SENIOR PROPOSAL SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Proposal Specialist is responsible for leading and coordinating the development, preparation, and submission of high-quality deliverables, including proposals, statements of qualifications, letters of interest, presentations, and marketing materials that support the firm's sales and strategic growth objectives. This position partners closely with the firm’s operational leaders and staff, project managers, market and practice leaders, and executive leadership to produce compelling proposal responses for public and private civil engineering opportunities.

The Proposal Specialist assists with managing and/or supporting the entire pursuit process from pre-positioning through contract execution, including opportunity tracking, proposal planning, content development, compliance reviews, formatting, production, and submission. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator with exceptional proposal management skills and recent experience supporting engineering, environmental, program management, and construction management pursuits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Proposal Development

• Lead the preparation and coordination of proposals, Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
• Develop proposal schedules and manage deadlines to ensure timely submissions.
• Coordinate proposal kick-off meetings and establish responsibilities for proposal team members.
• Review solicitation requirements and ensure compliance with all client instructions.
• Write, edit, and proofread proposal content to ensure clarity, consistency, and quality.
• Tailor proposal responses to highlight the firm's qualifications, technical expertise, and competitive advantages.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, scientists, surveyors, and project managers to document technical information and project experience.

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Maintain and update proposal content libraries, resumes, project descriptions, and qualification statements.
• Assist with market research and opportunity tracking.
• Support business development initiatives and strategic pursuit planning.
• Coordinate client presentation materials, interview preparation, and award submissions.
• Assist leadership with annual strategic marketing initiatives.

Document Management & Compliance

• Ensure all proposals comply with client requirements, firm branding standards, and quality control procedures.
• Manage electronic and hardcopy proposal production.
• Maintain pursuit records, proposal metrics, and win/loss tracking data.
• Develop and maintain marketing databases and CRM systems.

Brand Management

• Ensure consistency of corporate messaging and branding across all proposal and marketing materials.
• Coordinate graphic design elements, project photography, and layout development.
• Work with external vendors for printing, binding, and production services when required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3-7 years of proposal coordination or proposal management experience.
• Experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry is strongly preferred.
• Experience responding to RFQs, RFPs, SOQs, and government procurement documents preferred.
• Familiarity with the AEC industry, engineering consulting services, and public-sector procurement processes is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and consistently operate with a sense of urgency.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical professionals and executive leadership.
• Skilled in interpreting procurement requirements and compliance standards.
• Ability to work independently while adjusting to and managing competing priorities.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign required)
• CRM and proposal management software
• Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint preferred
• SharePoint and document management systems

Core Competencies

• Client Focus
• Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Accountability
• Initiative
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Quality Orientation

Success Measures

The Proposal Specialist will be successful when they:

• Consistently deliver compliant and high-quality proposals on time.
• Increase proposal efficiency and responsiveness.
• Support growth of the firm's backlog and revenue through successful pursuits.
• Maintain accurate and current proposal resources and marketing databases.
• Strengthen the firm's brand and market presence.
• Build strong working relationships with technical staff and leadership

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT, L.L.C. is a Certified Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, and/or disability. C.E.R.M. will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background, credit check, and drug screen.