Proposal Development Specialist - AHA at Independence Blue Cross LLC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Bring your drive for excellence, team orientation and customer commitment to Independence; help us renew and reimagine our business and shape the future of health care.  Our organization is looking to diversify, grow, innovate and serve, and we are looking for committed, empowered learning-oriented people to join our team.  If this describes you, we want to speak with you.

The Proposal Development Speiclist is responsible for the development, coordination, and timely response to RFPs and RFIs in support of local, mid-market and national sales objectives for current and prospective customers of various sizes and across all lines of business (including medical, prescription drug, and specialty lines). Fully accountable for the entire proposal development process and has overall responsibility and accountability for the quality and timeliness of our response. Engages with Sales and stakeholders in a consultative manner to define and ensure our messaging needs are clear. Facilitates strategy meetings to ensure that corporate and group specific strategy is reflected in our proposal. Additional responsibilities include responding to proposal follow-up, completing ad-hoc requests, and participating in project initiatives. 

• Manages all phases of the proposal process


• Develops detailed project plans


• Anticipates project timelines in light of available resources and scope of activity. Ability to report on status and progress.


• Analyzes proposal criteria and all addendum documents to determine the specific needs of each customer.


• Facilitates strategic planning meetings


• Facilitates strategic planning meetings with the sales team and subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop a proposal strategy, resolve logistical issues, and implement plans of action to ensure the timely completion of proposal production and delivery.


• Serves as a trusted advisor / consultative partner to sales team regarding proposal strategy.


• Assigns responsibilities based on areas of expertise


• Properly identifies content and scope of questions and requests


• Properly identifies SMEs


• Secures buy-in


• Coordinates multiple communications


• Communicates proposal strategy to all stakeholders and serve as the focal point for collection of responses and materials from multiple sources.


• Supports the sales team by providing appropriate services as new requirements are identified.


• Produces drafts


• Analyzes, evaluates, and edits original text provided by SMEs into customized responses that specifically address the goals and objectives identified by the customer / prospect. Works with SMEs to provide the most appropriate answers and escalate issues as needed.


• Uses Qvidian database application to complete proposal responses.


• Monitors changes or extensions in solicitations, incorporate and respond to amendments, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the proposal process.


• Produces final documents by strict due dates


• Ensuress that the completed proposal is customer focused and responds to the customer needs specified in the RFP/RFI.  Tailor proposal responses wherever necessary to appropriately address these needs.  Creates original text describing the benefit program being offered in full detail, covering all functional aspects as required.


• Performs quality checks. Ensure compliance with customer / prospect specifications, company Style Manual, and departmental conventions.


• Ability to work with multiple Internet-based submission platforms.


• Produces hard copy submission of proposals.


• Maintains detailed records and facilitate proper record submission to database administrator.


• Assists with the production of Executive Summaries as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred


• Minimum one (1) year of prior experience in a high-pressure environment coordinating the completion of complex, high-profile RFPs and RFIs or relevant experience.


• Proven effective oral and written communication skills required to discuss and convey sales strategy to a wide variety of subject matter experts, officer-level management, and external consultants.


• Effective facilitation and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to influence people and build consensus.


• Proficient in coordinating resources and implementing changes in pursuit of increased efficiency and cost savings.


• Must be exceptionally detail oriented and understand corporate objectives.


• Must be able to demonstrate effective project management skills with ability to follow through on project life cycle while maintaining target deadlines. Must be able to develop contingency project plans.


• Must be able to work in a collaborative fashion, especially when working on a co-assigned proposal or project


• Demonstrated leadership of projects and proposals