Proposal Strategist - Water; Kansas

About WTR

The Water Global Practice continues to grow and to thrive because our employee-owners are adept at identifying needs, seeking opportunities, and rising to meet challenges. This mindset has transformed our company into one of the leading project delivery firms in the nation, empowering our teams to seek out the best ways to make our clients successful. We focus on water and wastewater projects for municipal and industrial clients with planning, treatment, distribution and collection, and much more.

Our journey in Water may have started over a century ago, but we aren’t done yet – join our team and help us continue the story!

The Proposal Strategist is responsible for developing the proposal plan, from initial Request for Proposal/Information (RFP/RFI) through production, submission, and shortlist interview when necessary. This position will conduct proposal development efforts in collaboration with business development and project management leadership to develop distinctive value propositions that enhance our team’s competitive position. We are seeking a resourceful individual who is ready to help us build our practice, win work, and build lasting relationships.

• Develop and initiate proposal or opportunity management plans, draft storyboards, develop proposal and win strategies, and delegate pursuit team assignments.
• Develop proposal or qualifications content and utilize AI-based tools for drafting, editing, and enhancing proposal content, incorporating company standards and client-specific customizations.
• Lead proposal team meetings, including go/no-go decisions, proposal kickoff meetings, color draft reviews, and drive team collaboration to inform proposal direction.
• Translate data into graphics and visuals to create engaging, visually appealing content.
• Lead color draft reviews with a focus on client benefits and win strategy, adjusting pursuit materials in response to review discussion and pursuit team requests.
• Manage proposal schedule and package the completed documents per client and/or RPF requirements, including facilitating hard copy production with Print Services and/or submitting digital proposals via procurement websites or portals.
• Develop proposal layouts in Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign, aligning with Burns & McDonnell brand standards.
• Write client-focused proposal narratives including win themes, cover letters, executive summaries, project descriptions, and resumes.
• Support the development and inclusion of metrics; including change orders, safety, budget, schedule, diversity goals, and community involvement activities using company-approved reports or boilerplate statistics.
• Perform post-submittal activities including managing and coaching teams through shortlist interviews and facilitating debriefs as needed.
• Assist with the submittal for industry awards (ACEC; ENR) local trade or national trade publications.
• Continuously explore and incorporate emerging technologies to improve proposal efficiency, accuracy, and market responsiveness.
• Uphold team best practices related to content management, quality reviews, collaboration, and file storage.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in marketing, business development, or sales with a professional services firm. Experience at an A/E/C firm preferred.
• Experience utilizing AI-based technology and tools for proposal development is preferred, with an ability to adapt and integrate new technologies to enhance proposal impact and streamline processes.
• APMP certification, or equivalent, preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite required.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign) strongly preferred.
• Curiosity and willingness to ask clarifying questions.
• Tenacity and ability to problem-solve or act independently to find solutions.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Business Development/Sales

Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req : 260509

Job Hire Type Experienced #WTR