HopToIt - The Importance of Internal Branding

By Dianna Lopez Thankfully for us at LeapFrog Solutions, most organizations understand the need for investing significant resources in their external branding and marketing efforts. Often, these efforts include thorough research, careful planning and targeted execution, all of which take a great deal of time and energy. However, when it comes to internal branding, seldom is the same level of effort put forth. The assumption is that employees already know who you are, what you do and why you do it. However, just as consumers need to be regularly exposed to your brand before they commit to becoming your customers, and then need repeated exposure to remain loyal customers, your employees also need to be reminded of the "who, what and why" of your organization. Internal branding is the process by which this is achieved. The most obvious example of internal branding is training. Often times, organizations have an onboarding process during which new hires receive training that includes an overview of the company, its mission and values. While this is important, this type of information should have been received by the new hire during the recruitment process, so the onboarding training just reinforces their decision to join the company. Seemingly small things help to showcase your brand such as recruitment methods, types of communications used during the recruitment process, interactions with your employees during interviews and even the look and feel of your office space. Click HERE to read the rest of the article

Are you using social media to market your company?

You should be! There are ways to monitor your ROI and see the direct result that social media marketing has on your business.

HopToIt: Judge a Company by the Kitchen It Keeps

By Rich Gilroy

When you compare marketing communications firms, what is the most important factor to consider? The portfolio? Case studies? Client testimonials? The firm’s website? How about its kitchen?

The other day, I remarked to Lisa Martin, LeapFrog Solutions’ founder and CEO, that we have the cleanest kitchen of just about anyplace I’ve ever worked. I went on to say that it seems to demonstrate what a collaborative and supportive team we have here. In all fairness, we do have a schedule in the kitchen and everyone (except, strangely, Lisa) is assigned a week of kitchen clean-up duty. Yet it’s not uncommon to see someone who’s not assigned to kitchen duty unloading the dishwasher, restocking the granola bars and giving the counters a wipe. This is especially true when the assigned kitchen-keeper is on travel, out sick or in non-stop meetings. And despite her exemption from assigned duty, I have seen Lisa empty the dishwasher. (Of course, being the well-known sycophant that I am, I always offer to help!)

We’ve all worked at offices in which the kitchen sink was usually full of dirty mugs, dishes and flatware — even though the dishwasher was right next to the sink. Years ago, I worked in an office where one individual became so exasperated by the sink full of dishes that she tossed out all the mugs. Oh, the wailing and gnashing of teeth that ensued.

There was another office in which the refrigerator had become so filled with plastic containers of decomposing leftovers and dips — and baggies of fuzzy green sandwiches ─ that the stench was overwhelming. We literally wore rubber gloves to clean and purge.

And still another office that much to the chagrin of its environmentally conscious staff, provided only paper plates and plastic flatware. Why? The office general manager told me — and I’m not making this up — that they used to stock regular dishes and flatware, but they kept “walking out the door.”

So if a clean kitchen suggests a dedicated, supportive — and dare I say, “happy” — team, what does a dirty kitchen suggest? Here’s a list of possible theories:

To read more Click HERE

LeapFrog Solutions Appoints Lee Brinckley Web Development Manager; Lindsay Walker, Anjali Dighe, Amy Kerr, Join Company

Oakton, Va. — February 8, 2012 — LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. (LFS), a full-service strategic marketing communications firm, announced today that it has appointed Lee Brinckley as the company's web development manager. The company also appointed Lindsay Walker as an account coordinator, Anjali Dighe as executive assistant and client development manager, and Amy Kerr an accountant.

"I am pleased to welcome Lee, Anjali, Lindsay and Amy to the LeapFrog Solutions team," said LFS founder and CEO Lisa Martin. "As our company grows, we will continue to add talented persons to enhance our offerings and expand our service to government and private sector clients."

