Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees' points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Position Summary:

This is a support position that performs a variety of specialized business development assignments on proposal teams (including writing, research and analytical tasks) during all phases of the proposal lifecycle (pre-capture, capture, live, and learning). The incumbent plays a lead support role in the development and delivery of competitive proposals with technical program divisions, as well as cross-cutting units such as contracts and pricing.  The Senior Business Development Associate works within the parameters of Creative’s Business Development Policy and Procedures, including Creative’s Style Manual and all company policies, procedures and timelines to support winning proposals that are technically and financially sound, responsive, compliant, and of the highest quality.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Business Development Associate reports to a Senior Business Development Director, Manager or Designee.  On individual bid teams, s/he works under the regular supervision of the designated Proposal Manager and supports all members of the team including senior technical and business development staff.  The position also supports the department’s senior leadership on special cross-departmental or broader company initiatives.

Expected Outcomes:

• Coordinate assigned proposals, ensuring the adherence to Creative’s standardized bid management process, including all standard operating procedures and timelines;
• Build and deepen understanding of proposal development process and help ensure compliance to the requirements of client solicitations;
• Provide representation and coordination with others across the company and create desired synergies when working on assigned proposals;
• Provide coordination and/or management of Business Development Department and Business Development Department administrative tasks and initiatives
• Remain actively involved in the international development industry and proposal management profession, keeping abreast of latest developments, innovations, and best practices.

• Takes a lead role in performing all coordination and administrative tasks related to all phases of the proposal development lifecycle, including file and record creation and maintenance;
• Actively assists Proposal Manager(s) and technical teams in finalizing teaming arrangements;
• Support Proposal Manager(s) to ensure all proposals are compliant with client requirements;
• Prepares and sends out documentation for subcontractors; collects required documentation, verifies documents are accurate and complete, tracks missing information;
• Schedules meetings, takes notes and prepares reports for Proposal Manager(s) through the proposal development and submission process;  
• Tracks progress on recruiting and securing staff, including: develop job descriptions, ensure ads are posted, and review CVs for key and non-key personnel;
• Drafts, reviews and /or formats proposals, as needed;
• Tracks progress made in compiling technical and cost proposal volumes, including all annexes, and reports progress regularly to Proposal Manager(s);
• Actively participates in capture phase (pre-live bid) research efforts, preparing desk studies and data as needed
• Occasionally participate on reconnaissance trips to developing countries to support broader capture teams;
• Convenes post-submission debriefing meetings and prepares written reports to assure that lessons are captured and communicated;
• Contributes to continuous business process improvement, including the creation of new templates and forms;
• Performs coordination and/or management of Business Development Department administrative management tasks such as opportunity monitoring and document management.
• Performs special projects on behalf of the Business Development Department as needed; and
• May serve as Proposal Manager on selected proposals.

Minimum Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Development, Political Science, or relevant field and at least 2 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience;
• Strong writing, editing, communications and organizational skills;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; and
• In-depth knowledge and use of database, spreadsheet (Excel), word-processing (Word), document production (Adobe), and presentation (PowerPoint) software.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and expertise in the international development industry;
• Reading, writing and listening skills in a language other than English; and
• Experience using SharePoint 

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between ($61,300.00 - 68,000.00). 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.

EEOC Statement: Creative is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Ireneb@creativedc.com. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. 

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: Creative will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation. #LI-IB

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.