Senior Pursuit Strategist

Society for Marketing Professional Services-SFBAC; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Swinerton Builders in San Francisco is seeking a seasoned Proposal Manager to lead the full proposal process—from strategy development through final delivery—for large, complex pursuits.

You will direct pursuit meetings, shape messaging and branding, author executive summaries and case studies, mentor junior staff, and ensure strict adherence to brand standards and deadlines. This hybrid role emphasizes leadership and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, English, journalism, or related field.
• 3–7 years of progressively responsible marketing/pursuits experience, ideally in AEC.
• Proven ability to direct and deliver complex, high-value proposals and presentations with minimal oversight.
• Advanced writing and content development skills, with strong storytelling, branding, and executive-level messaging.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign; experienced in CRM/marketing technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior staff, enforcing quality standards, and managing deadlines.
• Professional judgment and discretion; ability to make strategic decisions that shape pursuit outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the full proposal process—from strategy development through final delivery for large, complex pursuits.
• Direct pursuit meetings and manage decision points that shape messaging and strategy.
• Author and edit executive summaries, cover letters, service narratives, resumes, and case studies.
• Decide on design and content integration in collaboration with graphic designers.
• Manage final production and enforce strict adherence to brand, style, and compliance standards.
• Direct the preparation, messaging, and delivery of client interviews.
• Lead rehearsals, manage logistics, and coach presenters for effective delivery.
• Decide on strategic responses to anticipated client questions and objections.
• Manage and direct the development of collateral, ensuring brand consistency.
• Decide on content priorities and quality standards for brochures, case studies, and pitch decks.
• Establish pursuit schedules, assign responsibilities, and manage performance of contributors.
• Lead post-mortems and continuous improvement processes.
• Enforce accountability for accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
• Influence capture plans and go/no-go decisions by contributing market, client, and competitor insights.
• Decide on messaging strategies that differentiate Swinerton in new geographies or sectors.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior pursuit staff.
• Share best practices, coach team members, and model accountability.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Advanced writing

Storytelling

Branding

Leadership

CRM/Marketing tech

MS Office

InDesign

Editing

Education

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

Tools

Adobe InDesign

CRM/Marketing technologies

Microsoft Office

Job description

Swinerton Builders in San Francisco is seeking a seasoned Proposal Manager to lead the full proposal process—from strategy development through final delivery—for large, complex pursuits.

You will direct pursuit meetings, shape messaging and branding, author executive summaries and case studies, mentor junior staff, and ensure strict adherence to brand standards and deadlines. This hybrid role emphasizes leadership and collaboration across teams.