Proposal Manager
DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors
- San Diego, CA
- $90,000-115,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead proposal strategy and development of winning proposals across all sectors and offices, from discovery through RFP/Q preparation and production of final deliverables.
- Initiate the GO NO/GO evaluation on various pursuits in the initial stages; guide teams through the essential questions and criteria to make informed decisions on all RFP/Qs.
- Collaborate with Marketing Coordinators, Project Managers and Principals to produce SOQs, proposals, and interview presentations in alignment with DAHLIN’s brand style guidelines.
- Generate themes, brand messaging, infographics, and other visual elements to customize pursuits to clients as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain relationships with sub-consultants to gather information related to RFP/Qs, as required.
- Collaborate with the Marketing team and technical staff for project interview preparation; working with consultants as needed.
- Conduct storyboarding to drive content plans, develop graphics and layouts.
- Lead and participate in proposal meetings, reviews, and related activities.
- Review proposal drafts and final versions for responsiveness, compliance, accuracy, quality, consistent writing style, and effective layout and design.
- Build and maintain relationships with technical staff, subject matter experts, and prospective teaming partners to promote effective communication and partnerships.
- Work with Marketing Coordinators to organize and customize marketing information for cut sheets, case studies, resumes, copy database, etc.
- Conduct client and opportunity research in support of various pursuits as needed.
- Build and develop presentation slide decks and relevant marketing materials for industry conferences and events.
- Produce graphics for social media, website, DAHLIN swag, tradeshow booths, and other campaigns/collateral.
- Ensure consistency in branding, format, and content in relation to all deliverables and graphics; consult external resources as needed on specialty graphic production.
- Assist with the organization of written content and boilerplate information in Vantagepoint CRM, and support the teams in tracking wins/losses and debriefs.
- Assist with the organization and maintenance of all pursuit-related graphic assets in OpenAsset
- High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word).
- Works well under pressure with the ability to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Exercises independent judgment and discretion.
- Ability to work in a decentralized team environment while located in a regional office. Well-organized, extremely detail oriented and a self-starter.
- Professional demeanor and ability to present a positive image of the DAHLIN brand.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent grammatical, proofreading and editing abilities.
- Graphic design experience, sensitivity, and taste.
- Ability to handle proprietary and confidential information.
- Adaptable personality, with a sense of urgency and desire to increase proposal win rate.
- Knowledge of Vantagepoint or other CRM is a plus.
- Knowledge of OpenAsset or other DAM is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, journalism, or relevant field.
- 3+ years of related industry (A/E/C) experience is required.
- 5+ years managing the proposal process is required.
- Demonstrated experience working in a creative or professional services environment supporting multiple leaders.
- Membership in SMPS and CPSM certification is preferred.
- Commitment to their own professional growth.
- Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions or visa sponsorship.