Brinckley, who has more than 12 years experience in website design, programming and marketing, will be responsible for integrating web and new media solutions into marketing plans for LFS clients. Brinckley is an expert on MODX, an open source content management system (CMS) for web systems. He joins LFS from Nehlsen Communications in Moline, Ill., where he was director of web marketing. He also has worked as a senior web designer and consultant. Brinckley earned his BFA degree in multimedia and graphic design from Greenville College.

Dighe has a varied and deep portfolio, with more than 15 years of progressive corporate positions. She has spearheaded financial and strategic planning, capital management and development as well as internal operations management for both national and multinational companies including ZGS Broadcast Holdings, Stranix, Discovery Communications and Robert Half International. She earned a B.A. degree in political science from North Carolina State University.

Walker, who brings in more than five years of experience in project management, came to LFS from George Mason University where she was a program coordinator managing certificate programs and contract training programs. At LFS, she assists with account coordination, reporting, and research for both commercial and government clients. Walker monitors the media for news about flood insurance in support of FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, a major LFS client. Walker earned her B.A. degree in communications with a minor in graphic design from Longwood University.

Kerr, who joins LFS as an accountant, has 15 years experience in accounting, finance and bookkeeping. Prior to joining LFS, she was a staff accountant for CityView in Los Angeles, Calif., one of the nation's premier institutional investment firms focused on urban real estate. She earned her A.S. degree in digital media from Full Sail Real World Education and her A.A. degree in general studies from Central Florida Community College.

Farewell! We will miss you!!

On Friday we bid farewell to Dick Bodson, our President of the past 17 months. We celebrated in the best way we know how, a happy hour in his honor. We will miss you Dick. Though you may not be in the office, we will feel the impact you had everyday. Good luck in your next adventure!


To see more pictures of our farewell happy hour, visit our Facebook page HERE

A Conversation With Lisa Martin: Marketing To Four Generations

Our CEO, Lisa Martin, is featured in Washington Exec! Check out the article about marketing to the four generations below --
Meet Lisa Martin, the CEO of LeapFrog Solutions. Martin specializes in developing strategic marketing campaigns for high-technology clients, as well as association-sponsored conferences and trade shows.

In this exclusive interview with WashingtonExec, Martin offers advice about how marketing and communication has changed the federal contracting industry and the world. She told us about the four different generations of the workplace environment and explained the differences between them.


WashingtonExec: Who are the four generations people talk about in the workplace?

Lisa Martin: While expert opinions vary slightly on exact ages, the rough breakdown is:

Veterans/Traditionalists (born 1922-1945) roughly 65+
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) ages 47 – 64
Gen X (born 1965-1980) ages 31 – 46
Gen Y (born 1982-2000) under 30
“The bottom line is that companies have to be aware that they are marketing to different generations and they have to be mindful about how those generations use technology to receive and share information.”
To ready more CLICK HERE

LFS is hiring - Public and Media Relations Manager

Postion

Discipline:
Public Relations
Reports To:
Senior Vice President and Program Manager
Effective Date:
January 2012

Job Summary:
LeapFrog Solutions, a woman-owned small business, strategic marketing communications firm on a fast growth track with commercial and government clients, seeks an experienced, motivated and energetic manager to oversee public and media relations efforts.

Responsibilities:
Provides leadership and overall support to the account team in the day-to-day public and media relations support of a large government account with duties as follows:

Leads public and media relations tasks including research, media monitoring, writing, media outreach, satellite media tours, multimedia news releases, media training, and social media engagement
Develops strategies and tactics in support of the program’s public and media relations goals
Creates and maintain extensive nationwide media lists and relationships with the goal to ensure all areas of media are targeted
Demonstrates experience in communications concepts and tactics, including media relations and social media
Provides a professional presence representing the client at conferences, trade shows, special events and other meetings
Integrates research and creative work concepts into account activity
Thrives as a contributor on a creative team that collaborates in addressing client challenges
Presents positive, flexible attitude that lends itself to effective client relations and service
Manages projects with attention to detail, accuracy and quality while meeting established
deadlines
Organizes and manages multiple responsibilities effectively
Demonstrates strong written and verbal skills
Demonstrates efficiency in word processing, reporting, presentation development and online
research
Writes, proofreads, formats, and edits skills in accordance with style standards
Develops and manages schedules, budgets and resource plans
Demonstrates a thirst for knowledge and learning, and demonstrates continual improvement in
communications skills
Navigates through an environment of constant change – and demonstrates ability to see and
create opportunities with every change
Provides general government contract support

