Business Writer

Our client is looking for a Business Writer to join their team. The Business Development Writer is responsible for writing and preparing complex pitch, proposal and credentialing material in response to RFP, RFQ, RFI and other new business requests, as well as requests related to client development.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Prepare and develop pitch, proposal, and credentialing material across all practices and industries, including all activities from initiation of the opportunity to delivery of the final product.

Assess the Opportunity

• Organize go/no go meetings.
• Lead and participate in strategy meetings.
• Provide relevant background and examples of similar opportunities where possible.

Project Manage the Process

• Project manage the proposal from beginning to end, including ensuring all necessary steps are taken for tracking the opportunity, maintaining department libraries and communicating with stakeholders across the firm.
• Ensure the submission timelines are defined and workback schedules are created and communicated to all involved using appropriate project management tools.

Plan and Strategize

• Conduct/oversee research on the prospect to ensure a tailored submission.
• Develop an approach for the proposal, presentation or credentials document.
• Provide suggestions on best practices and make recommendations regarding win themes and differentiators.
• Make recommendations regarding material format, length, comprehensiveness etc.
• Provide input on pricing strategy as required.

Draft Response

• Write compelling content, adapt existing content where available.
• Understand the context of the opportunity and/or client situation, customize content accordingly to clearly address client needs and articulate the firm's distinguishing features as they relate to the client's needs and situation.
• Work closely with Marketing & Business Development colleagues and other departments to gather information as needed.

Finalize and Submit

• Edit and proofread to ensure accuracy, clarity, readability, compliance with the request, and consistency in voice and messaging.
• Ensure all material is consistent with branding guidelines and overall firm standards.
• Coordinate online submission and hard copy delivery as required.
• Take accountability for overall final product quality and timeliness.

Post-submission Follow-up and Tracking

• Support proposal activity-tracking, timely follow up, and reporting.
• Conduct debriefs with internal and external stakeholders.
• Capture new proposal content and make updates to existing content and templates to ensure continuous improvement of materials.
• Coordinate with Marketing & Business Development colleagues to ensure knowledge gained through pitching process is weaved into general firm and practice positioning at , legal directory submissions, experience listings, etc.
• Support business development and client development initiatives, including legal directory submissions, and other departmental writing and editing needs as assigned.

Core Skills & Requirements:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma, or equivalent experience to successfully complete the essential requirements of the role.
• 5 years of proposal writing or research experience, preferably within a professional services firm.
• Experience writing and editing for sales purposes, preferably within a professional services firm; working with a sales team is an asset.
• Proven success providing coordination and organization of proposals and pitches; demonstrated end-to-end proposals and pitches experience.
• Experience conducting proposal kick off meetings and working with subject matter experts.
• Exceptional client service orientation combined with the ability to manage multiple client needs at the same time.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels within the organization with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Proven ability to establish and build trust-based working relationships with stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to absorb new ideas and concepts quickly and ensure they are clearly communicated to the target audience.
• Sound judgment including the ability to deal with confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Determined with a can-do, hands-on approach; driven by delivery and end results.