Marketing Director

Marketing Director
We are currently seeking a high caliber Marketing Director for a long-term basis within our client’s team of experienced professionals. Based in Santa Ana, CA.

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Marketing Director to lead the firm's marketing and proposal efforts throughout California. Based in our Santa Ana headquarters, this leadership position oversees all marketing operations supporting our Southern California and Northern California offices.

The Marketing Director is responsible for managing the firm's proposal process from pursuit strategy through final submission, leading the marketing team, collaborating with Partners and Principals on Go/No-Go decisions, and ensuring the firm's qualifications, brand, and messaging are consistently represented at the highest level. This role requires exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, along with a thorough understanding of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with previous marketing management experience in a mid-sized to large architectural firm and a proven track record of winning public and private sector work.

Job Requirements
Marketing Leadership

• Lead and manage the firm's Marketing Department, including the Marketing Manager, Proposal Writer(s), and other marketing support staff.
• Establish priorities, assign workloads, mentor staff, and oversee professional development.
• Develop and implement annual marketing initiatives that align with strategic business goals.
• Maintain quality control standards for all marketing materials and communications.

Proposal & Pursuit Management

• Direct the firm's response to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and interview presentations.
• Manage proposal schedules, deadlines, assignments, and production to ensure timely, high-quality submissions.
• Collaborate with Partners, Principals, Project Managers, and technical staff to develop compelling proposal strategies.
• Lead Go/No-Go discussions and provide recommendations regarding pursuit opportunities.
• Review proposal content for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with client requirements.
• Continuously improve proposal processes, templates, and best practices.

Business Development Support

• Work closely with the Business Development Principal and firm leadership to identify strategic pursuit opportunities.
• Support client relationship management initiatives.
• Coordinate interview preparation, presentation materials, rehearsal sessions, and leave-behind materials.
• Assist with market research and competitor analysis to support strategic planning.

Brand Management

• Ensure consistency of the company brand across all offices and marketing platforms.
• Oversee production of qualifications packages, brochures, project sheets, resumes, award submissions, and marketing collateral.
• Coordinate website updates, digital marketing initiatives, and social media content in collaboration with internal and external resources.

Industry & Event Coordination

• Coordinate the firm's participation in industry conferences, trade shows, networking events, and client programs, including organizations such as CASH, AIA, CMAA, DBIA, and other industry associations.
• Manage sponsorship opportunities, exhibit booth planning, promotional materials, and event logistics.
• Support Partners and Principals with conference speaking engagements and industry presentations.

Cross-Office Collaboration

• Provide centralized marketing leadership supporting all company offices throughout California.
• Coordinate proposal resources and marketing efforts across multiple studios and market sectors.
• Foster collaboration between technical staff and marketing professionals to maximize pursuit success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of marketing experience within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry.
• Minimum 3–5 years of marketing leadership or management experience.
• Previous experience working for a mid-sized or large California architectural firm.
• Demonstrated experience managing RFQs, RFPs, RFIs, interviews, and proposal production.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and grammar skills.
• Strong understanding of California public agency procurement processes.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership and client-facing professionals.

Preferred

• Experience with K-12 Education (DSA), Higher Education, Civic, Healthcare, Multifamily Housing, and Public Works pursuits.
• Familiarity with California agencies and clients.
• Knowledge of CRM systems, proposal databases, and marketing analytics.
• Experience developing strategic pursuit plans and Go/No-Go evaluations.

Technical Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint (preferred)
• CRM platforms
• Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Presentation software and digital collaboration tools

***Notice to Candidates: Background checks are carried out as part of any conditional offer made, including (but not limited to & role dependent) education, professional registration, employment, references, passport verifications and Global Watchlist screening .

To be Considered Candidates: Must be authorized to work in the USA without sponsorship***

Employment Type: Direct/Permanent

Location of Position: Santa Ana, CA

Location Type: Office, Project Site (on occasion)

TRS Staffing Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce.  Employment decisions are based on job related criteria and not on the basis of any unlawful criteria.  We ensure equal access to employment opportunities, services, and programs. 

Must have legal right to work in the United States. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

TRS Staffing Solutions are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome you to provide OFCCP data voluntarily here