Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 4 years of experience in marketing, business development, or sales within a professional services firm, preferably in the A/E/C industry.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex ideas into compelling messaging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign) is strongly preferred.
Experience with AI-based tools for content development is preferred, adaptability to new technologies is essential.
APMP certification (or equivalent) is preferred.
Responsibilities
Support sales teams in pre-positioning by shaping strategy, messaging, and capture plans before RFP release.
Lead the development of tailored qualifications packages and responses by collaborating with sales and technical teams.
Develop and manage proposal and opportunity plans, including drafting storyboards and defining win strategies.
Facilitate go/no-go decisions and propose alignment discussions among team members.
Drive collaboration across technical, business development, and marketing teams to enhance proposal messaging.
Write and develop targeted proposal content including win themes and project descriptions.
Translate complex technical information into clear graphics and develop proposal layouts that adhere to brand standards.
Benefits
Support for professional development and training opportunities.
Flexible work environment promoting collaboration.
Involvement in diverse projects across various sectors.
Opportunity to engage in industry awards submissions for recognition.
Access to innovative tools and technology for proposal development.
Full Job Description
Description
Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Proposal Strategist to support pursuit development in Houston, Texas. This role is responsible for leading the development of proposals from initial Request for Proposal/Information/Qualifications (RFP/RFI/RFQ) from pre-positioning through submission and shortlist interview, when applicable.
The Proposal Strategist partners with business development and project management leadership to develop distinctive value propositions that strengthen our competitive position, win work, and build lasting client relationships. This individual is a resourceful, collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to continuously improve processes and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
Support sales teams in pre-positioning efforts by shaping strategy, messaging, and capture plans ahead of RFP release.
Lead the development of qualifications packages and responses by collaborating with sales and technical teams to tailor content, highlight relevant experience, and align messaging with client priorities
Develop and lead proposal and opportunity management plans, including drafting storyboards, defining win strategies, and delegating pursuit team assignments.
Facilitate go/no-go decisions, proposal kickoff meetings, and ongoing team alignment discussions.
Drive collaboration across technical, business development, and marketing teams to shape proposal direction and messaging.
Content Development & Messaging
Write and develop client-focused proposal content, including win themes, cover letters, executive summaries, project descriptions, and resumes.
Incorporate company standards and tailor messaging to align with client needs and evaluation criteria.
Utilize AI-based tools, where appropriate, to support drafting, editing, and enhancing proposal content.
Visual Communication & Design
Translate complex technical information into clear, compelling graphics and visual content.
Develop proposal layouts in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign, complying with Burns & McDonnell brand standards.
Proactively lead the creation of client-facing presentations, shaping messaging, coaching presenters, and ensuring alignment with win strategy for account meetings.
Review & Quality Management
Lead color team reviews with a focus on client benefits and win strategy.
Incorporate feedback and refine materials to improve clarity, quality, and competitiveness.
Uphold best practices related to content management, quality control, collaboration, and file organization.
Production & Delivery
Manage proposal schedules and ensure timely delivery of compliant, high-quality submissions.
Package and submit proposals in accordance with client requirements, including coordination of digital submissions and hard copy production when required.
Post-Submittal & Business Development Support
Support shortlist interview preparation, including coaching teams and developing presentation materials.
Facilitate debriefs and capture lessons learned to strengthen future pursuits.
Assist with submissions for industry awards (e.g., ACEC, ENR) and trade publications.
Events & Marketing Support
Support conferences and trade shows by coordinating logistics, securing sponsorships, and preparing presentation and thought leadership materials.
Occasionally assist with booth setup and on-site event support.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business administration, or related field.
Applicable years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
Minimum 4 years of experience in marketing, business development, or sales within a professional services firm; A/E/C industry experience preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign) strongly preferred.
Experience using AI-based tools for content development is preferred, with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
APMP certification (or equivalent) preferred.
Key Attributes
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with teams.
Takes initiative to ask direct, strategic questions that clarify expectations and improve outcomes.
Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
Job Business Development/Sales
Primary Location US-TX-Houston
Other Locations US-TX-Austin
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 261315
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-HMH #M&S
About Burns & McDonnell
Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm. The company was founded in 1898 by Clinton Burns and Robert McDonnell and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Burns & McDonnell provides services to a wide range of industries, including aviation, defense, energy, environmental, healthcare, and transportation. The company has over 7,500 employees and operates in more than 50 countries around the world. Burns & McDonnell has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States by Fortune magazine.
