Senior Proposal Manager

AKS Engineering & Forestry; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on training and mentorship

Generous PTO

Health coverage

401(k) match

Weekly team lunches

Supportive work culture

Job summary

A growing firm in construction and engineering is seeking a Senior Proposal Manager to enhance its marketing and business development initiatives. In this role, you will lead the development of proposals and collaborate with team members to track RFPs and meet deadlines. Ideal candidates have over 5 years of proposal experience, exceptional writing skills, and proficiency in tools like Adobe InDesign. Join a team that values work-life balance and personal growth from day one.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proposal experience in the A/E/C industry.
• Strong understanding of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS).
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Experience preparing interview materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of compelling proposals.
• Manage the full proposal lifecycle.
• Collaborate to gather information and meet deadlines.
• Track and interpret RFPs/RFQs for compliance.
• Support interview strategy and preparation.
• Maintain marketing content in CRM.

Skills

Proposal experience

Exceptional writing and editing

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Proficient in Adobe InDesign

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or related field

Tools

Unanet-Cosential CRM

Job description

At AKS, we are growing and building for the future. We bring together multidisciplined experts across the land development, energy, and infrastructure markets to take on bigger challenges and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Our teams combine creativity, technical excellence, and a collaborative, hands‑on approach to solve complex problems and deliver results our clients and communities can count on. We take pride in our work and our ability to provide opportunities for our teams, support each other’s growth, and look ahead to what’s next. When you join AKS, you will find opportunities to take ownership of meaningful projects, learn, lead, and make an impact from day one.

We’re looking for a Senior Proposal Manager who’s ready to bring energy, creativity, and precision to a high‑impact role on our marketing and business development team. If you're passionate about producing top‑tier proposals and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, this is your chance to directly support growth across multiple AKS offices and make a real impact.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of compelling proposals, statements of qualifications, and roster submittals that win work.
• Manage the full proposal lifecycle—from go/no‑go decisions to content creation, editing, layout, and final production.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical staff, and other marketers to gather information and ensure deadlines are met.
• Track and interpret RFPs/RFQs to ensure full compliance and highlight AKS differentiators.
• Support and guide interview strategy and preparation, including development of presentation materials.
• Maintain and update marketing content in our CRM (Unanet‑Cosential), including resumes, project descriptions, awards, and photography.

Who You Are

• You have 5+ years of proposal experience in the A/E/C industry with a strong understanding of Qualifications‑Based Selection (QBS).
• You’re an exceptional writer and editor with a knack for translating technical content into persuasive messaging.
• You’re self‑driven and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• You work well with a variety of personalities and enjoy collaborating with technical and marketing professionals.
• You’re proficient with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office, and comfortable working in CRM systems.
• You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Unanet‑Cosential (or similar CRM).
• Experience preparing interview materials and supporting pursuit strategy.
• Knowledge of branding, layout design, and adherence to writing style guides.
• Experience submitting to public agencies at the local, state, or federal level.

Why AKS?

At AKS, we believe your work should support your life, not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:

• Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands‑on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
• Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
• Respect for Your Time: We value work‑life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
• Benefits That Care: You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well‑being, plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
• Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates, we believe food brings people together.
• Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
• A Place People Love to Work: We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.