Senior Proposal Coordinator

Pape-Dawson; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers seeks a Senior Proposal Coordinator in Chattanooga, TN to lead complex proposals from kickoff to delivery. You will align content with win strategies, manage cross-functional input from marketing, technical staff, and leadership, and ensure strict adherence to client requirements.

The role requires 6+ years in proposal development, strong InDesign and Deltek skills, and a collaborative, deadline-driven mindset to support pursuit teams and elevate proposal quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in proposal development, preferably in the AEC industry.
• TDOT/Transportation proposal experience preferred.
• Expertise in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office; Deltek experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage complex proposal efforts with minimal oversight.
• Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the proposal lifecycle and evaluation criteria.
• Collaborative, deadline-driven, and adaptable to shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, development, and layout of SOQs and proposal documents from kickoff through final delivery, ensuring compliance with submission requirements.
• Format documents and ensure brand compliance and proposal consistency
• Ensure proposals meet compliance requirements and align with evaluation criteria
• Manage content development with input from marketing, technical staff, and leadership
• Manage proposal schedules, maintain pursuit checklists, and ensure timely submission of all components
• Lead proposal kickoff and milestone meetings to maintain progress and accountability
• Support QA/QC processes to ensure high-quality, error-free deliverables
• Maintain and update proposal databases, libraries, boilerplate material, and improve upon templates
• Conduct research and gather information from internal teams to support proposal content
• Track and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on project needs
• Contribute to identifying proposal process improvements and content updates
• Mentor junior proposal staff and contribute to team training and process improvement initiatives

Skills

Proposal development

Project management

Editorial / QA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing (or related field)

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office

Deltek

Job description

Aug 4, 2026

Job Description:

Overview:

This position is responsible for leading the strategic development of challenging high-profile, competitive proposals and qualifications packages. The Senior Proposal Coordinator works with technical leaders, marketing leadership, and business development to help define win strategies, guide messaging, and ensure compliance with client requirements. This role requires advanced layout and project management skills, along with a strong understanding of the proposal lifecycle and the ability to manage multiple complex, deadline-driven submissions independently.

Responsibilities:

Manage the proposal process

Lead the preparation, development, and layout of SOQs and proposal documents from kickoff through final delivery, ensuring compliance with submission requirements

Format documents and ensure brand compliance and proposal consistency

Ensure proposals meet compliance requirements and align with evaluation criteria

Manage content development with input from marketing, technical staff, and leadership

Manage proposal schedules, maintain pursuit checklists, and ensure timely submission of all components

Lead proposal kickoff and milestone meetings to maintain progress and accountability

Support QA/QC processes to ensure high-quality, error-free deliverables

Maintain and update proposal databases, libraries, boilerplate material, and improve upon templates

Conduct research and gather information from internal teams to support proposal content

Track and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on project needs

Contribute to identifying proposal process improvements and content updates

Mentor junior proposal staff and contribute to team training and process improvement initiatives

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred

6+ years of experience in proposal development, preferably in the AEC industry

TDOT/Transportation proposal experience preferred

Expertise in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office; Deltek experience is a plus

Proven ability to manage complex proposal efforts with minimal oversight

Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the proposal lifecycle and evaluation criteria

Collaborative, deadline-driven, and adaptable to shifting priorities

Availability to work Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm, with overtime as needed

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EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Pape-Dawson is a leading civil engineering firm that delivers impactful infrastructure projects while fostering an inclusive culture and investing in employee growth and well-being.

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Company Pape-Dawson