Sr RFP Specialist

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Senior RFP Specialist at Ascend Learning you will Independently lead the development and submission of complex, strategic request-for-proposal responses for the Healthcare commercial organization. Partner with Sales, Product, Legal, Finance, and Commercial Operations to deliver compliant, compelling proposals that improve win rates and support revenue growth.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will have the flexibility to work remotely within the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Lead end-to-end development of complex and strategic request-for-proposal responses, including requirements analysis, content development, compliance checks, and final submission.
• Partner with Sales and Commercial Operations to develop proposal strategies, win themes, and value messaging aligned to customer needs and competitive positioning.
• Coordinate cross-functional contributors (Product, Legal, Finance, Security, and Operations) to gather inputs, ensure accuracy, and meet deadlines.
• Maintain and continuously improve proposal content libraries, templates, and standard responses to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure proposals comply with contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements, escalating risks or deviations as appropriate.
• Track and report proposal activity, outcomes, and lessons learned to inform continuous improvement of the RFP process.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience required
• 5+ years of experience leading complex RFP or proposal responses required
• Demonstrated success improving proposal quality and win rates required
• Experience in healthcare or regulated industries preferred
• Advanced knowledge of request-for-proposal processes, compliance requirements, and proposal best practices
• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, persuasive responses
• Ability to work independently to solve complex proposal related challenges, manage multiple deadlines, and influence cross-functional stakeholders without formal authority
• Ability to effectively coordinate cross-functional inputs in a fast paced sales environment

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.