Senior Proposal Specialist

GFT • Mechanicsburg, PA

2d • Remote

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Proposal Specialist to join its Business Development & Marketing team in the MidAtlantic. The position supports one or more regional or global business lines, including Transportation, Construction Services, and Buildings & Places, and may be based in Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Towson, Owings Mills, Fairfax, or Richmond. The role combines proposal leadership, capture planning, interview development, client service, and support for business development processes. The Senior Proposal Specialist leads the planning, development, and delivery of compelling, compliant, client-focused proposals, qualifications, and presentations in collaboration with technical teams, subject matter experts, and marketing resources.

GFT is a privately held AEC firm providing infrastructure consulting and design services. Its Shared Services teams support global operations. GFT describes its work as shaping transportation, water, power, and buildings infrastructure, and emphasizes relationships, creativity, and a personal approach. The company has more than 5,000 employees and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check.

Requirements

• A four-year degree in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or an applicable field is normally required.
• Experience with PennDOT, MDOT (SHA, MDTA, MTA), SEPTA, Amtrak, or the City of Philadelphia is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with some degree of independence throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of combined prior proposal experience, preferably in the AEC industry, leading, coordinating, planning, and developing proposals and qualifications, including section writing.
• Experience with MDOT (SHA, MDTA, MTA), Virginia DOT, District of Columbia DOT, and/or DelDOT agencies.
• Experience with Adobe InDesign.

Responsibilities

• Lead standard- and strategic-level pursuits, including capture kickoffs, follow-up meetings, and early positioning discussions.
• Research clients, competitors, and markets to inform win themes and pursuit strategies.
• Draft pre-RFP content to support strategic positioning and determine resource needs for assigned pursuits.
• Collaborate with business development leadership to apply best practices consistently.
• Lead complex proposals from initial request through final submission.
• Analyze SOQs and RFPs and prepare compliance matrices, schedules, and outlines.
• Facilitate and participate in kickoff meetings, milestone reviews, and client debriefs.
• Develop client-focused proposal sections, including cover letters, executive summaries, personnel biographies, project descriptions, firm overviews, and subconsultant qualifications.
• Edit technical approaches for clarity, structure, and alignment with visual messaging.
• Partner with graphic designers to develop visuals and infographics that reinforce win themes.
• Coordinate and prepare interview teams, including scheduling, content preparation, and rehearsals.
• Track opportunities and deliverables in CRM.
• Support Tier I client management activities with BD Client Service Leaders and serve as the BD Partner for Tier II/III clients.
• Research clients, including contract awards, budgets, press coverage, and events, to inform pursuit strategies.
• Prepare client meeting materials, capabilities briefings, and targeted marketing collateral.
• Participate in or lead working groups to improve business development systems, processes, and tools.
• Use approved AI tools for writing, research, and proposal efficiency, and collaborate with leadership on new use cases.
• Manage communications, delegate tasks, and monitor progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor junior business development staff through feedback and coaching.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on quality, consistency, and best practices.

Benefits

• Remote work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs and parental leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development, including access to internal and external training programs and support for participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior