Proposal Coordinator

McFarland Johnson Inc.; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

PTO and parental leave

ESOP + 401(k) match

Technical training

Job summary

McFarland Johnson Inc. is seeking a Proposal Specialist to join the Marketing team in Binghamton, NY, with openness to Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, and Pittsford.

The role focuses on developing compelling, compliant proposals and supporting BD activities across A/E/C projects. The ideal candidate will collaborate with project managers and technical staff, manage timelines, and utilize InDesign, PowerPoint, and AI tools to produce winning submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 1–5 years in proposal development role.
• Experience in Architecture/Engineering/Construction or professional consulting firms is a plus.
• Exceptional writing, proofreading, and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficient in InDesign and PowerPoint; familiarity with AI tools; Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, and CRM/database management.

Responsibilities

• Proposal Development and Management: Oversee the proposal process from start to finish.
• Research and Content Creation: Write, edit, design, and produce proposals and award submissions.
• Graphic Design: Create visually appealing graphics to convey complex ideas.
• Presentation Development: Build PowerPoint presentations for interviews and conferences.
• Database Management: Maintain CRM database with Marketing team.
• General Support: Assist with administrative and business development tasks.
• AI Utilization: Support AI initiatives to improve quality and efficiency.

Skills

Proposal development

Content creation

Graphic design

Presentation development

CRM management

Administrative support

AI utilization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English/Communications/Marketing or related field

Tools

InDesign

PowerPoint

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

CRM/Database management

Job description

At McFarland Johnson (MJ), we’re more than infrastructure consultants - we are a 100% employee-owned firm with 80 years of commitment to delivering innovative planning, engineering design, environmental services, technology and construction solutions that make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

We’re looking for a Proposal Specialist to join our growing Marketing team in Binghamton, NY as the preferred location and open to Syracuse, Saratoga Springs and Pittsford. This is more than just a job - it’s chance to shape your career, grow alongside a collaborative team, and help design the future of infrastructure solutions across the country.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Accelerate your professional career with opportunities to lead, learn, and expand your expertise.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams that thrive on creativity, support, and teamwork. Collaborative is the most frequent word used to describe MJ’s culture in annual employee survey.
• Employee Ownership: As a 100% ESOP, your contributions directly shape our shared success - you own your future.

Key Responsibilities

• Proposal Development and Management: Collaborate with project managers and technical staff to create compelling, compliant proposals. Oversee the proposal process from start to finish, including tracking opportunities, creating timelines, assigning tasks, and ensuring progress.
• Research and Content Creation: Conduct research and write, edit, design, and produce winning proposals, qualification packages and award submissions for A/E/C industry projects.
• Graphic Design: Utilize visually appealing graphics to simplify complex ideas and enhance comprehension.
• Presentation Development: Create PowerPoint presentations for interviews, public meetings, and professional conferences.
• Database Management: Collaborate with Marketing team in maintenance and upkeep of CRM database.
• General Support: Assist with administrative and business development functions, as needed.
• AI Utilization: Collaborate with the team in the implementation and use of AI applications for improved quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Professional Experience: 1-5 years in proposal development role.
• Industry Knowledge: Experience in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry or professional consulting firms is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional writing, proofreading, and verbal communication abilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in InDesign and PowerPoint. Practiced in implementing and/or interest in utilizing AI tools. overall familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office Suite and CRM/database management, preferred.
• Time Management: Able to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks accordingly, ensuring quality projects are completed on time.
• Attention to Detail: Skilled in proofreading and editing content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with MJ's style guide and client requirements.
• Ability to Work Both Independently and Collaboratively: A flexible team player with a strong work ethic; proactive in research, skills development, and seeing projects to their completion.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive base compensation: $25 - $31 per hour, based on relevant experience and qualifications.
• Annual Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave.
• Company funded ESOP + 401(k) employer match and voluntary benefits are additional.
• Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities.

Join Us and Make a Difference

Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas are valued, and your growth is personal.