The Proposal Lead is a key member of our Business Development and Marketing team, responsible for driving the strategy, coordination, and production of competitive architectural submissions-including RFQs, RFPs, competition packages, and interview presentations. This role partners closely with Design Teams and colleagues across AO and Marketing to produce compelling, high-quality proposals that reflect our brand, strengthen our market position, and inspire client confidence.
We're looking for a curious, creative, enthusiastic, and excellence-driven collaborator with strong writing, editing, coordination, and strategic thinking skills.
Key Responsibilities
Coordination & Strategy
- Lead and participate in kick-off meetings and strategy sessions for RFQs, RFPs, and interviews, including scheduling, tracking tasks, and managing timelines.
- Develop proposal outlines, content plans, and coordinate execution with pursuit teams.
- Work with Marketing and AO leadership to ensure messaging, visuals, and project objectives align with client expectations.
- Conduct proposal debriefs-win or lose-to identify improvements that continually elevate our competitive edge.
Content Development
- Plan, manage, write, and deliver polished, visually compelling, and persuasive proposal documents that reflect the firm's voice and values.
- Collaborate with Marketing on proposal design and production to ensure professional, timely delivery.
- Support development of interview presentations and prepare teams with materials, logistics, and unified messaging.
- Maintain marketing collateral databases (project profiles, CVs, narratives, etc.) to ensure accurate, high-quality content for pursuit efforts.
Research & Analysis
- Continuously monitor portals and industry channels to identify opportunities.
- Analyze pursuit requirements to ensure all submissions meet client criteria and expectations.
- Assess competitive positioning to highlight our differentiators and strategic strengths.
- Research and coordinate teaming opportunities-including subconsultants and architectural partners.
Team Coordination & Execution
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, including marketing staff, designers, consultants, and architect leads, with clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Ensure accuracy and quality across marketing databases and submissions while upholding architectural documentation standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and support team development.
- Contribute to broader marketing and business development strategy discussions.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in marketing communications, writing, or architecture-related content development.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in communications, marketing, media relations, brand development, or related functions-preferably within architecture, design, or real estate development.
- Strong understanding of brand and marketing strategy, with the ability to craft engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
- Familiarity with key topics and market drivers shaping today's built environment.
- Exceptional writing and editing abilities with strong verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in visual communication, including diagrams, tables, and formatted layouts that enhance clarity and persuasion.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
- Technical proficiency with:
- Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
- Mailchimp, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, WordPress
- OpenAsset
- Experience with video editing software is a plus.
- Described as a self-starter who can break down complex processes and drive projects forward.
