Proposal Specialist Internship

KLJ•Bismarck, ND

10d

About The Position

The Proposal Specialist Intern supports the development and submission of high-quality proposals and qualifications for civil engineering projects across the public and private sectors. Working closely with project managers, engineers, marketers, and graphic designers, this role plays a key part in shaping how the firm tells its story—transforming technical expertise into clear, compelling, and client-focused proposals. This internship offers hands-on experience in business development, marketing, and the civil engineering industry, with meaningful exposure to real projects and deadlines.

Requirements

Pursuing or recently completed an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, graphic design, English, or a related field preferred.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Interest in marketing, business development, and proposal work within a professional services or engineering environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the RFP/RFQ process and basic understanding of civil engineering or construction terminology is a plus—but curiosity and willingness to learn matter most.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with proposal management software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support the preparation and production of proposals and qualifications in response to RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitation requests, including formatting, writing support, and content assembly.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and subject matter experts to gather technical information, project details, and resumes while helping keep proposal schedules on track.
Review RFPs/RFQs to identify key requirements, deadlines, and submission criteria and assist with ensuring full compliance.
Assist in editing and proofreading proposal content for clarity, consistency, grammar, and alignment with branding and messaging standards.
Help maintain organized proposal files, records, and version control to ensure materials are accurate and easily accessible.
Support the development of proposal presentations and interview materials, including PowerPoint slides and visual aids.
Coordinate with graphic design staff to help create visually engaging layouts, charts, maps, and graphics.
Assist with proposal strategy discussions, including identifying differentiators and understanding client goals and priorities.
Maintain and update proposal resources such as templates, project descriptions, resumes, and past proposal materials.
Support post-submission activities including clarification responses, updates, and debrief preparation.
Communicate professionally with internal stakeholders, providing updates and gathering feedback throughout the proposal process.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support business development and marketing efforts.