Senior Proposal Specialist

The Senior Proposal Coordinator plays a critical leadership role within the Strategic Pursuits Team, independently managing the most complex, high-profile proposals and interviews. This individual partners with executive leadership, technical staff, marketing and business development to craft strategic, client-focused proposals and interviews that elevate Harris' position in our key markets.
The Senior Proposal Coordinator contributes to the ongoing evolution of our pursuit processes and tools. This individual also serves as a mentor and thought leader across the department—driving innovation, improving content quality, and strengthening Harris’ position throughout the entire pursuit lifecycle. Over time, this individual becomes a go-to expert in Harris’ services, key projects, and staff qualifications, helping to ensure each pursuit reflects a deep, strategic understanding of our capabilities and client priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Proposal Management:

•    Independently lead multiple large and complex proposals, from RFP release to production, ensuring compelling, strategic, and compliant responses to RFQ/Ps.
•    Write compelling qualifications and technical content that reflects a deep understanding of client needs, strategic messaging, and industry trends.
•    Conduct interviews with subject matter experts and transform technical input into persuasive content aligned with Harris’ value proposition.
•    Lead the conceptualization of strategic visuals and graphics that enhance storytelling and engagement.
•    Independently manage proposal schedules, kickoff meetings, and content development, ensuring timely and high-quality submissions. 
•    Collaborate with teaming partners and subcontractors to develop strategic, well-coordinated responses. 
•    Ensure compliance with procurement requirements, including Good Faith Efforts (GFE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation, SF 330, and other requirements mandated for public-sector and government-funded projects.
Interview & Presentation Strategy:
•    Independently lead technical teams and subconsultants through interview preparation, ensuring alignment with client priorities and proposal themes.
•    Develop engaging presentation materials based on client hot buttons and key messaging. 
Capture Planning & Pre-Positioning
•    Independently lead pre-positioning efforts, including client and competitor research and capture strategy plans for key pursuits.
•    Analyze research, client intelligence, and market positioning to define Harris' value proposition and inform pursuit content.
Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement
•    Maintain and update the CRM (Deltek Vantagepoint) system and related marketing databases.
•    Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, enhance reporting capabilities, and optimize the system to support firmwide marketing and sales initiatives.
•    Analyze sales pipeline and marketing data to support business planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
•    Champion the development and refinement of pursuit tools, templates, and best practices to drive operational excellence.

Leadership and Special Projects
•    Mentor and support team members in pursuit execution and professional development.
•    Lead departmental or firmwide marketing initiatives and special projects, often in coordination with company leadership.
•    Conduct training sessions on proposal best practices, client management, and industry-specific marketing trends.
Education & Experience:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a related field.
•    A minimum of 10 years of marketing experience in the A/E/C industry (Program Management and Construction Management experience preferred) with a proven track record of leading marketing functions and driving strategic initiatives.
•    Demonstrated experience in leading complex, multidisciplinary pursuits and client presentations.
Required Skills/Abilities
•    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ensuring precision, quality, and attention to detail in all deliverables.
•    Strong writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills, with a strong ability to develop persuasive and technically sound content tailored to client needs.
•    High emotional intelligence and leadership presence, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
•    Strong understanding of public agency procurement processes, including compliance with GFE, DBE, and SOQ requirements.
•    Proficiency with CRM (Deltek Vantagepoint preferred) and Adobe Creative Suite (with a strong emphasis on InDesign)
•    Knowledge of AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance proposal development, content generation, and marketing automation.
•    Exceptional problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines and competing priorities.
•    Alignment with Harris’ Shared Values, Purpose, and Vision, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and growth.
Working Conditions
•    This job operates in a hybrid office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. 
•    This job often travels to other Harris offices and client sites for events, etc.
•    This job may occasionally require visits to active job sites. 
Physical requirements 
•    Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and other office productivity machinery.
•    Frequently communicates with colleagues. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Requires the ability to talk and hear and see; talking expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear, seeing to read a variety of materials.
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $95,000 - $125,000. This will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k match, and Employee Stock Ownership program. Harris & Associates is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO/AA employer.  We invite resumes from all interested and qualified candidates including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Harris & Associates is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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