Job Title Specialist, Business Development / Senior Specialist, Business Development

Department : Business Development

Reports to : Director, Business Development

Function of the Position :

The Specialist / Senior Specialist is a mid-level professional member of the Business Development Team supporting the achievement of annual new business targets, DAI competitiveness and business development efficiency. They are an integral member of the BD unit -- providing managerial support to the full proposal lifecycle supporting proposal submissions for USAID funding.. They are expected to work closely with all proposal team members, including contributing to technical development and key decision making. The primary responsibilities of the Specialist / Senior Specialist are to support capture strategy planning and implementation, manage proposal development, oversee contributions from a diverse set of proposal team members, and to provide key proposal contributions including writing pieces of technical proposal back chapters and annexes. The Specialist / Senior Specialist is expected to provide coaching and mentorship support to relevant BD team members. This position is most appropriate for someone who likes a fast-paced work environment, teamwork, and managing diverse responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities :

Live Proposal Development

• According to the ebb and flow of the proposal process, is engaged in a portfolio of new business opportunities at various stages of the proposal lifecycle.

• Serves as member of multiple proposal teams throughout the year to design detailed proposals that are persuasive and compliant.

• Manages proposals, providing input and leadership in support of key proposal decisions; leads pricing strategy and cost competitiveness; supports recruitment and partnering; drafts proposal chapters and annexes.

• Mentors junior staff on new business processes. Tracks compliance with DAI controls and proposal processes and procedures, troubleshooting issues as needed. Serves on technical and cost proposal review panels.

Proposal pre-positioning

• Works closely with Proposal Champions to develop and implement capture strategies.

• Participates in all phases on the pre-positioning process, may be assigned multiple prepositioning bids at once.

• Conducts research and participates in "reconnaissance" trips to the country/region to prepare new proposals, recruits project staff, facilitates technical and operational incubators and storyboarding, and markets DAI to prospective clients and partner organizations.

• Supports planning and logistics for information-gathering and marketing trips.

Proposal Writing

• Serves as a Proposal Manager on USG bids.

• Leads drafting of proposal sections, either with others or independently, such as Management Approach chapters, MEL chapters, and technical proposal annexes.

• Reviews and revises proposal text.

• Reviews budgets and prepares best value summaries for the cost proposal.

Coaching/mentoring

• Serve as a mentor/coach to other proposal team members, providing strategic guidance and support in upholding DAI business development standards and managing compliant and responsible proposals.

• Support upgrading training course content and facilitating courses.

Pipeline Development

• Use networks and contacts in support of pipeline development and the verification of specific new business opportunities.

• Undertake desktop research, coordinating as necessary with DAI's market intelligence team.

Additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• P5: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience - with at least 3 years of experience in new business development including writing proposal or report sections - and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of experience and education will be considered.

- P6: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience - with at least 3 years in new business development including proposal writing or report sections - and a college degree. Equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID thematic and functional policies and regulations.

• Customer service orientation with a positive, can-do and a sense of humor.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Able to meet deadlines, take initiative and accomplish work in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills with the ability to communicate policies and interpret regulations to provide clear guidance and tailor communication style to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

• Proven experience with proactive client engagement and thorough understanding of client requirements and preferred methods of business.

• Able to build and maintain strong working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization from diverse backgrounds.

• Able and willing to travel to any country where DAI operates, barring times with DAI Global Security has deemed travel unsafe.

• Able and willing to adjust work schedule, if needed, to support teams located in different time zones/countries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of DAI's business model.

• Customer service orientation.

• An understanding of one of DAI's specific thematic areas (Economic Growth, Environment, Governance, Health, Digital Technology) is preferred.

• Proficiency in a second language (French, Spanish, Russian, or Arabic preferred).

• Demonstrated experience working on highly competitive new business efforts for USAID proposals.

Supervisory Requirements: None

Compensation & Benefits:

P5: For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $89.689 to $114,451. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

P6: For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $103,143 to $131,577. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

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Specialist, Business Development / Senior Specialist, Business Development