Job Description

We are seeking a Pitch and Proposal Specialist to join K&L Gates. Candidates must be self-starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are strongly preferred.

The Pitch and Proposal Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the firm's business development and client growth objectives by managing and coordinating the development of compelling, client-focused proposals, pitches, requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for information (RFIs), and other competitive pursuit materials. As a key contributor to the firm's pursuit strategy, the specialist partners closely with lawyers, client growth professionals, and business services teams to develop persuasive, high-quality submissions that differentiate the firm in the marketplace, effectively communicate its capabilities and experience, and position the firm to secure new business and strengthen client relationships.

Key Relationships:

• Practice Area and Industry Leaders
• Practice Growth Leads
• Matter Management and Pricing Team
• Client Growth Team

Key Duties:

• Manage the development and production of pitches, proposals, RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, capability statements, and other client-facing pursuit materials from opportunity intake through final submission, ensuring deliverables are responsive, accurate, compelling, and delivered on time.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to practice leaders, lawyers, client growth professionals, and business services teams to support the firm's business development efforts, revenue generation objectives, and pursuit strategy.
• Lead proposal projects by establishing timelines, coordinating contributors, managing content development, facilitating review processes, and ensuring adherence to submission requirements and deadlines.
• Develop a thorough understanding of assigned practices, industries, and service offerings to become a subject matter expert capable of translating complex legal and business concepts into clear, persuasive, client-focused messaging.
• Evaluate client requirements, opportunity objectives, and competitive considerations to develop proposal strategies, identify key differentiators, and craft compelling, client-focused content that strengthens the firm's position and supports successful business development outcomes.
• Draft, edit, and customize proposal content, including executive summaries, cover letters, firm overviews, practice descriptions, value propositions, lawyer biographies, and other narrative components as needed.
• Collaborate directly with lawyers and key stakeholders to gather information, refine messaging, and develop tailored responses that align with client needs and business objectives.
• Utilize the firm's proposal management and content systems (EPC) to efficiently develop pursuit materials, maintain content integrity, and leverage firm experience, credentials, and institutional knowledge.
• Apply strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to manage competing priorities, address complex pursuit requirements, and identify process improvements that enhance team efficiency and proposal quality.
• Partner with colleagues across client growth, pricing, legal project management, finance, conflicts, and other business functions to facilitate successful pursuit outcomes.
• Ensure all deliverables adhere to firm brand standards, visual identity guidelines, quality expectations, and established proposal best practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the firm's pitches and proposals function by identifying opportunities to improve processes, content management, knowledge sharing, and pursuit effectiveness.
• Protect the confidentiality and integrity of client, firm, and pursuit information by adhering to firm policies, procedures, and information governance standards.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, Business, or a related field required, along with three to five years of experience in proposals, business development, or a comparable professional services environment. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information, identify key issues and opportunities, exercise sound judgment, and develop effective solutions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead multiple proposal and pitch opportunities simultaneously, develop and manage pursuit timelines, coordinate stakeholders across the firm, proactively communicate progress and risks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality, client-ready submissions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of assignments.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.
• Prior experience working in a large law firm environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience using MS Office suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Compensation Salary $85,000 - $159,000 / year

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

In accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants for our Los Angeles and San Francisco offices with arrest and conviction records will be considered.

BENEFITS

K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:

• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)

• Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge

• Dental Insurance

• Wellness Program

• Vision Insurance

• Pre-tax Commuting Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing

• Business Travel Accident Insurance

• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)

• Health Advocacy Services

• Paid Time Off (25-30 days per year)

• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance

• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)

• Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service

• Paid Holidays (12)

• Addiction Resources

• Family Building Benefits

• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities

• 529 Deductions

• Relocation

• Accident Insurance

• Employee Referral Program

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities

• Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs

• Bereavement Leave

• All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law