Proposals Specialist (2 positions)

McElhanney Ltd.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Health & dental coverage

RRSP matching

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

McElhanney Ltd. in Canada (Calgary/Edmonton area) seeks two Proposal Specialists to turn technical content into compelling client-focused proposals.

You’ll guide teams through the full proposal process, from kickoff to delivery, crafting strategic messaging and ensuring timely, high-quality output. The role requires strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with a knack for adapting content across disciplines and leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in proposal, communications, marketing, or business writing.
• Clear and professional communication within all levels of an organization, both in person and remotely.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Ability to turn conversations with leaders and SMEs into client-focused content.
• Ability to critically analyze written content against requirements to create compliant proposals.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with proposal management tools and content libraries.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the proposal process from start to delivery, including win themes, kickoff, reviews, writing, editing, and production.
• Build trusted internal relationships to integrate pursuits with the business.
• Prepare compliant, compelling proposals from outline to final touches.
• Use AI, automation, and existing content to improve efficiency and tailor pitches.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gain insights and contributions.
• Synthesize content into a cohesive document with a consistent voice.
• Format and develop visually appealing layouts.
• Proofread for consistency, grammar, and key messaging.
• Produce final print and digital documents and ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain proposal collateral and reusable content.
• Collaborate with marketing and proposal team to drive goals.

Skills

Proposal writing

Editing

Proofreading

Time management

Communication

Microsoft Office

Content management

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or business

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

The Opportunity:

At McElhanney, our Strategic Pursuits Team thrives on creativity, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. We translate our colleagues' passion for their work into stories that engage clients, build trust and understanding, and help us win projects across a wide range of services.

We're looking for two specialists who share these values and have a passion for turning technical content into compelling, eye-catching, and client-focused proposals to join our team. In this role, you'll apply your strong writing, critical thinking, and communication skills to guide teams through the proposal process and develop strategic messaging for business development material.

The ideal candidate enjoys a fast-paced environment, collaborating with subject matter experts at all levels, and consistently producing high-quality proposals that resonate with clients. From RFP release to final production, you'll be an integrated partner with this business and own the proposal process.

Our preferred locations for these positions are Edmonton and Calgary, and we offer the flexibility of hybrid or fully in-office work arrangements.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Manage the proposal process from start to proposal delivery, including working with teams to develop win themes, facilitating kickoff and review meetings, writing and editing, and overseeing proposal production
• Build trusted relationships internally that enable the integration of the pursuits function with the business
• Prepare compliant, compelling proposals from outline through finishing touches
• Use AI, automation, and existing content as efficiency tools where appropriate, while providing proposal expertise to deliver customized pitches that engage clients
• Work with subject matter experts at all levels of the organization to gain insights and content contributions
• Synthesize content from various contributors into a cohesive document with a consistent voice
• Apply your creative skills to format and develop visually appealing layouts
• Proofread documents for consistency, grammar, and key messaging
• Produce final print and digital documents and arrange for on-time delivery
• Maintain proposal collateral, keeping reusable content current
• Collaborate with a dynamic marketing and proposal team to drive departmental goals and business development strategy forward

What You'll Bring to the Team:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in proposal, communications, marketing, or business writing
• Clear and professional communication within all levels of an organization, both in person and remotely
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple proposals in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and learning
• Ability to turn conversations with leaders and subject matter experts into client-focused content
• Ability to critically analyze written content against requirements to create compliant and responsive proposals
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with proposal management tools and content libraries
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment

Bonus Points For:

• An undergraduate degree or diploma in communications, marketing, or business-related field
• Experience in the consulting engineering or geomatics fields
• Experience using AI and automation to prepare proposals or related communications
• Familiarity using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual's education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.