Proposal Writer I

Delta Dental of Missouri is seeking a Proposal Writer I in St. Louis, Missouri. The Proposal Writer I is responsible for writing, development, assembly, timely delivery, and project management tracking of request for proposals (RFPs) and request for information (RFIs) (hereafter proposals). This position works closely with the Proposal Writer II, sales, account management, marketing and risk assessment personnel to present current and detailed information regarding our organization to prospective and current clients. This highly motivated, critical thinking individual will use proven organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure proposals are completed and submitted in a manner that positions the company favorably in the acquisition and retention of business and successfully satisfies prescribed bid specifications.

Responsibilities

• Work in close collaboration with the Proposal Writer II to complete work.

• Utilize the content database and previous bids and collaborate with subject matter experts to write proposal responses.

• Collaborate with sales, account management and other stakeholders to create a compliant, competitive, persuasive and compelling proposal that reflects the prospects needs and requirements.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure proposal content aligns with sales and marketing messaging and complies with branding requirements, organizational policies, state laws and regulations.

• Manage project schedules and deliverables to ensure projects are delivered on-time, with a heightened focus on quality, accuracy, and responsiveness.

• Participate in proposal reviews and take direction to incorporate changes and improvements to proposals.

• Provide updated proposal information for inclusion into the content database.

• Responsible for all phases of the proposal project, including assembly and delivery.

• Work closely with SMEs to translate forms, exhibits, and reports into compelling narrative.

• Assume additional responsibilities as needed.

• Participate in activities to build collaboration and team commitment.

Education, Skills, Personal Attributes, and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, business or other related field; or equivalent professional experience.

• 1-3 years' applicable experience in proposal response development; preferably in insurance, managed care or other health care industry.

• Expert written communication skills with a strong eye for grammatical, spelling and other editing errors.

• Experience drafting and submitting winning proposal responses.

• Ability to engage prospects and understand their needs, goals and pain points.

• Editorial mindset, with the ability to write concise, compelling content and adjust tone and voice for different audiences.

• Ability to create new proposal content by meeting with subject matter experts and using reference documents.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of AP style, in-house style and brand guidelines; produce proposals with a high level of creative consistency and brand adherence.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously to meet short and long-term deadlines.

• Project management skills and experience working effectively with teams to develop a customer-specific proposal strategy.

• Ability to convey concepts and processes in clear and concise language.

• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and proposal platforms such as Qvidian and ProposalTech.

• Pass a typing test.

• Demonstrated professionalism; communicate effectively and pleasantly with team members.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships from various disciplines at all levels in the organization.

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Self-motivated, accountable, organized and detail oriented.

• Proven subscription to the company's core values of integrity, trust and respect, innovation, stewardship, excellence and celebration.

Work Conditions

• General office working conditions which may require sitting for extended periods of time.

• Infrequent overnight travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities require the ability to focus distant and near objects clearly. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and arms to handle, feel and reach as well as operate a personal computer.