Requirements:
B.A. in public relations, journalism, communications or related field
Experience writing for both Web and traditional outlets is preferred
7-10 years of public relations/communications experience
Account management experience • Familiarity working with government agencies
Strong writing/editing/proofreading skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Ability to work as a team player and independently in a fast-paced environment
Maintain discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters
Ability to travel 25-30% of the time

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:
Public relations industry experience, commercial and government
Some branding, print, web and multimedia production and management experience and
understanding
Excellent prior client management/relations experience
Multi-tasker, team player, personable and goals-driven
Attention to detail, deadlines, accounts
Positive, can-do attitude, flexible, organized

Compensation:
Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Please send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to lfs_careers@leapfrogit.com and place “PR Manager” in subject header. Candidates may be asked to complete a writing test. This is a full time position.

LFS is looking for a Proposal Development Manager to join our pond

Job Summary:
LeapFrog Solutions seeks an experienced, highly organized Proposal Development Manager with excellent leadership, management, interpersonal and problem solving skills. This is a multi-faceted position requiring hands-on new business support, initiative, adaptability and excellent follow through.

The Proposal Development Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s proposal-related activities for the full procurement lifecycle. Working with other staff, this position contributes to the development and implementation of business development strategies, policies and procedures, encourages partnership development, and assures high-quality, compliant proposal submissions.

The primary responsibility is to lead company proposals and to ensure the highest standards in consistent, winning, and responsive bids. The proposals are predominantly technical responses; knowledge of pricing structures is desirable.


Basic Qualifications:

Three major areas: 1) individual proposal management and development, 2) monitoring and review of all proposals, 3) competitive and opportunity research
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or relevant field
Six years of proposal development and related management experience; at least three years experience in federal proposal management
Excellent computer skills; proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and automated project management tool (e.g. MS Project)
Track record of success in developing proposals according to federal, state, and local solicitations
Track record of success in supporting marketing communications industry proposal and business development
Demonstrated leadership in assuming responsibility for company proposals, through all development stages
Experience using varied multiple award contract vehicles (e.g. GSA AIMS, GSA ITSS, SeaPort-e)
Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace
An analytical mind and ability to analyze large amounts of information and data quickly
Strong planning and decision-making skills to engage diverse individuals under tight time constraints
Experience and ability to obtain additional resources (e.g. consultants) as needed
Willingness to do hands-on support for company bids and related new business opportunity responses

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and/or interest in marketing, media and/or advertising industries and a passion and desire to grow the company and grow with the company
Knowledge of pricing structures (FFP, T&M, cost plus, and combinations)
Strong leadership skills to train, mentor, provide work guidance, coordinate, oversee and lead company staff
Good interpersonal skills working with staff and potential customers
Solid capacity to look at situations from several points of view; flexibility
Experience working in a small firm/agency setting
High comfort level working in a matrixed environment; strength under pressure

Responsibilities:
Assume overall leadership and manage/conduct hands-on support for company document responses to new business opportunities (e.g. responses to sources sought notices, solicitations, and all phases of related marketing responses and proposal development)
Direct hands-on proposal development from qualification stage through market research, and straw man proposal development, engaging appropriate staff, and fully developing and enforcing consistently high quality standards in production and final product:
Qualify bid opportunity
Conduct market research including using resource tools (i.e. FedMine, GSA E-Buy, FedBizOpps, E-VA, E-MD)
Engage appropriate staff for input and support
Outline proposal and develop compliance matrix; enforce compliant response
Facilitate kick-off with win theme development and other strategies
Develop production schedule
Write sections (i.e. boilerplate)
Organize and lead all review stages (pink, red, green, gold)
Do final editing and production of document – hard and electronic copies
Take charge of all volume development including business/costing; contribute to costing
Develop other responses to opportunities (e.g. oral presentation slides)
Refine and update proposal development procedures, template, tools, and techniques
Maintain complete files and records of proposal related materials and final products
Train and develop junior/support staff
Grow the proposal development capabilities as the company grows

