Proposal Strategist - Management & Support (South Central Region)

Burns & McDonnell

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 110,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Burns & McDonnell seeks a Proposal Strategist in Houston, TX to lead pursuit development from pre-positioning through submission. You’ll shape strategy, craft client-focused content, and coordinate cross-functional teams to win opportunities.

Responsibilities include developing qualifications packages, creating win themes, and overseeing proposal quality and delivery in a fast-paced professional services environment. Remote AI-assisted tools may be used to enhance output.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field.
Minimum 4 years in marketing, business development, or sales within a professional services firm; A/E/C industry experience preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign) strongly preferred.
Experience using AI-based tools for content development is preferred, with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
APMP certification (or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of qualifications packages and responses by collaborating with sales and technical teams.
Shape strategy, messaging, and capture plans ahead of RFP release in pre-positioning efforts.
Develop proposal and opportunity management plans, including drafting storyboards and win strategies.
Facilitate go/no-go decisions, kickoff meetings, and ongoing team alignment discussions.
Lead color team reviews and ensure materials meet client needs and evaluation criteria.
Manage proposal schedules and ensure timely delivery of compliant submissions.

Skills

Communication

Proposal strategy

Content writing

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Description

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Proposal Strategist to support pursuit development in Houston, Texas. This role is responsible for leading the development of proposals from initial Request for Proposal/Information/Qualifications (RFP/RFI/RFQ) from pre-positioning through submission and shortlist interview, when applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

Support sales teams in pre-positioning efforts by shaping strategy, messaging, and capture plans ahead of RFP release.
Lead the development of qualifications packages and responses by collaborating with sales and technical teams to tailor content, highlight relevant experience, and align messaging with client priorities
Develop and lead proposal and opportunity management plans, including drafting storyboards, defining win strategies, and delegating pursuit team assignments.
Facilitate go/no-go decisions, proposal kickoff meetings, and ongoing team alignment discussions.
Drive collaboration across technical, business development, and marketing teams to shape proposal direction and messaging.

Content Development & Messaging

Write and develop client-focused proposal content, including win themes, cover letters, executive summaries, project descriptions, and resumes.
Incorporate company standards and tailor messaging to align with client needs and evaluation criteria.
Utilize AI-based tools, where appropriate, to support drafting, editing, and enhancing proposal content.

Visual Communication & Design

Translate complex technical information into clear, compelling graphics and visual content.
Develop proposal layouts in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign, complying with Burns & McDonnell brand standards.
Proactively lead the creation of client-facing presentations, shaping messaging, coaching presenters, and ensuring alignment with win strategy for account meetings.

Review & Quality Management

Lead color team reviews with a focus on client benefits and win strategy.
Incorporate feedback and refine materials to improve clarity, quality, and competitiveness.
Uphold best practices related to content management, quality control, collaboration, and file organization.

Production & Delivery

Manage proposal schedules and ensure timely delivery of compliant, high-quality submissions.
Package and submit proposals in accordance with client requirements, including coordination of digital submissions and hard copy production when required.

Post-Submittal & Business Development Support

Support shortlist interview preparation, including coaching teams and developing presentation materials.
Facilitate debriefs and capture lessons learned to strengthen future pursuits.
Assist with submissions for industry awards (e.g., ACEC, ENR) and trade publications.

Events & Marketing Support

Support conferences and trade shows by coordinating logistics, securing sponsorships, and preparing presentation and thought leadership materials.
Occasionally assist with booth setup and on-site event support.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field.
Applicable years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
Minimum 4 years of experience in marketing, business development, or sales within a professional services firm; A/E/C industry experience preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign) strongly preferred.
Experience using AI-based tools for content development is preferred, with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
APMP certification (or equivalent) preferred.

Key Attributes

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with teams.
Takes initiative to ask direct, strategic questions that clarify expectations and improve outcomes.
Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job

Business Development/Sales

Primary Location

US-TX-Houston

Other Locations

US-TX-Austin

Schedule:

Full-time

Travel:

Yes, 10 % of the Time