Proposal Specialist

Job description

With eleven offices across the United States, 500+ professionals and 350+ business professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The firm's groundbreaking approach brings together legal services, advocacy and business strategy. This approach differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the firm to provide a distinct and compelling value proposition. The Opportunity Manatt has an exciting opportunity for a motivated, team-oriented Proposal Specialist to join the firm's Client Development & Marketing (CDM) team. The specialist will develop RFP responses, proposals and strategic pursuits across the firm's industries and practices, partnering with CDM, legal and consulting professionals. This role supports complex, high-priority pursuits, including government and public sector procurements, while independently managing lower-complexity proposals from kickoff through submission. The ideal candidate brings strong project management, attention to detail, writing and organizational skills, government RFP experience and the ability to manage competing deadlines with accuracy and a collaborative, client-focused approach. Key Responsibilities Proposal Development Independently manage small to mid-sized proposals, pitches and RFP responses—including federal, state and local government procurements—from kickoff through submission, following internal processes and client procurement guidance; review requirements, track amendments, coordinate compliance activities and research opportunities, competitors and clients to inform proposal strategy and positioning. Support Proposal Managers on complex pursuits, including strategic firmwide procurements for government entities, associations and nonprofit organizations, health and hospital systems, foundations and universities. Analyze requirements; develop compliance checklists, workplans and timelines; and draft and tailor proposal content. Coordinate supporting materials, including interview and oral presentations, Q&A responses and best and final offer submissions. Project Management and Coordination Develop proposal schedules and coordinate contributions from attorneys, consultants and business professionals to meet milestones and deadlines. For independently managed pursuits, facilitate kickoff meetings, status updates and review cycles, proactively identifying and escalating risks, timeline issues and content gaps. Content Development and Knowledge Management Develop and maintain proposal-ready experience descriptions, project profiles, capability statements, professional biographies and approved boilerplate. Organize completed pursuit materials for reuse and help leverage AI and other technologies to improve proposal processes and content quality. Support the compilation and analysis of results from FOIA requests related to state government RFPs. Quality Assurance and Reporting Review submissions for compliance, accuracy, consistency and professional presentation. Track proposal activity and outcomes; support win/loss analysis, competitive intelligence, reporting and continuous process improvement. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field preferred. 4-6 years of experience supporting or managing proposals, RFP responses or business development initiatives in a law firm, consulting firm, government contractor or other professional services organization. Experience with government RFPs, RFQs or similar procurements required; experience independently managing proposals and supporting health care, government, public sector or similarly regulated industry pursuits preferred. Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, analytical, organizational and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, adapt quickly and collaborate effectively with senior professionals in a matrixed, fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Microsoft Copilot. Compensation The base annual pay range for this role is between $85,000 -$110,000. The base pay to be offered will vary depending on skills and qualifications, experience, and location. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered. EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled Manatt is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation, genetic or and any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. IMPORTANT: If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants or to re-verify current employees and may not limit or influence the choice of documents presented for use on the Form I-9. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, this employer uses E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. If you believe that your employer has violated its responsibilities under this program or has discriminated against you during the verification process based upon your national origin or citizenship status, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).