Senior Proposal Specialist

The Senior Proposal Specialist manages proposals and presentations, provides capture support, and may assist with client management support. The position supports one or more regional business lines or a global business line.

 

• →Normally a 4-year degree required in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or applicable field is required
• →Must have experience with PennDOT, MDOT (SHA, MDTA, MTA), SEPTA, Amtrak, or City of Philadelphia

The Senior Proposal Specialist will lead the planning, development, and delivery of compelling, compliant, and client-focused proposals, qualifications, and presentations. You will collaborate with technical teams, subject matter experts, and marketing resources to craft materials that win.

• Lead standard- and strategic-level pursuits, driving capture kick-offs, follow-up meetings, and early positioning discussions.
• Conduct research into clients, competitors, and markets to inform win themes and pursuit strategies.
• Draft pre-RFP content to support strategic positioning.
• Determine resource needs for assigned pursuits.
• Collaborate with BD leadership to ensure consistent implementation of best practices.

• Lead complex proposals from initial request to final submission.
• Analyze SOQs/RFPs to prepare compliance matrices, schedules, and outlines.
• Facilitate and participate in kick-off meetings, milestone reviews, and client debriefs.
• Develop client-focused proposal sections including cover letters, executive summaries, personnel bios, project descriptions, firm overviews, and subconsultant qualifications.
• Edit technical approaches for narrative clarity, structure, and alignment with visual messaging.
• Partner with graphic designers to develop custom visuals and infographics that reinforce win themes.
• Coordinate and prepare interview teams, including scheduling, content preparation, and rehearsals.
• Track all opportunities and deliverables in CRM.

• Support Tier I client management activities in collaboration with BD Client Service Leaders; serve as BD Partner for Tier II/III clients.
• Conduct client research (contract awards, budgets, press coverage, events) to inform pursuit strategies.
• Prepare client meeting materials, capabilities briefings, and targeted marketing collateral. 

• Participate in or lead working groups focused on improving BD systems, processes, and tools.
• Use approved AI tools for writing, research, and proposal efficiency; collaborate with leadership on new use cases. 

• Manage communications, delegate tasks, and monitor progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor junior BD staff, providing feedback and coaching to support their professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values quality, consistency, and best practices.

• Minimum of 5 years of combined prior proposal experience is required and preferred in the AEC industry leading, coordinating, planning, and developing proposals and qualifications, including section writing experience.
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Able to work with some degree of independence to execute proposal lifecycle
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools; experience with Adobe InDesign preferred.

Compensation:The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $95,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.  Featured Benefits: • Remote work environment.• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

 

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

 

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

 

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

 

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

 

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA ; Philadelphia, PA ; Valley Forge, PA ; Towson, MD ; Owings Mills, MD ; Fairfax, VA ; Richmond, VACore Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

 

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