting adhere to firm brand guidelines and recommends design enhancements to elevate client presentations and training materials where appropriate.Tracks pitch outcomes.League Tables and SurveysOversees all aspects of the firm's legal/financial industry/business directory and league table submissions.Prepares responses for client specific survey requests and manages updates of internal deal/matter lists and statistics.Department Leadership and MentorshipSupervises and mentors personnel who provide business development and pursuit support, and supports individual learning, training, and development.Leveraging competitive intelligence, provides strategic advice to partners and leadership on pursuit strategy and differentiators, market trends, and client insights.Uses AI appropriately and proactively to create efficiencies work product creation.Collaborates with administrative departments to improve knowledge/data sharing efficiency and process improvements where appropriate.Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet firm goals and objectives.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in a related fieldMinimum of 8 years of relevant work experience preparing proposals, pitch decks, and other business pursuit presentations, preferably in a law firm or financial services organizationExperience analyzing requests for proposal (RFPs) and preparing responses, including experience narrative, pricing, and related disclosures, and using online submission portalsSuperior writing, editing, proofreading, and visual storytelling skills, maintains consistent brand identity through document templatesFluency in Microsoft Office products, particularly PowerPoint and WordStrong sense of graphic design and layout and comfortable using Adobe InDesign and PhotoshopFamiliarity with proprietary marketing databases such as Foundation is a plusAbility to understand, interpret, and translate technical concepts for a variety of audiencesProven project management skillsMust be a self‑starter with a high level of initiative and able to operate with limited direction and demonstrate excellent independent professional judgmentOrganized, diligent, and detail oriented while multi‑tasking projectsTeam‑first orientation; ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the firmAbility to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting prioritiesStrong written and verbal communication skills, strong customer service skills, and able to anticipate needs and exercise good judgmentExercises solid strategic thinking and problem‑solving skillsDemonstrates leadership and supervisory experienceMaintains confidentiality and exercises discretionCommitted to following all firm security protocols and maintaining information securityIn accordance with the Illinois Pay Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this position in Illinois is between $140,000 – $160,000.Benefits OverviewTo apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. All applicants will be considered; however, the hiring decision will be made based on qualifications for the position.Chapman and Cutler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V/SO.#J-18808-Ljbffr

About the Company

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Chapman & Cutler