Essential Job Functions
Market and Opportunity Research
Investigate information related to a new business opportunity
Conduct competitive analysis
Examine customer buying habits
Recommend bid strategy – technical and cost
Work with bid team and proposed project director to strengthen competitive advantage
Proposal Development Management
Take all steps necessary to produce substantial winning response to solicitations
Establish budgets for proposals (B&P) and for overall proposal development
Manage proposals and department to budgets; often multiple simultaneous proposals
Maintain timelines and enforce deadlines and high quality standards
Ensure full compliance of product with solicitation
Oversee document production including development in Word, integration of graphics and other input (e.g. photos), final production including quality control, and delivery
Corporate Support
Contribute to marketing planning and strategy; support corporate strategic initiatives
Manage and coach staff in consistent high quality responsive proposal development

Compensation:
Competitive and commensurate with experience

To apply for this position, please send an email to LFS_careers@leapfrogit.com with “Proposal Development Manager” in the subject line.

LeapFrog Solutions article in Washington Technology

Check out LFS in Washington Technology:

How one small business chipped away at the market and captured a $75M opportunity
By David Hubler
Dec 19, 2011

Contrary to its name, marketing and communications company LeapFrog Solutions didn’t immediately leap into the government market.

That happened in 2002, when Lisa Martin’s company won three small consulting contracts from the Federal Railroad Administration, Voice of America and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Others modest government awards followed from the Secret Service, National Credit Union Administration and Office of the Currency.

To read more - click here http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2011/12/19/leapfrog-fema-contract.aspx

Martin said she quickly realized that, like commercial entities, many federal agencies had websites that were not in sync with their mission statements. Also, activities such as direct mail, trade show appearances and ad campaigns also were disjointed because each operation was the responsibility of a different domain.

So for the government market, she said, “Our very ambitious goal was ‘make the message matter.’ Whether it was online, offline, we wanted to make the message consistent.”

LeapFrog’s big leap into the government arena began in 2008, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency set aside its marketing and communications contracting as a small-business award.

To read more, click here http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2011/12/19/leapfrog-fema-contract.aspx

HopToIt: Don't Make Your PowerPoint Pointless

By Mark Nelson

PowerPoint presentations are so ubiquitous in today's business world that I have difficulty remembering the last time I attended a live or online event where the speaker (or speakers) did not click through a deck of computerized slides overflowing with information, charts, graphs, diagrams, photos or illustrations.

The original PowerPoint was developed for Macintosh computers and called "Presenter." It was renamed PowerPoint in 1987 and its developers sold it for $14 million to Microsoft, which launched it three years later. Businesses worldwide quickly embraced it and used it to create computerized presentations that replaced clear plastic "foils" that were shown on overhead projectors.

Some speakers can't let go of their PowerPoints. A former colleague once announced his candidacy for Congress via PowerPoint. His friends joked that he probably would propose by PowerPoint.

I'm sure you have suffered through 60-slide presentations delivered in machine-gun style by speakers who attempt to cram an encyclopedia of information into their allotted 15 minutes, or worse, the hour-long presentation, usually delivered right after lunch in a darkened hotel conference room.

To read more click here

Happy Birthday Rich Gilroy!

Happy Birthday to our Account Director Rich Gilroy!

His words of wisdom - "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing!"

Just Another Friday at the Pond

Look who dropped by the pond!

It was great to see Jim Henry, former and forever froggy, today at the office. Jim was up for a rainy Nationals game and stopped by to check in on the team.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying retirement Jim!!!

Hop To It: Is It Time to Rebrand?

