Associate, Strategic Proposals

Atheneum is a leading global insights platform servicing various clients including distinguished strategy consulting firms, renowned investment houses and well known global corporations. Our mission is to provide faster insights to empower our clients’ decision making. Through our AI capabilities we accelerate the decision-making of our clients by connecting them to the world's top professionals and industry leaders.

Atheneum is growing rapidly, with 500+ professionals in 11 offices across the US, South America, APAC and EMEA.

As an Associate, Strategic Proposals for the Life Sciences team, you will focus on evaluating client project requests, confirming feasibility, estimating costs, and crafting persuasive proposals to win bids. This role requires strong analytical skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams. You will work closely with the client services team and report to a direct manager, likely based in the U.S., Berlin, or London.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Project Feasibility Assessment: Evaluate client project requests within the Life Sciences space by leveraging Atheneum’s extensive network of over 500,000 experts, adjusting expert types to fit project needs, and conducting desk research using secondary data sources and subscribed databases.
• Cost Estimation: Analyze project requirements to determine accurate cost estimates for proposals.
• Proposal Development: Write compelling proposals, defend them to clients, and iterate to secure project wins (targeting 1-2 wins per cycle).
• Client Communication: Engage with clients through written communication to clarify needs, present proposals, and follow up on submissions.
• Pre-Vetting and Follow-Up: Conduct pre-vetting of project requirements and ensure thorough follow-up to maintain client satisfaction.
• Platform Utilization: Use internal platforms to manage project bids, proposals, and client interactions.
• Time Management: Dedicate 60-70% of your time to proposal development, balancing multiple projects.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the client services team and other stakeholders to align on project goals and deliverables.

Profiles We Are Seeking

We are looking for proactive, detail-oriented, and communicative individuals eager to grow in a dynamic, client-facing role. While candidates from diverse backgrounds are welcome, a Life Sciences background (e.g., Biotech, Pharma, or Biology) is highly advantageous. Some commercial experience or client-facing exposure is preferred but not mandatory, as we provide dedicated training on proposal writing, value propositions, and industry knowledge.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Experience: 1-2 years of relevant experience (flexible) in a client-facing, commercial, or analytical role. A Biology/Life Sciences major with client service exposure is a plus.
• Skills: Strong written communication skills for proposal writing, analytical thinking for feasibility and cost assessments, and the ability to persuade and negotiate with clients.
• Background: Open to various academic backgrounds, but Life Sciences expertise is preferred. Basic commercial experience is helpful.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-evolving environment, managing multiple priorities, and collaborating across teams.
• Language: Fluent English (written and verbal) is required for professional client communication.