Manager, New Business Proposals

Job Summary

This role provides a unique opportunity to establish and shape CDE’s dedicated New Business Proposals function. The Manager, New Business Proposals will be expected to not only execute high-quality proposals, but also to lay the groundwork for and grow a high-performing team, with meaningful influence over team structure, hiring, and development as demand increases.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Function Building & Infrastructure Development: Establish the Firm’s New Business Proposals function by designing and implementing foundational processes, tools, templates, governance, and operating procedures that support efficient, high-quality proposal execution.

• Knowledge Capture & Process Improvement: Build and organize reusable proposal content, matter descriptions, credentials language, and response libraries; identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce duplication, and improve consistency across submissions.

• Stakeholder Enablement: Develop practical guidance and repeatable approaches for working with attorneys and professional staff, helping to define roles, expectations, and best practices in the proposal development process.

• Proposal Development & Management: Lead the preparation and production of RFPs, RFIs and surveys, ensuring submissions are clear, accurate and aligned with Firm standards.

• Content Drafting & Editing: Draft, edit and refine proposal content using internal resources, databases and materials from across the Firm to craft compelling responses.

• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with key CDE colleagues, attorneys, knowledge managers, and Finance to gather insights and tailor proposal materials to client needs.

• Project Management: Lead proposal timelines, track deliverables and help keep attorneys, practice group teams and cross-functional teams organized to meet deadlines.

• Multi-Platform Document Preparation: Lead the creation of and format proposal drafts using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and client submission portals.

• Data Tracking & Reporting: Maintain proposal tracking and reporting using Microsoft Excel, SharePoint and Salesforce (CRM).

• Fee & Financial Coordination: Collaborate with Finance to gather billing rates, fee proposals, and address client fee inquiries.

• Database & Resource Management: Lead the creation of and maintain proposal tracking systems and databases that support business development initiatives across the Firm.

• Use of Relevant Technology: Leverage technology that can increase efficiency and enrich responses. Work with relevant AI tools to improve and enhance deliverables.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in project management, business writing, RFP submissions or a related area.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across all levels of the organization and deliver responsive, high-quality support.

• Flexibility and willingness to work outside core hours, including occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, discretion and advise senior stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with care and professionalism and exercise excellent judgment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messaging.

• Promised ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfort learning new systems.

Preferred Experience

• Standing up or formalizing a function, process, or operational capability—including creating workflows, templates, knowledge resources, or reporting infrastructure—is strongly preferred.

• Experience building proposal or pitch infrastructure, such as response libraries, template suites, intake processes, submission trackers, or related knowledge-management resources.

• Experience with Client Relationship Management (CRM) and Experience Management systems.

• Relevant marketing and business development experience in an AmLaw 100 law firm or professional services environment.

• Experience and comfort submitting proposals in relevant portal systems.

• Strong familiarity with private equity, financial institutions, investment banks; experience supporting litigation RFPs.

Key Attributes for Success

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.

• Comfortable operating at both the “big picture” and executional levels.

• Trusted advisor with excellent communication skills, with the confidence to make recommendations.

• Highly organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to navigate ambiguity.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build structure where limited infrastructure currently exists.

• Process-oriented and resourceful, with a strong focus on creating scalable, repeatable ways of working.