By Pam Long

Before we talk about rebranding, let's talk about what the word "brand" means. A brand is the essence or promise that a product, service or organization delivers to or is experienced by a buyer. Your brand confirms your credibility and connects your target audience emotionally. A strong brand will motivate and create loyal users. It is the sum total of their experiences and perceptions. Although your organization's name, logo and theme help to support the brand, they are not the only elements. Indeed, successful brands — such as Apple, McDonald's and Coca-Cola, to name a few — are represented by every aspect of their communications, from advertising to websites to press releases to promotions.

So what does "rebranding" mean? An organization goes through changes and evolves over time. As a result, sometimes the current brand does not align with whom and what the organization is, nor does the brand represent where the organization is heading. And sometimes an organization's relationship with its customers changes.

Another way to define rebranding is to think of your brand as the foundation of your organization. If your foundation has developed a few cracks, it may be time to lay a new one.

Keep in mind that rebranding is more than just enhancing your company logo. Rebranding means taking a hard look at your current positioning, messaging and values. Sometimes, for example, an organization's ownership and mission shift, and your values and priorities may shift as well. Sometimes, public tastes and attitudes change, and it's time to align your brand accordingly. In the late 1990s, for example, Target was viewed as just another low-price retailer, indistinguishable from Walmart or Kmart. Through exclusive deals with high profile designers and personalities such as Isaac Mizrahi, Giada DeLaurentiis, Michael Graves and others, Target positioned itself as "affordable chic" and began to stand out from its competitors. Today, Target is second only to Walmart in retail sales.

In determining whether to rebrand, you might consider an internal analysis of your brand by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). It is also a good idea to determine if your brand has "equity." Brand equity is the existing value of how and what you do, plus your reputation with you customers, staff and other stakeholders. You can measure your brand equity by looking at the following attributes:

Brand Reputation — Exactly how is your organization perceived and viewed?

Brand Awareness — Is your target audience aware of your organization? Do your competitors get more attention than you do?

Brand Momentum — Is your brand stale or is it growing? Have you outgrown your current brand? Does your brand have a negative issue associated with it?

A key to a successful brand is to understand the needs of your target audience and prospects. Remember, if you do not create your brand, your customers will create it for you.

---

Pam brings over 20 years of industry experience in marketing communications and branding. She is a successful manager of complex projects at every phase of marketing and specializes in developing and fostering strong client relationships in understanding their needs and business objectives to align with the appropriate marketing strategies and tactics.

Job Opening: Web Development/IT Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

LeapFrog Solutions, a woman-owned small business, strategic marketing communications firm on a very fast growth track with the federal government, seeks a highly organized and experienced Web Development/IT Manager. Successful candidate will have expertise in information technology and website development, leadership, management, interpersonal and problem solving skills. This is a multi-faceted position requiring hands-on management, initiative, adaptability and excellent follow-through. The Web Development/IT Manager will have technical oversight of website development for a large federal government contract. This individual will oversee our web development partners and ensure deliverables meet client technical specifications. In addition, the Web Development/IT Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s IT needs and is responsible for managing the IT service providers. The candidate must have a working knowledge of various programming languages and content management systems and be up to date with the latest Web, cloud, and desktop technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employee in this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

• Participate in existing and prospective client meetings and prepare documentation of technical requirements and specifications.
• Work with web designers and programmers in the conceptualization and development of client websites, software programs and applications.
• Manage web development staff and IT service providers.
• Conduct research on emerging application development software products, languages, and standards in support of procurement and business development efforts.
• Interact with project management group to ensure accurate and comprehensive understanding of projects.
• Provide issue escalation and resolution as well as timely execution of deadlines.
• Conduct market and product research as needed for latest and most cost-effective IT solutions.
• Maintain project documentation.
• Manage IT budget.
• Recommend, schedule, and/or perform software improvements and upgrades on LFS internal work stations.
• Install software and hardware products for LFS internal users as required.
• Be available during off-hours in the event of critical network, hardware, or software issues that need immediate attention.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in information technology, computer science, business administration, or a related field and/or 6 years equivalent work experience.
• Five or more years development experience with classic ASP, ASP.Net, PHP, HTML, SHTML, XML, VBScript, JavaScript, and other programming languages.
• Three or more years of experience with SQL Server 2000 / 2005 including designing database schemas, building and deploying databases, writing complex stored procedures, queries, and views.
• Government experience is preferred, but not required.
• Experience developing, installing, and training personnel on custom and/or off-the-shelf content management systems (CMS) for use by LFS clients.
• Flexible and adaptable in regards to learning and understanding new technologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-directed and proactive; thinks beyond the immediate problem.
• Flexibility, ability to change priorities quickly, and capacity to handle multiple tasks.
• Work directly with both internal and external resources to ensure timely completion of assigned deliverables.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment. Keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Hands-on experience, willingness, and ability to support detailed individual user IT needs.
• Prior security clearance
• Candidate must be able to pass background investigation

