Director, Business Development and Strategy - Hybrid

Overview

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

 

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees' points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility. 

 

Position Summary:

Creative seeks a Director of Business Development (BD) and Strategy to work under CIT senior leadership supervision, performing complex activities across various technical areas to ensure proposal quality and alignment with corporate growth strategy. Work involves leading the CIT BD team including development of implementation of the division strategy and related plans to respond to the forward market; mentoring division staff on strategic decision-making and high-quality technical writing; overseeing the CIT BD budget and expenses; and working closely with Practice Area Directors (PADs) to ensure each bid is properly staffed and resourced

 

Reporting & Supervision:

The Director of BD and Strategy, CIT reports to the VP of the CIT division and may supervise Directors, Managers, and/or Associates.

 

 

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Takes a lead role in consistently shaping division strategy and planning to meet the forward market, based on technical innovations and client trends.
  • Leads CIT’s Business Development process, liaising with other company stakeholders and develops regular market analytics for CIT senior leadership on new business opportunities, suggested strategies, major trends, and proposed positioning and capture activities.
  • Undertakes on-going market research to ensure BD responsiveness and innovation that improves CIT’s win rate; complete detailed win/loss and data analyses and reports, with recommendations for continual improvement.
  • Drives strategic bid decision-making in line with division strategy and budget.
  • Works with PADs to ensure proper proposal resourcing, high-quality teams, and efficient bid management to keep each proposal within budget, and CIT within overall budget.
  • Supports learning and adaptation, with PADs and Senior Technical Advisors (STAs), so project lessons enrich the division strategy and improve bid design and quality; promote learning, resource sharing, and collaboration on bids across divisions.
  • Strengthens the division’s BD capacity by developing, overseeing, and measuring the impact of a CIT BD capacity strengthening plan, in collaboration with BDD.
  • Serves as principal liaison to the Business Development Division (BDD); oversees the systematic application of Creative and industry good practices, including standardized processes, decisions points, and tools.
  • Develops and maintains strong working relationships with partner and/or donor organizations including USAID office, bureaus, and missions, network of partners, technical experts, and subject matter experts.
  • Serves as Technical Lead (TL), Lead Writer (LW), and/or contributing writer on bids as needed.
  • Travels internationally to perform many of the responsibilities of the role.

Qualifications

Minimum Skills & Qualifications:

 

• Experience serving in a business development advisory and/or leadership role.
• Expertise in the development of BD strategies for USAID, Department of State and/or other donor programs including articulating theories of change, developing results frameworks, and constructing program strategy and activities;
• Demonstrated ability to meet technical and business results, including quality proposals and win rates, working across diverse country and program contexts.
• Experience in working with project management, technical advisors, and COPs and DCOPs in the implementation of technical programs to achieve project objectives.
• Experience in establishing networks, partnerships, and relationships with technical experts to support teaming strategies and key personnel recruitment