Senior Proposal Specialist - Transportation​/Construction Services

Senior Proposal Specialist – Transportation/Construction Services

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We are seeking a Senior Proposal Specialist to join our BD&M team within the Mid Atlantic. In this role, you will apply strategic thinking, creative problem‑solving, and strong organizational skills to support pursuits for our Transportation, Construction Services, and Buildings & Places teams. The position can be based in Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Towson, or Owings Mills.

• Manage proposals and presentations, provide capture support, and assist with client management support.
• Lead the planning, development, and delivery of compelling, compliant, and client‑focused proposals, qualifications, and presentations.
• Support one or more regional business lines or a global business line.

• Lead standard- and strategic-level pursuits, driving capture kick‑offs, follow‑up meetings, and early positioning discussions.
• Conduct research into clients, competitors, and markets to inform win themes and pursuit strategies.
• Draft pre‑RFP content to support strategic positioning.
• Determine resource needs for assigned pursuits.
• Collaborate with BD leadership to ensure consistent implementation of best practices.

• Lead complex proposals from initial request to final submission.
• Analyze SOQs/RFPs to prepare compliance matrices, schedules, and outlines.
• Facilitate and participate in kick‑off meetings, milestone reviews, and client debriefs.
• Develop client‑focused proposal sections including cover letters, executive summaries, personnel bios, project descriptions, firm overviews, and subconsultant qualifications.
• Edit technical approaches for narrative clarity, structure, and alignment with visual messaging.
• Partner with graphic designers to develop custom visuals and infographics that reinforce win themes.
• Coordinate and prepare interview teams, including scheduling, content preparation, and rehearsals.
• Track all opportunities and deliverables in CRM.

• Support Tier I client management activities in collaboration with BD Client Service Leaders; serve as BD Partner for Tier II/III clients.
• Conduct client research (contract awards, budgets, press coverage, events) to inform pursuit strategies.
• Prepare client meeting materials, capabilities briefings, and targeted marketing collateral.

• Participate in or lead working groups focused on improving BD systems, processes, and tools.
• Use approved AI tools for writing, research, and proposal efficiency; collaborate with leadership on new use cases.

• Manage communications, delegate tasks, and monitor progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor junior BD staff, providing feedback and coaching to support their professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values quality, consistency, and best practices.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Normally a 4‑year degree required in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or applicable field.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Minimum of 5 years of combined prior proposal experience in the AEC industry, leading, coordinating, planning, and developing proposals and qualifications, including section writing experience.
• Experience with PennDOT, MDOT (SHA, MDTA, MTA), SEPTA, Amtrak, or City of Philadelphia a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work with some degree of independence to execute proposal lifecycle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools; experience with Adobe InDesign preferred.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $95,000. Salary is dependent on experience and geographic location.

• Remote work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and…