COMPENSATION:

Competitive and commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to lfs_careers@leapfrogit.com with “Web Development/IT Manager” in the subject line.

LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. to provide opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or veteran's status.

Job Opening: Account Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

LeapFrog Solutions, a woman-owned small business, strategic marketing communications firm on a fast growth track with the federal government, seeks an experienced, motivated and energetic Account Manager to join our account management team.

The Account Manager works with the team to manage numerous marketing communications projects for a large government client. Specifically, the Account Manager is responsible for providing daily direction to a marketing call center to ensure the delivery of a high quality customer service experience. The Account Manager will work with the call center and client to provide direction to call center representatives, conduct ongoing training regarding program changes, and work with our partners in developing new direct response creative pieces. The Account Manager will provide marketing updates, manage reports compiled by the call center, and process files for fulfillment.

The Account Manager will work with the team to identify appropriate industry conferences for the team to attend, provide presentations, and exhibit in the associated trade shows. Additionally, the Account Manager will work with an account coordinator to oversee conference registrations, booth and materials logistics, travel coordination, expenses and conference reports.

The Account Manager will work with the team and partners in assisting with public relations activities including writing and placing press releases, monitoring media, and conducting stakeholder outreach.

This position requires superior project management skills. The Account Manager must be a conscientious team player and a good organizer. This person must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communications skills, be an effective problem solver on a day-to-day basis, and be be adept at anticipating problems, and recognizing opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Following is the general nature and level of work to be performed.

· Project management for branding, web design, print design and public relations campaigns

· Workflow management (coordination of multiple project schedules with creative and development team and clients)

· Call center management and reporting

· Conference planning and support

· Public relations support

· Project management

a) Acts as the supporting role to a large government client as well as for other internal clients

b) Develops relationships with clients and working closely with them to learn their business and communication needs

c) Works closely with all agency department staff to develop and implement strategic project plans

d) Has a thorough understanding of the planning, creative and production processes

e) Proactively gathers the necessary information to plan and implement each client project

f) Provides timely issuance of all documentation: proposals, project initiations, creative briefs, estimates, timelines, meeting summaries, and status and budget reports

g) Manages time and financial resources to ensure client projects are on time and on budget

h) Handles/assists monthly billing and reconciliation of all projects for assigned clients; maintains ongoing accounting states reports for clients

i) Provides creative, production, media, public relations, and interactive department personnel with well-documented input, support data and production materials as required

j) Keeps appraised of all relevant client, industry and market developments

k) Liaises with research personnel and other non-creative freelance resources

l) Represents the client at industry functions – promotes the agency at every opportunity. Is fully familiar with client’s credentials and specialties

