ACDI/VOCA Lead Technical Writer Salary in the United States

Overview
This position will serve as Lead Technical Writer for the Technical Proposal on strategic captures and proposals. In addition, they will collaborate with technical staff at all levels to gather required technical content to write compliant, responsive, and persuasive technical proposals. When not actively writing proposals, this person will support corporate Business Development Strategy development and implementation. In this capacity, he/she will develop client profiles, inform development of critical corporate messaging, advise on development and implementation of Lin-term client positioning plans and help to identify, influence and qualify opportunities. He/she will conduct ongoing business development-related research and data analyses to support Board presentations, President’s messages and other BD needs.

Responsibilities
Technical Writing (50%): Serve as the Lead Technical Writer on business development proposals, with overall responsibilities for developing compelling and compliant technical proposal and presentation documents. Close collaboration with Technical Leads (TLs), Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and partners/consultants to gather information needed to write assigned sections. During capture and preparation phases, facilitate win strategy development discussions, including development of technical solution, management plan and corporate capability. Draft Section Strategy(ies) and subsequent drafts that are compliant with solicitation, responsive to client needs, persuasive and an excellent presentation of our win strategy. Incorporate draft and color review feedback from Technical Leader (TL), Department Head (DH) and color reviewers into each draft iteration. Conduct additional research as required. Coordinate efforts of contributing writers and SMEs contributing to assigned sections; integrate contributions into one, cohesive technical proposal that showcases our win strategy and meets client needs and solicitation requirements. Support writing, copy editing, and formatting for additional proposal efforts and support sections as a contributing writer. Collaborate with proposal team and graphics staff to make excellent use of graphics. Help ensure technical proposal corresponds to budget and other cost volume documents. With proposal team, be prepared to respond quickly and competitively to technical questions from client post-submission.

Capture / Market Research (35%): Conduct market assessment research as required, on client needs, opportunity information, competitive landscape and ACDI/VOCA capabilities/capacity. Translate information into informative technical analysis and strategies. May participate in capture recon trips and/or write from international locations to facilitate collaboration with local partners and proposal team members. Develop and maintain long-term positioning plans /client profiles. Continue ongoing research, monitoring, and updating of profiles, including development of new profiles for new clients, as needed.

Business Development Support and Coordination (15%): Mentor technical staff to increase the organization’s writer capacity; share examples of writing in winning proposals, particularly presentation commended by the client. Recommend and provide technical writing training as needed. Assist in defining content and libraries for proposals, client profiles, developing templates and determining media/format/system to store and maintain information. Assist in developing methods and materials to communicate to clients what we do (priority technical areas) and where we do it (priority geographic areas). Support business development team to improve CRM and proposal management systems. Support recurring and ad hoc technical writing needs, including Reports to Board and President’s office. Provide leadership, coaching, counseling and performance appraisals, where appropriate. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of experience in writing international development technical proposals, preferably for USAID, MCC, USDA, etc. Additional knowledge of non-government proposals is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as in English, Business, Economics, Agriculture, International Development, Communications, Journalism or other related field; Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated excellence writing winning international development technical proposals that are compliant to the requirements, responsive to client needs and showcase our strategy to win the bid. Includes excellent use of graphics. Proven familiarity with international donor programs and/or their procurement processes. International Program management and/or in-country experience a plus. Ability to work independently in a self-directed, results-oriented environment at a fast pace with strict deadlines. Demonstrated ability to distill large quantities of information into concise, salient points. Experience conducting international development research and gathering information from multiple sources including desk and field research. Proven ability to facilitate complex, technical discussions of participants with varied perspectives; able to summarize and to identify action items and next steps. Knowledge of market systems, sustainable agriculture, catalyzing investment, climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, gender/youth inclusion, and/or resilience a plus. Strong analytical skills; able to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to visualize, articulate, conceptualize or solve complex solutions. Proven organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks successfully under tight deadlines. Strong interpersonal, communication and troubleshooting skills. Knowledgeable of PC-based word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database applications; demonstrated ability to use Internet as a research tool. Ability and willingness to travel internationally is required.

While the requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please apply online at http://www.acdivoca.org/work-with-us/. No phone calls please. Only finalists will be contacted. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. EOE/AA. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.