- Professional
- Office in Chicago
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.
At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.
With us, you’ll find:
A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.
Job Description:
The Pursuits Specialist will work closely with business development (BD) leadership to contribute to the firm’s multi-service / multi-regional pursuits, working alongside internal stakeholders to generate revenue growth for the firm. This position will project manage RFP responses throughout the lifecycle of the opportunity, working collaboratively to develop strategy and messaging, and leading submission and post-submission activities. The Pursuits Specialist works under minimal supervision and relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Proposal Strategy and Support
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and BD colleagues across firm departments to develop proposals that align client needs with firm goals, target the right opportunities, and clearly communicate our value.
Work cross-functionally with internal departments to gather information and develop differentiated messaging, proposal content, and necessary updates or approvals.
Lead or co-lead project management efforts for each opportunity, including leading kickoff calls, managing timelines and edits, and ensuring proposals are completed and submitted on schedule.
Ensure all materials are accurate, visually engaging, and consistent with firm style, tone, and brand guidelines.
Content Strategy and Development
Write and edit original content, including tailored executive summaries and compelling narratives, ensuring a consistent voice across practice-specific material.
Develop and maintain libraries of short- and long-form pitch and proposal content.
Performance Insights and Continuous Improvement
Track and report metrics on firm-wide RFP activity, including panel results and post-RFP account growth.
Collaborate with practice BD teams to leverage panel appointments and support the onboarding of new panel clients.
Champion best practices, new technologies (including generative AI tools), and process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
Lead post-process debriefs with attorneys, BD teams, and clients to capture feedback and implement improvements.
Job Specifications:
Bachelor’s degree
At least three (3) years of related work experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong client service and problem-solving skills
Executive presence and ability to lead meetings with key stakeholders
Proficiency with ChatGPT, Copilot and other generative AI tools
Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
Familiarity with client relationship management (CRM) software
Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
Law firm or professional service firm experience is a plus, but not required
Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
Target Hiring Range $81,000 - $107,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
#LI-AR2
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Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds
Work Environment:
Typical indoor office environment
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
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