The Opportunity with McKinstryAt McKinstry, marketing is more than messaging, it's a strategic partner to the business, shaping how we win work, tell our story, and show up in the market. As part of our Enterprise Sales & Marketing team, the
Senior Marketing Specialist will join a highly collaborative, well-established group that supports every corner of the organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to partner closely with engineers and business leaders in the AEC industry, driving proposal strategy, influencing go/no-go decisions, and helping secure complex, high-impact projects. You'll operate as a trusted advisor, leading meetings, coaching teams, and building relationships both internally and across the industry.
You'll be part of a PeopleFirst team that invests in growth, development, and long-term career mobility, often creating new opportunities based on individual strengths and aspirations We're looking for someone who brings both independence and initiative, able to take ownership, build strong relationships, and navigate a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while contributing to a supportive, high-performing team.
This is not a traditional digital or campaign marketing role. Instead, this position focuses on proposal strategy, pursuit support, and partnering directly with technical teams to help win work.
What You'll Do- Lead the development of proposals, qualifications, award submittals, and presentation materials, owning the process from strategy through final delivery.
- Analyze RFQs/RFPs/Solicitations to develop compliant, compelling, and strategically positioned responses that differentiate McKinstry.
- Partner closely with engineering, sales, and business leaders to shape pursuit strategy, including messaging, positioning, and go/no-go decisions.
- Facilitate and lead proposal efforts by setting priorities, managing timelines, and ensuring high-quality, on-time submissions.
- Write, edit, and refine content including project descriptions, resumes, and other marketing materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and impact.
- Support and lead presentation development and interview preparation, coaching technical teams to effectively communicate with clients.
- Manage multiple concurrent pursuits at various stages, bringing structure and organization to a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external marketing partners to support pursuit team formation and collaboration.
- Collaborate with brand and design teams to develop and evolve marketing collateral aligned with McKinstry's brand standards.
- Collaborate and coordinate with communication lead to identify and uplift project and people stories for social media and website presence..
- Maintain and organize proposal assets, ensuring proper documentation, file management, and closeout procedures.
- Mentor and support junior team members, sharing best practices and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team environment
What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
- 6+ years of working experience in a marketing or communications role in architecture, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar capacity.
- Proven success leading proposals end-to-end, including strategy, messaging, coordination of technical teams, and final delivery.
- Strong understanding of the pursuit lifecycle, including RFQ/RFP/Solicitation processes, team coordination, and submission requirements.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships within the AEC industry is highly valued.
- Ability to operate independently in a senior-level role, leading meetings, managing stakeholders, and influencing outcomes.
- Experience supporting or coaching teams for client presentations, interviews, or pursuit-related engagements.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong proficiency level of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign; Photoshop preferred) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Experience with SharePoint or similar content management systems preferred.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences and communication styles.
- A collaborative, relationship-driven mindset with the ability to build trust across technical and non-technical teams.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with a willingness to take initiative and think creatively.
- Demonstrated alignment with McKinstry's core values in daily work and decision-making
PeopleFirst Benefits When it comes to the basics, we have you covered: - Competitive pay
- 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with: - Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
- Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
- Transgender inclusive benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Pet insurance
- "Building Good" paid community service time.
- Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
- McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers.
See benefit plan documents for complete details.
If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.
The pay range for this position is $72,090 - $119,300 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
