Strategic Business Development & Proposal Manager

3 months ago
Full time role
Hybrid · Remote · Northampton, MA, US... more

Location: Remote

Must reside in one of the following states: AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, MN, MT, NC, NH, NY, RI, SC, VT. 


We are looking for a Strategic Business Development & Proposal Manager to join our team! In this role, you will be responsible for driving business development process and continuous improvements, implementing quality control practices, monitoring requests for proposals (RFPs), managing and supporting proposal development, ensuring timely submissions, and overseeing the successful performance of a small team.


CET, a regional nonprofit, operates on the front lines of climate action by helping people and businesses decarbonize through waste reduction, energy efficiency, and electrification. With nearly 50 years of experience, CET envisions a world that has embraced and advanced just and resilient climate solutions.  


CET has a diverse set of revenue streams from several dozen clients and funding partners and we continuously bid on new work to expand our programs and services. Our diverse portfolio and active business development helps mitigate against ebbs and flows in our workforce needs.


Benefits and Compensation:


CET provides you with excellent benefits including vacation, holiday, and personal/sick time; medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; disability insurance; and a retirement plan with a company match. CET provides a monthly $85 stipend for your home internet and/or phone expenses. We cultivate a friendly and supportive environment to help us achieve our mission impact goals. 


This is a full-time exempt position. You may work remotely or may work out of our office in Northampton, Massachusetts. CET will provide you with a laptop and other office technology.


At CET, we are committed to transparency and equity in our compensation practices. The compensation range in our job postings reflects the range of pay available for the role. Individual compensation will be determined based on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience. 


This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference mitigating climate change. Here's an overview of some of the responsibilities:


Manage a large and growing volume of bids and proposals.

  • Collaborate with chief executive leadership to develop and implement strategic growth areas while ensuring effectiveness, assessing risks and identifying corrective actions to optimize the department’s functions.
  • Monitor new market opportunities and trends and develop and implement effective strategies to attract new clients and expand business opportunities. 
  • Implement and refine team-wide standard operating procedures and processes for all aspects of business development including quality assurance processes and controls to ensure excellence at all stages of the BD lifecycle.
  • Oversee the proposal development process by coordinating with internal teams to gather necessary information and resources; contributing as needed to proposal development and submissions; and ensuring RFPs are submitted according to standards of quality, completeness, and timeliness.
  • Oversee the handoff of secured work to the Project/Program Management Office (PMO), ensuring that the needed information to deliver the work is communicated effectively.


Lead a high performing team

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and supervision for assigned staff, setting goals, and managing employees towards individual and continuous team improvement.
  • Hire, terminate, and adjust compensation. Champion effective employee relations and communication. Conduct performance reviews, develop training plans, provide corrective action and mentorship as needed.
  • Collaborate and coordinate effectively with Program Managers, Project Managers, as well as other Department Managers to ensure budgetary goals are met.
  • Ensure integrity, quality, and compliance with defined policies and procedures including regulatory, client requirements, and CET policy.


You will bring to this role:

  • Strong commitment to non-profit mission of CET.
  • An understanding of how running business development for a consulting firm works.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Proposal Manager or Business Development Manager within a services or consultancy framework, preferably within the sustainability, energy and/or waste fields.
  • Demonstrated success leading teams to achieve new business capture targets. Bachelor’s degree required.
  •  Proficiency in CRM software (Salesforce preferred), ERP (NetSuite preferred), MS Office (especially Excel), and Smartsheet (desired).
  • Strategic thinking and analytical skills with a focus on proposal development and RFP management.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to regularly travel throughout MA, CT, and RI as required.


Physical Demands/Conditions Requirements:
Including but not limited to the following: Environment: Office environment. Home office, must have high speed internet with a setting designed to work without interruption. As required, movement throughout a variety of business required. Physical Demands: Walking, sitting, standing, keying, repetitive movements. Equipment Used: Including but not limited to the following: Computer, cell phone, automobile and office equipment


CET is able to hire people who reside in these states: AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, NJ, MN, MT, NC, NH, NY, RI, SC, VT. If you do not live in one of these states, we will not be able to consider your application.


CET is an equal opportunity employer and provider. We strive for a welcoming and inclusive environment. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. You may include military service assignments and any verified work performed on a volunteer basis. If you are an individual with a disability needing reasonable accommodation or assistance at any time during the application process, please contact us at hr@cetonline.org.


Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skill, and ability. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. This job ad in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.