Fast Facts

We are seeking a Manager Proposal I to lead proposal-related business development activities at First Student, ensuring compliance and quality in proposal submissions while supporting marketing and communication initiatives.

Responsibilities: Lead and manage proposal development processes, compile compliance tables, develop compelling proposals, ensure accuracy, and track proposal delivery, while supporting advertising and communications programs.

Skills: Excellent writing and editing skills, familiarity with RFPs and technical writing, strong attention to detail, advanced knowledge of software tools, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field, with 1-3 years of experience in proposal writing and management preferred.

Location: Cincinnati, OH - Headquarters

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $55,000 - $80,000.

First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. Leads and manages proposal-related business development activities, processes and materials for new and existing contracts. Includes proposal development, production and distribution, as well as presentations and post submittal follow-up. Position also provides writing support for marketing and communications. Major Responsibilities Coordinate with the Operations, Marketing, and Business Development to write and develop proposals, best-and-final offers, interview presentations and other required documents. Compile a Table of Compliance with Win-Theme that outlines the production specifications and section details as a guideline for development of the proposal. With input from Directors of Business Development and other corporate sales support staff, develop a compelling proposal with the intent to win the business. Author, proofread, edit, print, compile and ensure accuracy of the final proposal document. Ensure proposal compliance with requirements specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Complete all required forms and obtain all necessary signatures; includes bonding and insurance requests. Supports advertising and communications programs to promote products and services through the design, creation, and execution of materials. Schedule, coordinate and track proposal delivery before the specified deadline. Support the Business Development Team in sales efforts, including developing PowerPoint presentations, documents, reports, communications, etc. Maintain proposal calendar and pipeline database to account for and track proposal development and execution. Register with procurement websites and monitor such for new projects. Maintain and update proposal boilerplate, current corporate information, location profiles, resumes, bios, customer references and templates. Drive prospective and continuous improvement in the proposal development process and materials by identifying opportunities, building organizational support for new ideas and collaborating with sales, marketing and communications to plan and execute. Minimum Experience or Skills Required Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Journalism, Communications or related field required. 1-3 years of experience working with RFP’s and/or technical writing for the public sector Excellent writing skills, with a strong orientation to detail and service. Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Proposal writing, management experience strongly preferred Ability to exercise independent thinking with a high level of prioritization skills Strong customer relation skills Ability to generate creative ideas, meet multiple deadlines and work independently. Knowledge of business and management principles. Some travel may be required In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf. MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence