Strategic Development Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA is hiring for a Strategic Development Specialist to provide business development and strategic initiative support across the research and analysis business units at CNA. This exciting role will serve as an internal strategic initiatives resource supporting the development of materials, opportunities for outreach, and coordination to position CNA in the homeland and national security community.

This role will identify and support the development of opportunities for new funding and opportunities to expand the reputation of CNA to include assisting with capture strategies, planning and execution of events and corporate level initiatives, marketing strategies, opportunity identification and qualification, competitive analysis, and proposal development and delivery.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES 

1. Serve as an internal business development (BD) resource to CNA Business Development staff.
2. Execute strategic initiatives, events, and engagements that require interaction with high level national and homeland security leaders.
3. Engage effectively with CNA Senior Fellows, Trustees, and CNA Military Advisory Board members building key business relationships.
4. Support and/or lead aspects of capture strategies as requested, to include developing client, competitor and internal assessments, market research, opportunity development, and identification of weaknesses or gaps.
5. Collaborate with business development or research staff with marketing, including research of customers and opportunities, preparation of marketing materials and presentations, and attendance at client meetings or events.
6. As directed, prepare proposal pricing or review proposal pricing prepared by others. May lead and / or participate in proposal pricing strategy meetings, Price Volume development, and/or prepare content for Price Volumes.
7. May serve as proposal manager, volume lead, and/or writer for aspects of proposals as requested by division leadership to support proposals in IPR. Lead, contribute to, or support proposal review Teams.
8. Support CNA research teams on homeland and national security analysis, as requested.
9. Coordinate, help plan and/or support to events designed to position CNA in front of potential clients or sponsors (e.g., conferences, seminars, etc.).
10. Performs other duties as required. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Experience: Minimum of 4 years’ experience with public policy research, business development, and / or competitive proposal processes. Experience with the federal procurement process preferred. Familiarity with proposal processes associated with grant solicitations is a plus but not required.
3. Skills:
   • Ability to lead specific BD activities under limited direction.
   • Excellent writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
   • Strong interpersonal skills are required with the ability to gain the cooperation of others.
   • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
   • Must be a quick learner, flexible, and adaptable and work well under pressure and deadlines.
4. Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
5. Hybrid Work Eligibility:
   • Due to the nature of the role, applicants must have the ability to work a flexible schedule on occasion, including some nights and weekends as needed to meet respective proposal schedules.
   • This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor.
   • Employees may be required to work at headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements.