What are the responsibilities and job description for the Proposal Manager position at Adams & Reese?
Job Description
Proposal Manager
Status: Exempt/Salaried
Department: Marketing and Business Development
Job Summary:
The Proposal Manager will lead the firm’s end-to-end proposal, RFP, and pitch process; oversee the firm’s experiential database and matter content; and elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of proposal deliverables across the firm.
Responsibilities:
This position requires sitting for long periods of time while operating a computer. At times, employees are required to work in excess of the normal work schedule. Employees in this position must be mobile, have the ability to bend, and
have ability to lift and carry files weighing approximately 10-15 lbs.
Proposal Manager
Status: Exempt/Salaried
Department: Marketing and Business Development
Job Summary:
The Proposal Manager will lead the firm’s end-to-end proposal, RFP, and pitch process; oversee the firm’s experiential database and matter content; and elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of proposal deliverables across the firm.
Responsibilities:
- Proposal Management and Strategy
- The Proposal Manager manages the firmwide RFPs, RFIs, panel appointments, and tailored client pitch processes. This includes leading go/no-go assessments and ensuring on-time, on-brand, and fully compliant submissions. The role requires driving efficient workflows for the proposal team, with the Business Development Coordinator facilitating input from attorneys, firm leadership, and business professionals, in a centralized process whereby the Proposal Manager maintains rigorous quality control from kickoff through completion.
- Content Development and Writing
- Responsibilities include developing executive summaries, refining practice and industry narratives, and translating complex legal experience into clear, outcome-oriented representative matters. The Proposal Manager will edit for clarity, tone, and consistency; enforce brand, style, and plain-language standards; and ensure accuracy of credentials, bios, and matter descriptions.
- Experiential Database and Knowledge Management
The Proposal Manager will manage and enhance the firm’s experiential database overseeing the Business Development Coordinator data entry into the database to ensure experience content is current, searchable, and strategically curated within our proposal management system. This includes partnering with Business Development Managers and attorneys to capture new matters and translate them into proposal-ready content. The role also oversees libraries for core content, differentiators, bios, representative matters, pro bono/community impact, and firm policies, with strong governance for accuracy, confidentiality, and client consent. - Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
The Proposal Manager will collaborate closely with the Director of Business Development, Business Development Managers, practice group leaders, partners, pricing/legal project management, and design/communications teams to align proposals with client needs, firm strategy, and brand. Responsibilities include facilitating kickoff and review meetings; gathering and incorporating feedback; coordinating graphics, formatting, and digital submission requirements; and ensuring that pricing, alternative fee arrangements, and service delivery models are clearly and coherently presented.
- The Proposal Manager will be considered an integral part of the Business Development Management team and may fill in for Business Development Managers when out of the office.
- The Proposal Manager reports to the Director of Business Development and has a dual supervisory role over the Business Development Coordinator.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or writing-focused discipline preferred.
- 2 years of proposal management experience in a law firm or professional services environment, with a demonstrated record leading complex, multi-stakeholder RFP/RFI and panel submissions.
- Exemplary writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate legal capabilities into client-centered value propositions and measurable outcomes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize effectively, and drive accountability across dispersed teams.
Experience building and maintaining experiential databases and content libraries.
- Familiarity with proposal management systems, CRM, experience management platforms, and proposal automation tools; proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat; working knowledge of design and formatting best practices.
Understanding of pricing, AFAs, and legal operations considerations preferred.
High EQ, professional presence, and confidence facilitating partner-level engagements and review cycles.
- Meticulous attention to detail, excellent judgment, and a commitment to confidentiality and information security.
This position requires sitting for long periods of time while operating a computer. At times, employees are required to work in excess of the normal work schedule. Employees in this position must be mobile, have the ability to bend, and
have ability to lift and carry files weighing approximately 10-15 lbs.