Lead the full lifecycle of complex proposals and qualifications submissions across multiple markets. Develop pursuit strategies, win themes, client-focused messaging, and persuasive written content; coordinate proposal teams, reviews, compliance, branding, and deadlines. Maintain reusable content and proposal tools, support presentations and client interviews, participate in go/no-go decisions, conduct market and competitor research, and contribute to social media, content, and event initiatives.
Position Summary
PMA Consultants is seeking an experienced Proposal Manager to lead the development of winning proposals that drive our national growth strategy. You will support pursuits across diverse markets, including capital improvement programs, transportation, energy, water infrastructure, government and public facilities, education, healthcare, hospitality, and private corporations. This role blends hands-on proposal leadership with strategic business development insight. You will manage the full proposal lifecycle, collaborate with cross-functional teams, shape pursuit strategies, and ensure the delivery of persuasive, high-quality proposals. Our Marketing team values initiative, creativity, and teamwork—we thrive on developing solutions, supporting one another, and driving PMA’s continued success.
Organizational Responsibilities
- Lead the full lifecycle of major proposals and qualifications submissions, including competitive and multi-disciplinary pursuits.
- Collaborate with leadership to shape pursuit strategies, including win themes, differentiators, and client-focused messaging.
- Write, edit, and format persuasive proposal content and executive summaries tailored to client priorities.
- Ensure proposals comply with requirements, meet branding standards, and pass quality reviews.
- Coordinate cross-functional proposal teams, including kickoff, review, and debrief meetings.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for proposal-related inquiries with internal and external stakeholders.
- Partner with Operations and Client Managers to maintain and organize reusable content, resumes, and project sheets.
- Develop and maintain proposal tools, templates, and graphics to support efficient proposal delivery.
- Assist in developing presentations and preparing teams for client interviews.
- Participate in go/no-go decision processes and support market research, client analysis, and competitor insights.
- Monitor industry trends and professional organizations to identify relevant events and opportunities for PMA participation.
- Contribute to broader marketing initiatives, including social media, content creation, and event support.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive proposal management experience within the A/E/C industry or related professional services required.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, or multidisciplinary proposals.
- Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required; experience with Adobe Pro, InDesign, and Photoshop is preferred.
- Experience with NetSuite, OpenAsset, or similar CRM/proposal management systems is desirable.
- APMP Foundation/Practitioner or CPSM certification is desirable.
- Experience with public-sector and federal proposals (e.g., DOTs, GSA, municipalities) a plus.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of stated minimum qualifications.
- The successful candidate will be placed within this salary range based on but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.
Additional Requirements
Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.
Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.
About PMA
At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.
We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.
We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.
As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”
PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
VEVRAA federal contractor.
PMA Consultants Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
333 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 880, Chicago, United States, 60606
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