Proposal and Interview Manager

Job Description Job Description Proposal and Interview Manager DJ&A has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by a deliberate focus on culture, quality, and long-term client relationships while expanding the firm's geographic reach and service offerings. Continued success depends on consistently positioning the firm well in the markets it seeks to serve and executing competitive, high-quality pursuits. This position is part of DJ&A's growing Business Development (BD) Group, reporting to the Deputy Director, Business Development, Proposals & Marketing. The Proposal and Interview Manager is accountable for the day-to-day coordination and execution of the firm's proposal and interview preparation efforts, working closely with Proposal Coordinators, technical staff, and subject-matter experts to produce client-focused proposals and interview presentations. This is a unique opportunity to help shape and strengthen a critical function at a growing AEC firm. Depending on candidate qualifications, this role may include supervisory responsibilities for Proposal Coordinators. This role is execution-focused, with real influence over quality, process, and the consistency of DJ&A's pursuit efforts. Key Responsibilities Proposal Development and Lifecycle Management Oversee and participate in DJ&A's proposal development process, working with Proposal Coordinators, editors, graphic designers, technical staff, subject matter experts, and external partners to produce compliant, client-centric proposals. Develop and maintain a firmwide proposal development schedule; assign tasks, track deadlines, and coordinate resources across concurrent pursuits. Lead kickoffs, manage workplans, coordinate content development, oversee quality control, and manage production and submission logistics, particularly on complex or high-visibility pursuits. Support go/no-go discipline within the proposal phase by ensuring pursuit decisions reflect current capacity and competitiveness. Proposal Development and Lifecycle Management Oversee and participate in DJ&A's proposal development process, working with Proposal Coordinators, editors, graphic designers, technical staff, subject matter experts, and external partners to produce compliant, client-centric proposals. Develop and maintain a firmwide proposal development schedule; assign tasks, track deadlines, and coordinate resources across concurrent pursuits. Lead kickoffs, manage workplans, coordinate content development, oversee quality control, and manage production and submission logistics, particularly on complex or high-visibility pursuits. Support go/no-go discipline within the proposal phase by ensuring pursuit decisions reflect current capacity and competitiveness. Messaging and Content Development Collaborate with BD and technical staff to develop clear, strategic proposal messages that differentiate DJ&A in light of client needs and competitive context. Write and edit original, client-focused proposal narratives that effectively communicates DJ&A's value and differentiators. Ensure win themes and key messages developed during capture planning are carried consistently throughout the proposal. Interview Preparation Support Support interview preparation in coordination with technical staff, including strategy development, schedule coordination, assignment routing, and logistics management. Help ensure interview teams are well-rehearsed and aligned on key messages prior to client presentations. Content Library and Process Improvement Oversee and maintain DJ&A's proposal content library, including boilerplate, resumes, project descriptions, and firmwide templates. Support the identification and integration of AI tools and technologies that improve proposal quality, efficiency, and consistency. Continuously improve proposal tools, templates, and workflows to increase consistency and efficiency across the firm. Support the identification and integration of tools and technologies that improve proposal quality and team capacity. Work with CRM Manager and others to develop processes and workflows that streamline proposal data management and reporting. Pursuit Closeout and Learning Oversee the firm’s proposal close-out process to ensure final proposal files and archived, and results are communicated with contributors. Schedule and participate in debriefs; capture and share lessons learned to support continuous improvement. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may include coordination or supervisory responsibilities for Proposal Coordinators, commensurate with candidate qualifications and team structure at time of hire How This Role Fits Within DJ&A’s BD Team: The BD Group at DJ&A provides centralized support, systems, and coordination across all phases of the firm's business development lifecycle. This role works in close coordination with Pursuit Coordinators and collaborates with technical contributors and other BD Group staff. It also works in partnership with the Deputy Director, Business Development, Proposals & Marketing to ensure continuity and alignment across the pursuit lifecycle. General Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 5 or more years of experience managing the proposal lifecycle, preferably within the AEC industry or a related professional services environment. Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams to meet critical deadlines under pressure. Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to translate technical content into clear, client-focused narratives. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple active pursuits simultaneously. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong alignment with DJ&A Core Values. Preferred Experience mentoring or coordinating the work of proposal staff. Technical Capabilities Familiarity with proposal management tools, CRM systems (VantagePoint preferred), and content management workflows across the BD lifecycle. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and PowerPoint, for proposal production and formatting. Working knowledge of design platforms such as the Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva is a plus. Ability to work across systems, people, and functional areas to drive quality and consistency without over-engineering processes. Key Competencies The strongest candidates for this role will demonstrate the following: Ability to manage competing priorities and keep multiple workstreams moving in a fast-paced environment. Strong communicator who brings clarity to complex, time-sensitive situations and helps teams stay aligned under deadline pressure. Skilled at translating complex technical information into compelling, client-centered narratives. Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively. Detail-oriented with high personal standards for quality and consistency. Committed to continuous improvement, actively looking for ways to make proposal processes more efficient. Curious and collaborative, with a genuine interest in helping technical teams communicate their strengths effectively. Thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities evolve and no two proposals are exactly alike. Salary and Benefits Base Pay: $40 to $52 hourly rate Medical – premiums 100% covered for our HDHP Dental Vision Performance Bonus Paid Time Off Eleven paid Holidays. To apply, please submit a cover letter with resume addressing qualifications, requirements, and references to View email address on click.appcast.io or by mail to: DJ&A, P.C., 2000 Maple St, Missoula, MT 59808. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit the EEO website here . DJ&A is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io .