Proposal Specialist

Childers Architect; Tulsa (OK); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Childers Architect in Tulsa, OK is seeking an experienced Proposal Specialist to join our Marketing and Business Development team. You will manage the full proposal lifecycle, from RFPs through final submission, coordinating with leadership, architects, and project teams to produce compelling, compliant submissions.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of the AEC industry, exceptional Adobe InDesign skills, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality responses on tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• 3–5 years of proposal development experience within the AEC industry.
• Independent management of RFPs, RFQs, SOQs and complex submissions.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate and manage the complete proposal development process.
• Review RFPs, RFQs, SOQs to identify requirements, deadlines and instructions.
• Develop schedules, compliance matrices, content outlines, timelines.
• Lead kickoff meetings and coordinate marketing, BD, technical staff and leadership.
• Organize all proposal components including summaries, qualifications, resumes and docs.
• Develop compelling content that communicates qualifications and advantages.
• Tailor proposals to client needs and evaluation criteria.
• Coordinate content with architects, engineers, consultants, project managers and leadership.
• Ensure submissions are accurate, compliant and well-presented.
• Manage multiple proposals with strict deadlines and quality standards.
• Oversee final quality control, production, packaging and submission.
• Coordinate interviews and shortlist materials when selected.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Graphic Design

AEC Knowledge

BD Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Marketing/Communications/Graphic Design/English/Business

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Department: Business Development & Marketing
Location: Tulsa, Fort Smith Arkansas, Tahlequah- Hybrid

About Childers Architect

At Childers Architect, we believe architecture is about more than designing buildings — it is about creating meaningful spaces that strengthen communities, inspire connection, and leave a lasting impact. As a Native American-owned architectural firm, we take pride in our commitment to thoughtful design, meaningful relationships, and projects that reflect the unique needs, cultures, and aspirations of the communities we serve. Our work is rooted in collaboration, creativity, integrity, and purpose. We are passionate about creating environments that positively impact the people who experience them. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented Proposal Specialist who understands the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and can help position Childers Architect for continued success.

Position Overview

Childers Architect is seeking an experienced Proposal Specialist to join our Marketing and Business Development team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the AEC industry, exceptional proficiency in Adobe InDesign, and demonstrated experience independently managing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), and other competitive proposal submissions from initial opportunity identification through final delivery.

The Proposal Specialist will collaborate closely with the Marketing Director/Manager, Business Development Director, firm leadership, architects, project managers, and technical staff to develop high-quality submissions that support our strategic growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate and manage the complete proposal development process from initial RFP/RFQ review through final submission.
• Review, analyze, and interpret complex RFPs, RFQs, SOQs, and other solicitation documents to identify requirements, evaluation criteria, deadlines, and submission instructions.
• Develop proposal schedules, compliance matrices, content outlines, production timelines, and internal review milestones.
• Lead proposal kickoff meetings and coordinate responsibilities among marketing, business development, technical staff, and leadership.
• Organize and manage all proposal components, including executive summaries, project descriptions, firm qualifications, resumes, organizational charts, technical narratives, and supporting documentation.
• Develop compelling, customized proposal content that clearly communicates Childers Architect's qualifications, experience, capabilities, and competitive advantages.
• Tailor each proposal to the prospective client's specific needs, project goals, evaluation criteria, and selection priorities.
• Coordinate proposal content with architects, engineers, consultants, subconsultants, project managers, and firm leadership.
• Ensure all proposal submissions are accurate, responsive, professionally presented, and fully compliant with solicitation requirements.
• Manage multiple simultaneous proposals while maintaining strict deadlines and quality standards.
• Oversee final quality control, production, packaging, and submission of electronic and printed proposals.
• Coordinate interviews and shortlist presentation materials when the firm advances in the selection process.

Required skillsets and knowledge in:

• Adobe InDesign & Graphic Design
• AEC Industry Knowledge & Technical Coordination
• Marketing & Business Development Collaboration

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, English, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent directly relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional proposal development experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing RFPs, RFQs, SOQs, and complex proposal submissions from beginning to end.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign is required.
• Strong understanding of AEC terminology, project qualifications, consultant coordination, and professional services marketing.
• Exceptional written communication, editing, proofreading, and document production skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with firm leadership, architects, technical professionals, and business development teams.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.

Childers Architect is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.