Results-driven proposals and contracts development professional with 10 years of experience in the clinical research industry with a focus on Clinical Analytics. A proven track record of contributing to the securing of new business awards and previous award winner of Business Development Analyst of the Year. Highly analytical and organized with a background that includes budget construction and analysis, proposal writing, process improvement and project management.

Associate Director, Clinical Analytics, Contracts & Proposals @ From September 2015 to Present (4 months) Associate Director, Clinical Analytics Contracts & Proposals @ From June 2014 to September 2015 (1 year 4 months) Manager, Clinical Analytics Proposals & Contracts @ From June 2014 to October 2014 (5 months) Sr. Manager, Proposals & Contracts @ From January 2014 to May 2014 (5 months) Sr. Manager, Business Development & Proposals @ From November 2012 to January 2014 (1 year 3 months) Proposal Manager II @ Develop proposals and project budgets for global opportunities in response to Requests for Proposals for all phases of clinical trials, including complex, strategic, global programs with multiple studies of work Serve as proposal manager for one of company’s strategic “large” pharma partners and other detailed, complex opportunities which are highly strategic in nature Work with functional department heads to successfully lead and develop unique operational strategies for each proposal to leverage company’s therapeutic, project management and resource experience. Aligned with Medical Device Business Unit to serve as extended leader for proposal development and budgeting by supporting business unit initiatives Participate in bid defense meeting preparations, as needed, to support Account Director in selling role, including input into slide decks for bid defense presentations Develop contracts and payment schedules as requested for newly awarded projects Train and serve as a mentor for new/junior proposal managers From June 2011 to November 2012 (1 year 6 months) Proposal Manager II @ From August 2010 to June 2011 (11 months) Proposal Manager I/ Business Development Analyst @ From July 2007 to June 2010 (3 years) Commercial Analyst @ Under general guidance, prepared written global bids and proposals in response to Requests for Proposals for pharmaceutical clinical trials in a high pressure environment (Late Stage, Medical Communications and Phase III). Made modifications to existing proposals and contracts and track revisions. Coordinated and managed strategy calls with bidding team to review RFPs received from client. Successfully managed bidding/proposal process between domestic and global bidding teams. Prepared budget estimates for proposals utilizing proprietary online clinical trial bidding system. Attended and participated in bid review with senior management to obtain gross profit approval. Made changes to bid based upon feedback. Communicated with Cost Analysts to develop payment schedules that conform to requirements and meet client needs. Ensured accurate information is entered into the proposal and contract tracking database so that timely and accurate reports can be generated. From December 2005 to July 2007 (1 year 8 months) Customer Service Coordinator @ Provided documented quotes of tariff rates to requesting parties. Gathered and researched information to develop rate quotes for requests not covered by existing tariff provisions, collaborating with the sales team and Operations. Provided comprehensive logistics advice to both foreign and domestic customers. Built solid relationships with other transportation agencies and companies to further mutual interests. Responsible for marketing and fielding inquiries on NCSPA’s Foreign Trade Zones Nos. 66 and 67. Acted as liaison between customers and other departments to resolve questions, concerns, or service issues. Investigated and analyzed issues to develop effective solutions and ensure customers’ requirements are met. Identified opportunities to improve service quality and develop potential changes to existing products or processes, or new services that will result in improving NCSPA’s position with customers. From April 2000 to December 2005 (5 years 9 months) Paralegal @ Responsible for compiling, typing, drafting, and revising a variety of technical legal documents, including corporate and real estate documents, complaints, answers, discovery responses and demands, motions, subpoenas and summonses in accordance with local rules formats for both state and federal court. Attended meetings with clients to review legal documents and case status, as well as acted as liaison between attorneys and clients to collect client information and/or resolve problems. Maintained pleadings files and exhibits and performed other duties in preparation for trial. Performed legal research through the Internet and law library. Filed, recorded, and retrieved public records following proper procedures. Handled general clerical office duties, including billing and transcription. From October 1995 to April 2000 (4 years 7 months)

Bachelor of Arts, English - Professional/Creative Writing @ University of North Carolina at Wilmington From 1989 to 1995 Heather Pirtle Ruuska is skilled in: RFP, Proposal Writing, Process Improvement, Staff Development, Analysis, Pharmaceutical Industry, Clinical Trials, CRO, Clinical Research, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Contract Negotiation, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Budgets, Business Development