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.A./B.S. or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years of communications/marketing experience
• Project management experience
• Superior writing and verbal skills
• Experienced at managing internal and external teams
• Branding, print, Web, and advertising
• Excellent prior client management/relations experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project (or similar project management tool)
• Prior experience with government and commercial accounts
• Multi-tasker, team player, personable and goal-driven
• Organized, attention to detail, deadlines, budgets
• Facilitating client project action items
• Create change actions for creative team; coordinate with designers on deadlines and edits; keep job folders current; proof and edit materials; using LFS internal processes and checklist, maintain daily client project workflow; communicate with client regarding task and project status; assist with the completion of rush jobs and unexpected deadlines
• Attend account manager’s meetings, LFS staff meeting, and others as requested
• Ability to work as a team player and independently in a fast-paced environment
• Maintain discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Call center management and conference planning experience
• Public relations experience including press release writing and placement, media monitoring and stakeholder outreach
• Excellent prior client management/relations experience
• Multitasker, team player, personable and goal driven
• Attention to detail, deadlines and accounts
• Positive, can-do attitude, flexible and organized
• Commercial and government, especially federal, industry experience
• Prior security clearance desirable

COMPENSATION:

Competitive and commensurate with experience

Please send cover letter and resume to lfs_careers@leapfrogit.com and place “Account Manager” in subject header. This is a full time position.

LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. to provide opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or veteran's status.

Job Opening: Account Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY:

LeapFrog Solutions, a woman-owned small business, strategic marketing communications firm on a fast growth track with the federal government, seeks an experienced, motivated and energetic Account Coordinator to join our account management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Following is the general nature and level of work to be performed.

Provides assistance to the account team in the day-to-day management of a large government account and develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of Account Executive.

Provides overall administrative support to the account management team with duties including:

· Client project support and coordination

· Support team with conference logistics and planning duties

· Support team with public relations tasks including research, media monitoring, writing, stakeholder outreach, issues management

· Support team with call center management and reporting

· Facilitate client project action items

· Research support

· General government contract support

· Attend creative team and Account Manager’s meetings, LFS staff and sales meetings, and others as requested

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.A./B.S. or equivalent experience
• 2-4 years of communications/marketing experience
• Project management experience
• Some familiarity with government agencies and contracting procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook
• Ability to work as a team player and independently in a fast-paced environment
• Maintain discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Marketing communications industry experience
• Some branding, print, web and multimedia production and management experience and understanding
• Excellent prior client management/relations experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project (or similar project management tool)
• Multi-tasker, team player, personable and goal-driven
• Attention to detail, deadlines, accounts
• Positive, can-do attitude, flexible, organized
• Commercial and government, especially federal, industry experience

COMPENSATION:

Competitive and commensurate with experience

Please send cover letter and resume to lfs_careers@leapfrogit.com and place “Account Coordinator” in subject header. This is a full time position.

LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. to provide opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or veteran's status.

Job Opening: Staff Accountant

JOB SUMMARY:

LeapFrog Solutions, a woman-owned small business, strategic marketing communications firm on a very fast growth track with the federal government, seeks to add an accountant with 5-8 years experience in the government and commercial environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employee in this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

• Working with accounting manager for all general ledger accounting
• Participate in and ensure posting of all month-end journal entries and transactions to QuickBooks, as well as all interim adjusting entries
• Ensure accounts receivable collections and posting of deposits while meeting DSO targets
• Posting of all accounts payable transactions, including credit card transactions.
• Perform account reconciliations
• Review and process employee expense reports to ensure compliance with company policy, proper account distribution, and mathematical accuracy
• Assist with administration of benefits, including assembly of census data, maintaining up to date personnel and payroll records, etc.
• Reorganization and maintenance of all company accounting files and records, non-client contracts, etc.
• Participate in annual budget process
• Capable of contributing to continuous process improvements

REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and/or 5 or more years equivalent work experience.

· Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts receivable and accounts payable

· Solid working knowledge of QuickBooks (recent versions), excellent Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word

· Ability to work with little guidance and take initiative to point out where efficiencies may be gained

· Maintain discretion and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential matters

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Government contracting experience is highly desired, but not required
• Experience in small firm/agency
• Able to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Flexibility, adaptable to changing priorities, and capacity to effectively prioritize and execute multiple tasks
• Self-directed and proactive; thinks beyond the immediate problem
• Demonstrates client service attitude
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· High level of attention to detail and excellent follow through

• Flexible and adaptable in regards to learning and understanding new technologies

COMPENSATION:

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to lfs_careers@leapfrogit.com with “Staff Accountant” in the subject line. This is a full-time position.

LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. to provide opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental handicap, or veteran’s status.

Job Opening: Proposal Development Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

LeapFrog Solutions seeks an experienced, highly organized Proposal Development Manager with excellent leadership, management, interpersonal and problem solving skills. This is a multi-faceted position requiring hands-on new business support, initiative, adaptability and excellent follow through.

The Proposal Development Manager will be responsible for managing the all aspects of the company’s proposal-related activities for the full procurement lifecycle. Working with other staff, this position also contributes to the development and implementation of business development strategies, policies and procedures.

The primary responsibility of this position is to lead all company proposals and to ensure the highest standards in consistent, winning responsive bids. The responses are predominantly technical responses; knowledge of pricing structures is desirable.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field
• Eight + years of proposal development and related management experience; at least three years in federal contracting proposal management
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and automated project management tool (e.g. MS Project)
• Track record of success in developing proposals according to federal, state, and local solicitations
• Track record of success in supporting marketing communications industry proposal and business development
• Demonstrated leadership in assuming full responsibility for all company proposals, through all development stages
• Experience using varied multiple award contract vehicles (e.g. GSA AIMS, GSA ITSS, SeaPort-e)
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace
• An analytical mind and ability to analyze large amounts of information and data quickly
• Strong planning and decision-making skills to engage diverse individuals under tight time constraints
• Experience and ability to obtain additional resources (e.g. consultants) as needed
• Willingness to do hands-on support for all company bids and related new business opportunity responses

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience and/or interest in marketing, media and/or advertising industries and a passion and desire to grow the company and grow with the company
• Knowledge of pricing structures (FFP, T&M, cost plus, and combinations)
• Strong leadership skills to train, mentor, provide work guidance, coordinate, oversee and lead company staff
• Good interpersonal skills working with staff and potential customers
• Solid capacity to look at situations from several points of view; flexibility
• Experience working in a small firm/agency setting
• High comfort level working in a matrixed environment; strength under pressure

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assume overall leadership and predominantly hands-on support for company document responses to new business opportunities (e.g. responses to sources sought notices, solicitations, and all phases of related marketing responses and proposal development)
• Direct hands-on proposal development from qualification stage through market research, and straw man proposal development, engaging appropriate staff, and fully developing and enforcing consistently high quality standards in production and final product:
• Qualification of bid opportunity
• Market research including using resource tools (i.e. FedMine, GSA E-Buy, FedBizOpps, E-VA, E-MD)
• Engage appropriate staff for input and support
• Outline proposal and develop compliance matrix; enforce compliant response
• Facilitate kick-off with win theme development and other strategies
• Develop production schedule
• Write sections (i.e. boilerplate)
• Organize and leading all review stages (pink, red, green, gold)
• Final editing and production of document – hard and electronic copies
• Take charge of all volume development including business/costing; contribute to costing
• Develop other responses to opportunities (e.g. oral presentation slides)
• Refine and update proposal development procedures, template, tools, and techniques
• Maintain complete files and records of proposal related materials and final products
• Grow the proposal development capabilities as the company grows

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Market and Opportunity Research

• Investigate all information related to a new business opportunity

Proposal Development Management

• Do document production including development in Word, integration of graphics and other input (e.g. photos), final production including quality control, and delivery
• Take all steps necessary to produce substantial winning response to solicitations
• Establish budgets for proposals (B&P) and for overall proposal development
• Manage proposals and department to budgets; often multiple simultaneous proposals
• Maintain timelines and enforce deadlines and high quality standards
• Ensure full compliance of product with solicitation

Corporate Support

• Contribute to marketing planning and strategy; support corporate strategic initiatives
• Manage and coach staff in consistent high quality responsive proposal development

COMPENSATION:

Competitive and commensurate with experience

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to the above address, or email LFS_careers@leapfrogit.com with “Proposal Development Manager” in the subject line.

LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. to provide opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or veteran's status.