Proposal Manager

Proposal Manager Department: Marketing Employment Type: Full Time Location: Pittsburgh, PA or Washington, DC Description JOIN OUR TEAM! Our team is redefining building design and engineering.AE Works is an award-winning firm ranked among the top U.S. A/E firms by Architectural Record and ENR East. AE Works is recognized for our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional results. Our mission is straightforward: to make building projects a better value. We thrive on solving complex challenges and creating solutions that enhance the built environment, enabling our clients to succeed in their most important endeavors. WHY AE WORKS? Our strength lies in our people. We offer a collaborative environment where expertise is shared, and ideas drive progress. You’ll work alongside architects, engineers, cost estimators, and construction managers with deep experience across higher education, government, engineering & infrastructure, healthcare and commercial markets. Together, we apply leading-edge technology and a passion for design excellence to projects that shape the future. POSITION OVERVIEW: AE Works is seeking a talented and highly skilled Federal Proposal Manager to join our dynamic Architecture & Engineering firm. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex federal proposals from inception to submission, requiring a strategic thinker with exceptional writing, organization, and project management skills. In this role, you will oversee the preparation and production of proposals for federal opportunities across a range of sizes and types, managing client deliverables throughout the entire pursuit lifecycle while driving positioning strategy and shaping proposal content and structure. We're looking for a self-driven leader with a track record of success in an Architect-Engineer setting, particularly someone who has helped grow business with established clients. The right person for this role brings both strategic oversight and hands‑on execution — someone comfortable directing multiple proposal efforts while also writing, editing, and polishing content. LOCATION: Pittsburgh, PA or Washington, DC with occasional travel to project sites. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Proposal Development & Management — Lead the development and coordination of complex proposals, ensuring compliance with client requirements and alignment with the firm's strategic goals; manage proposal schedules and deadlines to keep pursuits on track. Writing & Content Creation — Craft compelling proposal content that clearly communicates the firm's value proposition, expertise, and differentiators; edit and proofread all materials for clarity, grammar, and compliance. Team Collaboration & Leadership — Partner with technical staff, the marketing team, and senior leadership to gather the information and insights needed for proposal development; lead and facilitate proposal strategy sessions. Market Research — Research prospective clients, competitors, and market trends to inform and sharpen proposal strategies. Quality Control — Ensure all proposals meet a high standard of quality, accuracy, and consistency with the firm's brand and messaging. Process Improvement — Continuously refine the proposal process by incorporating feedback, lessons learned, and industry best practices. Client Interaction — Engage with clients throughout the proposal process to clarify requirements, gather feedback, and present proposal elements as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: What’s Required: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or a related field 10 years of experience in proposal development Strong project management and organizational skills Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite, with familiarity in proposal management software Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously under tight deadlines What Puts You Ahead: Experience in federal proposal development within the Architecture & Engineering industry AE WORKS' PERKS: At AE Works, we believe in supporting each person in their professional and personal journey. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k), and a collaborative culture built on mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence. Our team enjoys generous paid time off, including a company-wide break from Christmas through New Year’s Day, a flexible hybrid schedule, and resources that promote mental health, financial wellness, and professional growth through training, education, and licensure support. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. EEO is the law. E-Verify. Right to Work. #J-18808-Ljbffr