Proposal Specialist III

AECOM•Chicago, IL

14h•$90,000 - $115,000•Remote

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a highly talented Proposal Specialist III to work in collaboration with the West Region business development and operations team on pursuits, including partnering in the preparation of formal and informal client solicitations, including expressions of interest (EOI), requests for qualifications (RFQ), requests for proposals (RFP), and pre-qualification efforts. This will be a remote position that can be based in, but not limited to: Chicago, IL. Job Family – Proposal Management. Interfaces with business line growth team and operations to support the process of winning work. Leads responses to client RFI/RFQ/RFPs and applies standard pursuit processes to ensure efficiency in schedule and bid compliance. Responsible for print, electronic and oral proposal deliverables. Provides market research and competitive intelligence and leverages data systems and tools to support proposal strategy and business strategic planning efforts. Leads medium to large proposals and presentations, and supports from capture through to interview stage, with support as required. Supports capture managers in development of the win strategy during capture through interview preparation. Creates annotated outlines and content plan and provides recommendations to technical teams on section structures. May serve as lead writer and editor for tailored resumes, past performance sections, executive summaries, and/or management approaches for proposals. Facilitates color reviews (Pink and Red team), quality reviews, and applies lessons learned to add value to proposals. Manages the implementation of proposal and presentation revisions based on direction from review teams. Participates by providing recommendations in go/no-go and greenlight analyses in compliance with delegation of authority guidelines, capture planning and positioning activities as they pertain to preparation for the proposal. Completes internal debriefs for proposals they lead, leverages past pursuit debrief information. Supports team during win/loss debriefs and gathering of client feedback on proposals to ensure and demonstrate continuous improvement. May support marketing or pursuits strategy and content development related to clients/markets, marketing communications, campaigns, account managers (CAMs) and business lines, as necessary. Coaches entry level proposal team members. Performs a self-check of work prior to submitting to others for review/approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree plus four years of relevant experience working collaboratively within a marketing team to lead and support proposal activities for key clients and strategic pursuits aimed at securing new business, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A developed understanding of effective proposal and presentation strategy development and compliance and writing and production.
Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in proposal writing and management, with a proven track record of successful submissions
Advanced proficiency in proposal writing, editing, and project management
Strong analytical skills for RFP/RFQ analysis and data-driven decision making
Experience with proposal management software and data visualization tools
Experience in a relevant industry (e.g., government contracting, consulting, technology)
APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification preferred
Understanding of government contracting processes (if applicable)
Experience with TxDOT proposals
Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards
Willingness to work extended hours during peak proposal periods when necessary

Responsibilities

Lead responses to client RFI/RFQ/RFPs and apply standard pursuit processes to ensure efficiency in schedule and bid compliance.
Responsible for print, electronic and oral proposal deliverables.
Provide market research and competitive intelligence and leverage data systems and tools to support proposal strategy and business strategic planning efforts.
Lead medium to large proposals and presentations, and support from capture through to interview stage.
Support capture managers in development of the win strategy during capture through interview preparation.
Create annotated outlines and content plan and provide recommendations to technical teams on section structures.
Serve as lead writer and editor for tailored resumes, past performance sections, executive summaries, and/or management approaches for proposals.
Facilitate color reviews (Pink and Red team), quality reviews, and apply lessons learned to add value to proposals.
Manage the implementation of proposal and presentation revisions based on direction from review teams.
Participate by providing recommendations in go/no-go and greenlight analyses in compliance with delegation of authority guidelines, capture planning and positioning activities as they pertain to preparation for the proposal.
Complete internal debriefs for proposals they lead, leverage past pursuit debrief information.
Support team during win/loss debriefs and gathering of client feedback on proposals to ensure and demonstrate continuous improvement.
Support marketing or pursuits strategy and content development related to clients/markets, marketing communications, campaigns, account managers (CAMs) and business lines, as necessary.
Coach entry level proposal team members.
Perform a self-check of work prior to submitting to others for review/approval.