Strategic Pursuit Lead: Proposals & Client Engagement

SMPS Sacramento; Sacramento, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

SMPS Sacramento is seeking a Proposal Manager to lead the full proposal process for large, complex pursuits, from strategy to final delivery, ensuring compliance, quality, and strategic positioning.

You will direct pursuit meetings, author executive summaries and case studies, and collaborate with designers to ensure on-brand content. The role requires exceptional writing, branding, and deadline management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, English, journalism, or related field; advanced degree or certification is a plus.
• 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 command of 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

• 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

Proposal management

Marketing communications

Leadership

Storytelling

CRM/Marketing tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing/communications/English/journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Job description

SMPS Sacramento is seeking a Proposal Manager to lead the full proposal process for large, complex pursuits, from strategy to final delivery, ensuring compliance, quality, and strategic positioning.

You will direct pursuit meetings, author executive summaries and case studies, and collaborate with designers to ensure on-brand content. The role requires exceptional writing, branding, and deadline management in a fast-paced environment.