Proposal Manager

BA; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Boulder Associates, a healthcare and life science design firm, is seeking a Proposal Manager to lead and evolve our proposal function across multiple offices. You will drive strategy, elevate quality, and bring structure to how we pursue and win work.

You'll guide Proposal Coordinators, partner with firm leadership, and shape how proposals are executed—balancing leadership with hands-on process improvement in a hybrid role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of proposal/marketing experience in A/E/C industry preferred.
• Experience leading proposals and managing competing deadlines.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling ability.
• Experience mentoring or managing others.
• Balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to work across teams and offices.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred) and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead RFx (RFP/RFQ) pursuits from strategy through delivery.
• Set direction on messaging, positioning, and storytelling.
• Manage proposal workload, timelines, and team capacity.
• Mentor and develop Proposal Coordinators, providing ongoing feedback and support.
• Improve and standardize proposal processes, tools, and workflows.
• Partner with principals and business development leaders on key pursuits.
• Analyze proposal outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong organization, documentation, and data management.
• Step in hands-on for high-priority pursuits when needed.

Skills

Proposal experience

Team leadership

Writing & editing

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Organization

Cross-office collaboration

Adobe InDesign

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Microsoft Office

InDesign

Job description

Proposal Manager

Boulder Associates has over 40 years of experience focused on healthcare and life science design. We partner with our clients to solve complex economic, operational, and regulatory challenges through thoughtful, high-quality, and efficient design solutions.

Our multidisciplinary teams—spanning architecture, interiors, research, and operational excellence—work collaboratively to deliver meaningful outcomes. We do this with a strong emphasis on relationships, respect, and sustainable practices.

At our core: Do good work, enjoy the journey.

The Role

We are seeking a Proposal Manager to lead and evolve our proposal function across multiple offices. This is a high-impact, visible role where you’ll drive strategy, elevate quality, and bring structure to how we pursue and win work.

You’ll lead and develop a team of Proposal Coordinators, partner directly with firm leadership, and play a key role in shaping how proposals are executed across the organization.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys both leading people and improving systems—and wants the autonomy to make a meaningful impact.

This role is hybrid, based in Boulder, Charlotte, Dallas, Irvine, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Seattle with an expectation of at least two days per week in-office.

What You’ll Do

• Lead RFx (RFP/RFQ) pursuits from strategy through delivery
• Set direction on messaging, positioning, and storytelling
• Manage proposal workload, timelines, and team capacity
• Mentor and develop Proposal Coordinators, providing ongoing feedback and support
• Improve and standardize proposal processes, tools, and workflows
• Partner with principals and business development leaders on key pursuits
• Analyze proposal outcomes and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure strong organization, documentation, and data management
• Step in hands‑on for high-priority pursuits when needed

What You Bring

• 7+ years of proposal/marketing experience (A/E/C industry preferred)
• Experience leading proposals and managing competing deadlines
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling ability
• Experience mentoring or managing others
• A balance of strategic thinking and hands‑on execution
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow‑through
• Ability to work across teams and offices
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred) and Microsoft Office

What Sets You Apart

• Experience improving or building proposal processes
• Background in a mid‑to‑large firm with established systems
• Familiarity with tools like Deltek Vantagepoint
• A point of view—you bring ideas, not just execution

Why This Role

This is not a “maintain the machine” role—this is a build and shape opportunity.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Influence how proposals are done across the firm
• Build structure and consistency in a growing function
• Work closely with leadership and decision‑makers
• Make a visible impact on how the firm wins work

Work Model & Travel

• Hybrid: Minimum 2 days/week in-office
• Flexibility with increased presence during major pursuits
• Occasional travel (~5–7 trips/year) to support key efforts

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range is $100,000–$130,000+, depending on experience, location, and internal equity.

Boulder Associates offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Annual bonus program
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match, paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and volunteer time