Marketing Specialist - Cities Sector

Gensler Chicago is looking for a Marketing Specialist who can bridge high-level strategy and high-impact production — someone whose thinking, judgment, relationships, and expertise can shape how we pursue and win the work that defines our Cities practice.

At Gensler, marketers are valued not only for what they produce, but for how they think: the questions they ask, the judgment they bring, the relationships they build, and the way they sharpen how we tell our story.

As a Marketing Specialist in our Cities sector, you will partner with principals, studio leaders, designers, and fellow marketers to influence pursuit strategy, develop compelling client narratives, and position Gensler for impactful work across education, aviation, industrial, and critical facilities.

This role is part strategist, part storyteller, and part producer. You will help teams synthesize what clients are trying to achieve, sharpen the pursuit approach, and build narratives that are clear, differentiated, and grounded in both design thinking and local context.

You will be based in Gensler’s Chicago office, working as part of a highly collaborative regional marketing studio alongside colleagues supporting Lifestyle, Work, and Health. The work is fast-paced and varied and is ideal for a marketer ready to move beyond execution into influence — through sector specialization, deeper involvement in strategy, and stronger connection to how the firm positions itself in a changing market.

You will join a team that values rigor, curiosity, and generosity — where marketers are expected to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and elevate the work together.

In your first year, you will lead pursuits, support win strategy, and build strong working relationships with principals and teams. Over time, you will become a trusted voice in how the Cities sector competes — influencing storytelling, positioning, and business development strategy across the region.

Your Role

The ideal candidate has spent a few years building a strong foundation in proposal development, presentations, and pursuit execution within the AEC or professional services industry.

Now, you are looking for more: a seat at the table in strategy conversations, greater visibility with leadership, and the opportunity to shape how work is won — not just how it is packaged.

You are a strong writer with sharp visual instincts. You understand what makes a story land and how to tailor it to different audiences. You are organized and reliable under pressure, able to navigate complex pursuits with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

You are curious and engaged — interested in how cities evolve, how infrastructure shapes experience, and how design can support equity, resilience, and growth. You ask thoughtful questions, look for smarter ways to work, and bring energy to collaboration.

You enjoy being part of a team — sharing ideas, supporting others, and contributing to a culture where good work gets better through iteration and trust.

What You Will Do

• Partner with principals, studio leaders, and project teams to shape pursuit strategy and develop compelling client narratives
• Lead the development of proposals, presentations, and marketing materials that communicate clear, differentiated ideas
• Serve as a key marketing partner for the Cities sector in Chicago, supporting business development efforts across multiple practice areas
• Synthesize client goals, market context, and firm capabilities into strategic storytelling that strengthens positioning and increases win potential
• Design and produce high-quality materials aligned with Gensler’s brand standards, with a strong emphasis on graphic clarity and impact
• Manage multiple pursuits simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Collaborate with regional marketing team members to elevate content quality, improve processes, and share knowledge
• Maintain and contribute to marketing collateral, content libraries, and information systems
• Build an understanding of Gensler’s portfolio, research, and market position to inform storytelling and strategy

Your Qualifications

• 5+ years of marketing experience in architecture, engineering, design, or professional services (AEC experience required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Architecture, or a related field
• Experience leading proposals and pursuits from kickoff through submission, including coordination with senior stakeholders
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different clients and pursuits
• Strong visual communication and graphic design skills
• Ability to work effectively with principals, designers, and cross-functional teams
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Mastery of Adobe InDesign (required)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting Cities-related work, including education, aviation, infrastructure, or industrial sectors
• Exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder pursuits requiring strategic positioning and local market insight
• Interest in how design impacts communities, equity, resilience, and the built environment
• Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator preferred
• Familiarity with Miro, Salesforce, and Asana is a bonus

To be considered, resume submission must be accompanied with a portfolio PDF.  

**The base salary will be estimated between $75,000 - 100,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.