Proposal Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Proposal Lead supports the development and submission of proposal responses, including Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Responsibilities include monitoring proposal opportunities and websites, developing templates, tracking proposal data and win/loss results, and managing the customer relationship management (CRM) database in Unanet. The Proposal Lead works closely with Proposal Coordinators and the Marketing and Business Development teams to ensure proposal efforts have the resources and support needed to deliver successful bids.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communication, journalism, business administration, or relevant industry experience.

5 to 7 years of professional experience in proposal preparation, marketing, or document production, preferably in the environmental, architectural, or engineering industries.

Certifications or coursework in relevant subject areas or experience in environmental consulting a plus.

Experience working with a CRM tool (Unanet preferred).

Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) preferred.

APMP or BidMaster certification preferred.

Core Competencies

Proposal Development and Management – Skilled in analyzing RFPs, developing compliant and compelling proposals, coordinating across departments, and managing multiple submissions under tight deadlines.

Writing and Editing Expertise – Strong command of written communication, including drafting, editing, and proofreading technical and marketing content with clarity, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with technical staff, Project Managers, marketing, and the graphic design team to produce cohesive and visually aligned submittals and materials.

Organizational and Project Prioritization Skills – Proven ability to manage complex schedules, prioritize tasks, and track evolving proposal components and marketing assets in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Knowledge of Contracting and Industry Practices – Familiarity with environmental consulting terminology and contract mechanisms (e.g., time-and-materials and fixed-fee), and awareness of federal and state proposal requirements.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

3+ years' experience with Client Relationship Management software.

Strong accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Ability to manage multiple projects/deadlines and accommodate shifting priorities.

Performance Expectations and Responsibilities

The Proposal Lead will conduct these tasks under the immediate supervision of the Director of Business Development.

Lead the proposal cycle with efficiency.

Be the subject matter expert on Unanet the CRM software

Maintain database within CRM with an eye for user experience and best practices

Plan and run each proposal as a project: schedule, response outline, contributor assignments, review gates and production plan, managed against the client's requirements and deadlines.

Expected Duties

Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and other business opportunities; identify pursuit requirements, deadlines, deliverables, and resources needed to develop competitive proposals.

Lead and manage multiple proposals simultaneously, coordinating timelines, resources, pricing, reviews, and deliverables to ensure accurate, high-quality, and timely submissions.

Develop and coordinate proposal content and supporting materials, including resumes, project descriptions, references, organizational charts, schedules, cost estimates, rate schedules, and other required documents.

Maintain an inventory of proposal materials, including standard text, resume descriptions, project descriptions, project information, and references in Unanet/CRM tool.

Support the tracking of opportunity information in Unanet, reviewing and correcting data as needed to ensure consistency and accuracy in opportunities (data includes but is not limited to ERO pursuits, teaming partners, and wins and losses).

Collaborate with Project Managers, Principals, technical staff, Business Development, Finance, Business Resources, Technical Editors, and Graphic Designers to develop proposals, presentations, and other marketing materials.

Maintain and organize proposal and marketing resources, including CRM/Unanet data, proposal files, resumes, project descriptions, references, rate sheets, insurance information, and other corporate materials.

Coordinate proposal pricing and contracting requirements, including quotations, QARs, rate structures, and applicable federal and state contracting requirements.

Support client communications, meetings, debriefs, interviews, and presentations throughout the pursuit process and maintain relationships that support business growth.

Support strategic account management by tracking priorities, deliverables, follow-up actions, and client needs across teams.

Maintain corporate registrations and support the development and consistent use of corporate identity and marketing standards.

Use available tools and resources, including CoPilot and Unanet, to improve proposal development, tracking, and business development processes.

The Proposal Lead owns the proposal development process from receipt of the RFP/ITT to submission – planning the proposal project, directing contributors, running reviews and guaranteeing a compliant, compelling, on-time submission.

Skills and Abilities

Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, including basic presentation abilities.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Planner), CRM software, and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop).

Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and manage multiple proposals and deadlines.

Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and provide responsive, professional service to internal staff and external clients.

Knowledge of proposal development, publication design, and document production.

Willingness to obtain additional training as needed and assist with other administrative duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be physically capable and possess the skills necessary to perform all aspects of the position requirements, with reasonable accommodation. This position is primarily office-based and involves exposure to computer screens and requires regular use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse. Includes lifting up to 10 pounds, sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing, and repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Hybrid Office

This position is based in an ERO designated office with an option for a hybrid work schedule based on employee performance, business needs, and client needs.

Expected Billability/Utilization

Proposal Leads are not required to maintain an average monthly billability percentage (utilization), although some time may be billable to projects. Time must be entered and submitted into a digital timesheet weekly or as directed by supervisor. It is the employee's responsibility to enter time as required and to be aware of all time-reporting requirements.

ERO participates in e-verify and preemployment background screening services. ERO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans to apply. For more information about ERO, visit our website at

Pay Range

$70,000—$95,000 USD