Job Title/Grade:          Senior Specialist, Pricing

Department:                Business Development

Reports to:                  Pricing Director, Pricing Management Team/Business Development Operations

Work Location:            Bethesda, MD or approved remote work location in U.S.*

Function of the Position:

The Senior Pricing Specialist has a two-fold role—(1) carry out the functions and responsibilities of a member of the Pricing Management Team (PMT) in Business Development Operations, per below; and (2) serve as primary mentor and trainer (both on-the-job and formal) of USG Programs staff to prepare them to assume responsibility for pricing individual proposals. The second role also includes advising proposal teams during early prepositioning on bid pricing strategy.

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

Pricing responsibilities. As a PMT member, the Senior Pricing Specialist will support the development of cost proposals responding to USAID and other donor solicitations to further the business development objectives of DAI’s USG business unit. The responsibilities of the PMT overall are (1) to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all USG cost proposals with applicable government and commercial rules and regulations; and (2) to increase pricing capacity across all USG regional project portfolios by developing pricing tools and resources and by providing advice and guidance during the development of each cost proposal. PMT members also serve as lead pricer on complex proposals or when needed during periods of high proposal activity. PMT members are integral members of proposal teams. Specific responsibilities also include:

• Analyze and interpret complex contract terms.
• Analyze solicitations, ensure all requirements for cost proposals are identified and met.
• Develop pricing strategies for individual bids.
• Identify levers of profitability and opportunities to boost profitability.
• Help identify cost risks and mitigation strategies.
• Assist subcontract negotiators in analyzing subcontract budget submissions.
• Complete all cost-related documentation required by solicitations (representations, certifications, etc.)
• Review and validate Excel spreadsheets for proposal budgets (formatting, assuring correctness of formulas, confirming accuracy, ensure compliance with solicitation requirements).

2. Mentoring and training responsibilities. The Senior Pricing Specialist will lead training and mentorship to build a cadre of Programs staff able to be the lead pricers periodically on individual proposals. The training may be formal (leading pricing learning sessions or pricing bootcamps) or informal (mentoring Programs staff on a one-to-one basis to prepare for pricing a specific anticipated proposal effort). This responsibility also includes liaising with Regional Vice Presidents and other Programs managers to clarify proposal pricing needs as well as to identify individuals who show interest and promise in serving as lead proposal pricers.  Specific responsibilities also include: 

• Identify needs for new pricing tools, templates, and processes; contribute to their development when there is concurrence on needs.  
• Contribute to the development of new training (and training materials) on proposal pricing.
• Advise Programs managers and staff on pricing strategies for proposals—in general, and for specific anticipated proposal efforts.
• Assist proposal teams during capture and prepositioning on preparing back-of-the-envelope budgets.
• Supplement other PMT members by mentoring and guiding lead pricers on live proposal efforts during peak proposal workload periods.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in business development or project management, and a college degree. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience developing complete budgets for cost proposals in response to USAID solicitations.
• Experience analyzing solicitations and developing responsive bid pricing strategies.
• Experience developing and delivering training and mentoring on proposal pricing.
• *Based in one of the following U.S. locations where DAI is registered: District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of DAI’s business model.
• Familiarity with technical issues in economic growth, environment, governance, and health..
• Knowledge of USAID thematic and functional policies and regulations.
• Customer service orientation with a positive, can-do and a sense of humor.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, and accomplish work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills with the ability to communicate policies and interpret regulations to diverse audiences. 
• Experience with proactive client engagement and thorough understanding of client requirements and preferred methods of business.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization from diverse backgrounds.

Compensation & Benefits

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $94,780 to $111,506. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.