Sr Proposal Writer

Health Care Service Corp.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC) seeks an experienced Proposal Writer/Manager to lead national RFP responses from kickoff to submission, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and compelling messaging across client requirements.

You will partner with Sales, Account Management, Underwriting and other departments to shape strategy, craft proposal content, maintain a reusable library, train junior writers, and manage multiple bids under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, healthcare-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field and 5 years of proposal management experience specifically in the national/major or public sector OR 9 years of proposal writing / management experience in the national/major or public sector
• Demonstrated experience in leading high-profile, highly complex RFPs for large, national employer groups
• Must be proficient in quickly reviewing and analyzing proposal solicitations and related documents to pull out all pertinent information
• Demonstrated experience autonomously leading and developing highly customized proposal responses tailored to the client
• Conceptualize content, gather information/data, key messages, positioning and articulate in a single tone and consistent tense
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with ability to interface and work effectively as part of a team and cross-functionally
• Demonstrated ability to autonomously lead the proposal process from beginning to end, while working multiple RFPs/projects simultaneously
• PC skills and experience in Microsoft products
• Verbal and written communication skills to complete Response for Proposals, coordinate activities with many departments, and incorporate layman terms in the proposal
• Demonstrated project management, organizing, planning and scheduling
• Demonstrated creative and business writing skills

Responsibilities

• Lead proposal development from RFP to submission, ensuring compliance with client requirements
• Collaborate with Sales, Account Management, Underwriting and other internal departments to shape strategy and messaging
• Maintain content for a proposal-ready library and reusable templates
• Provide drafting and editing support to ensure clear, persuasive proposals
• Mentor, train, and assist junior Proposal Writers
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Review and edit proposals for clarity, accuracy and quality

Skills

Proposal leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytical reading of RFPs

Strong written communication

Project management

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Proposal management software (Responsive/Loopio/Qvidian)

Job description

At HCSC, our employees are the cornerstone of our business and the foundation to our success. We empower employees with curated development plans that foster growth and promote rewarding, fulfilling careers. Join HCSC and be part of a purpose-driven company that will invest in your professional development.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for writing and leading the activities associated with large, national Request for Proposals (RFPs) by producing the highest quality proposals for new and existing business opportunities, while remaining consistent with the Company’s policies, procedures and philosophies – all under strict deadlines. Collaborates with HCSC Sales and Account Management and other internal departments to map proposal strategy that promotes HCSC’s competitive positioning in the marketplace. Participate in the activities involved in the resolution of issues or concerns associated with the RFP process ensuring follow-through to resolution. Coordinate assigned projects independently and with strict adherence to detailed customer specifications. Assist internal departments in creating additional documents, including pricing proposals, standard program proposals and ad hoc documents when needed to support the sales cycle. developing and maintaining proposal-ready response information materials to utilize as a reference tool to complete future proposals or internal requests. Analyze the RFP in its entirety to interpret requirements, SOW, terms and conditions, definitions, and submission instructions. Partner with Sales and Account Management, Underwriting and stakeholders to determine sales goals, competitive positioning, messaging and proposal strategy. Write, edit, organize and package responses to Requests for Proposal, in compliance with detailed client requirements on stringent deadlines to ensure Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s qualification in bid process. Proofread proposals for content, grammar, style, formatting. Work in Responsive platform and master documents, templates or online tools, adhering to all RFP requirements. Assist sales and account management staff with questions regarding our products, processes and administrative policies. Support sales and account management staff with questions regarding our products, processes and administrative policies. Keep abreast of program, technical, product and service enhancements or changes. Maintain knowledge of all product lines and services. Maintain knowledge of technical program aspects. Lead or participate in problem resolution or issues involving RFP’s and the RFP process. Interview and gather information from subject matter experts to ensure response accuracy and completeness. Provide ongoing writing and draft review support to ensure high-quality content for proposals and sales presentations throughout the sales cycle. Contribute and maintain content for Responsive library and templates to improve language and streamline the proposal process. Write and edit core proposal content that aligns with proposal strategy and based on key selling strategies, client hot buttons, and any other client-specific information. Contribute to creating and distributing information on improving processes in proposal cycle to proposal group and pertinent staff. Ability to conceptualize content and gather information and key messages to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Quality assurance. Review and edit proposals for clarity, accuracy, and compliance to ensure proposal quality before submission. Interact with a variety of people in all areas of the organization, from technical staff to executive staff. Manage multiple projects simultaneously. Mentor, train, and assist junior Proposal Writers. Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with co-workers, management, customers, etc.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’ degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field and 5 years of proposal management experience specifically in the national/major or public sector OR 9 years of proposal writing / management experience specifically in the national/major or public sector
• Demonstrated experience in leading high-profile, highly complex RFPs for large, national employer groups.
• Must be proficient in quickly reviewing and analyzing proposal solicitations and related documents to pull out all pertinent information
• Demonstrated experience autonomously leading and developing highly customized proposal responses tailored to the client.
• Conceptualize content, gather information/data, key messages, positioning and articulate in a single tone and consistent tense
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with ability to interface and work effectively as part of a team and cross-functionally
• Demonstrated ability to autonomously lead the proposal process from beginning to end, while working multiple RFPs/projects simultaneously
• PC skills and experience in Microsoft products.
• Verbal and written communication skills to complete Response for Proposals, coordinate activities with many departments, and incorporate layman terms in the proposal.
• Demonstrated project management, organizing, planning and scheduling.
• Demonstrated creative and business writing skills.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Strong end-to-end proposal management experience, including coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Experience and skills with proposal management and automation software such as Responsive, Loopio, and Qvidian.
• Extensive proposal writing experience in healthcare, such as health plans, PBM, related industries APMP certification.

Pay Transparency Statement

From health and wellness benefits, 401(k) savings plan, pension plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, disability insurance, supplemental life insurance, employee assistance program, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, plus other incentives, we offer a robust total rewards package for employees.

The compensation offered will vary depending on your job-related skills, education, knowledge, and experience. This role aligns with an annual incentive bonus plan subject to the terms and the conditions of the plan.

Base Pay Range $61,500.00 - $136,100.00 Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

HCSC Employment Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employment employer dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where the unique differences of our employees are respected and valued.

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

HCSC is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

Inclusion and Accessibility

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and need an accommodation or assistance in either using the Careers website or completing the application process, you can call us at 1-866-977-7378 to request reasonable accommodations. Please note that only requests for accommodations in the application process will be returned. All applications, including resumes, must be submitted through HCSC's Career website on-line application process.

If you have general questions regarding the status of an existing application, navigate to "candidate home" to view your job submissions.

For more than 80 years, HCSC has been dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, cost-effective health care and equipping our members with information and tools to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families. As an industry leader, HCSC also has been helping to make the health care system work better for all Americans. To remain a leader, we offer compelling careers that encourage resourcefulness, strategic thought and empower you to make a difference in the lives of our members and their communities. Today, with the industry at an important crossroad, HCSC is reimagining health care and looking for original thinkers who aren’t afraid to make innovative contributions. We are an Equal Opportunity Employment employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Learn more about HCSC, our commitment to our members and the opportunity you’ll have to improve health care delivery in an open, collaborative environment.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Divisions of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, and Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.