Proposal Specialist

Mercer; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Mercer seeks a Proposal Specialist to support business development by targeting opportunities and managing renewals. As part of a collaborative team of strategic bid experts, you will craft proposals, manage bid processes, and create persuasive presentations that win new business.

In this role you will work with sales professionals, consultants, and SMEs to produce client-focused materials with strong executive summaries and compelling storytelling. Hybrid work model with office days.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years in marketing, sales, or related field; consulting experience is a plus.
• Strong project management, writing, and editing skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Detail-oriented with a big-picture perspective.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and frequent change.
• Self-motivated with personal accountability.
• Collaborative mindset and openness to team feedback.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Create proposal and presentation templates aligned with client requirements and branding.
• Develop and drive internal work plans based on external deadlines and hold pursuit teams accountable.
• Research and draft responses to proposal questions with SMEs.
• Own master documents and manage multiple rounds of edits through completion.
• Facilitate strategy discussions to identify client-centered value propositions.
• Write persuasive executive summaries following best-practice approaches.
• Partner with a graphic designer to develop engaging finalist presentation materials.

Skills

Project management

Writing

Editing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

SharePoint

Qorusdocs

Ariba

Job description

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Strategic Bid Center at Mercer. This role can be based in various locations near a Mercer office and offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.

As a Proposal Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the organization's business development by targeting new opportunities and managing renewals. Working as an individual contributor within a close-knit team of strategic bid experts, you’ll provide essential support for bid management and proposal development across various business lines. Collaborating with sales professionals, consultants, and subject matter experts, you’ll help craft compelling presentations and proposals that win new business. This is a great opportunity to make a direct impact through teamwork and strategic partnership!

We will count on you to:

• Create proposal and presentation templates aligned with client requirements and company branding


• Develop and drive internal work plans based on external deadlines — and hold pursuit teams accountable


• Research and draft responses to proposal questions in collaboration with subject matter experts


• Own master documents and incorporate multiple rounds of edits through completion


• Facilitate strategy discussions to identify client-centered value propositions and differentiators


• Write creative, persuasive executive summaries that follow best-practice approaches


• Partner with a graphic designer to develop engaging finalist presentation materials

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Journalism, Marketing, English, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience


• 2-4 years in marketing, sales, or related field; experience in professional services or consulting is a plus!


• Strong project management, writing, and editing skills


• Ability to manage competing deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities


• Detail-oriented while maintaining a big-picture perspective


• Comfortable with ambiguity and frequent change


• High sense of personal accountability and self-motivation


• Collaborative mindset, open to team feedback


• Proficient in Microsoft 365, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

What makes you stand out:

• APMP certifications highly desired


• A thirst for knowledge and passion for trying new things


• Experience strategizing for digital deliverables (microsites, videos, etc.)


• Familiarity with SharePoint, Qorusdocs, or online bid procurement tools (such as Ariba)

Why join our team:

• We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.


• We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have an impact on colleagues, clients, and communities.


• Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.

Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

The applicable base salary range for this role is $68,500 to $137,000.

The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance‑based incentives.

We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.