Proposal Specialist

Southland Industries; Virginia; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with 50% company match (no

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Life insurance and AD&D

Disability income protection

Pre-tax flexible spending plans

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays and vacation

Professional development memberships

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Proposal Specialist to lead proposal development for engineering and construction opportunities. You will craft narratives, coordinate with technical and marketing teams, and ensure compliant, compelling materials.

Proficiency in InDesign and MS Office is required as you guide content across pursuits. You will plan schedules, manage resources, and help prepare client interview materials while maintaining brand standards and clear client messaging in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, or Business Administration (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Proficiency in writing, editing, and researching to prepare documents, presentations, and marketing materials, including proposals.
• Proficiency in using Adobe InDesign to develop professional proposal and marketing materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail when managing complex documents and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Some travel required.
• AEC industry experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce professional proposals in response to RFPs/RFQs using Adobe InDesign.
• Review solicitation documents to identify requirements and submission instructions.
• Coordinate with business development, operations, and technical teams for messaging.
• Plan and manage proposal schedules, outlines, and content assignments.
• Assist in writing, editing, and organizing proposal narratives for accuracy and clarity.
• Collaborate with marketing and design to develop layouts and visuals.
• Manage final review and production to ensure timely submissions.
• Prepare for client interviews and presentations with slide content and materials.
• Develop and maintain proposal resources such as resumes and project descriptions.
• Support other marketing and BD activities and collaborate with national proposal teams.

Skills

Proposal writing

Editing

Content development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, or Business Administration

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office 365

SharePoint

Unanet

Asana

Job description

Position Summary

Join Southland's team of Proposal Specialists and play a key role in supporting our business development efforts. In this role, you will lead the development of proposals, qualifications packages, and interview materials for engineering and construction opportunities. Working closely with technical staff, business development leaders, and marketing team members, you will help create clear and compelling pursuit materials that showcase Southland's expertise and value to our clients. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys collaborating across teams, managing a variety of projects, and developing high-quality, engaging content in a fast-paced environment.

Position Details

• Develop and produce professional proposals in response to Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ) for engineering and construction opportunities using Adobe InDesign.
• Review solicitation documents to identify requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions to ensure compliant proposals.
• Coordinate business development, operations, and technical teams to gather information and develop clear, client-focused messaging.
• Plan and manage proposal schedules, outlines, and content assignments to ensure milestones are met.
• Assist in writing, editing, and organizing proposal narratives to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with company messaging and brand standards.
• Collaborate with marketing and graphic design resources to develop layouts and visuals that support proposal content.
• Manage the final review and production process to ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Assist in preparation for client interviews and presentations by developing slide content, printed materials, and supporting practice sessions.
• Develop and maintain proposal resources such as resumes, project descriptions, and standard content to support pursuits. Assist with various marketing and business development activities as needed.
• Collaborate closely with a national team of proposal specialists to support continued growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, or Business Administration required, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Proficiency in writing, editing, and researching to prepare documents, presentations, and marketing materials, including proposals.
• Proficiency in using Adobe InDesign to develop professional proposal and marketing materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Experience with Unanet and Asana is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop clear, persuasive content.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing complex documents and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective collaboration skills with the ability to work across marketing, business development, and technical teams.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Some travel required.
• AEC industry experience preferred but not required.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you're engaged, challenged, and valued, to join our dynamic team. To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities (https://southlandind.foleon.com/experienced-professionals/brochure/), follow us on social media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/22132/?trk=tyah), and check out our website (https://southlandind.com/).

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free o