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Proposal Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AO Architects

Proposal Lead

Orange, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Rail Station one block from campus The Proposal Lead is a key member of our Business Development and Marketing team, responsible for driving the strategy, coordination, and production of competitive ...

Hensel Phelps

National Proposal Lead

Greeley, CO · On-site

The Proposal Lead is a key member of the procurement team who is charged with growing the company's presence in the region through client development, marketing, and communication outreach, and ...

Raytheon

Stinger Proposal Lead

Tucson, AZ

The Stinger Proposal Lead drives the development, execution, and compliance of proposals while managing cross-functional collaboration, developing talent, ensuring alignment with policies, and ...

Droneshield

Proposal Lead (USA)

Warrenton, VA · On-site

About the role DroneShield is seeking a highly capable Proposal Lead to manage and author key proposal responses-including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and other opportunities-across US and international ...

Nightwing

Sr. Proposal Volume Lead/Writer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Our Proposal Volume Lead/Writers: Write clear, persuasive, and articulate proposal sections Creates compelling technical proposals that win over potential clients Translate technical and other ideas ...

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Proposal Lead information

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$30.5K

$99.5K

$143K

How much do proposal lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal lead in the United States is $99,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Proposal Lead position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Lead, you need strong project management abilities, attention to detail, and expertise in proposal development, often supported by a relevant degree such as business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal management software (e.g., RFPIO, Qvidian), CRM systems, and occasionally certifications like APMP are highly valued. Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills help motivate cross-functional teams and ensure clear proposal narratives. These competencies are crucial for delivering compelling, compliant proposals under tight deadlines, ultimately contributing to an organization's competitive success.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Proposal Lead and how can they be addressed?

Proposal Leads often encounter tight deadlines, competing priorities, and the need to coordinate input from multiple departments to develop a cohesive response. Navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage time effectively, and open communication with stakeholders to clarify requirements and timelines. Successful Proposal Leads proactively set clear expectations, use collaborative tools to streamline workflows, and stay adaptable when requirements change. Addressing these challenges helps ensure high-quality proposals are submitted on time, increasing the chances of winning bids and fostering a productive team environment.

What does a Proposal Lead do?

A Proposal Lead oversees the development and submission of proposals, ensuring they meet client requirements and align with company goals. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and review content for quality and compliance. Their role involves strategic planning, writing, editing, and ensuring clarity and persuasiveness in proposals. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to succeed in this role.

More about Proposal Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Proposal Lead jobs? Cities with the most Proposal Lead job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Lead jobs? The most popular types of Proposal Lead jobs are:
What states have the most Proposal Lead jobs? States with the most job openings for Proposal Lead jobs include:
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Proposal Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,490 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Proposal Lead

AO Architects

Orange, CA • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

At AO, WE are better together.
In addition to competitive pay and benefits, AO offers an absolute one-of-a-kind culture with collaborative workspaces and driven coworkers. AO welcomes creativity, learning, and lasting relationships. Everything we do is motivated by what it takes to be effective and successful for our clients. We value service, our people, a roll up your sleeves attitude, and continuous improvement. If you are young in your career, grow with us. If experienced, get better with us. There is no one like you, and there is no place like AO.
Benefits:
We offer all the benefits of a big firm, with all the human connections of a small one. You will never be a number at AO. Join our community.
Partial list of benefits:
  • Full Suite of Medical, Dental, Life & Supplemental Insurance
  • Ongoing Education and Exam Reimbursement
  • Most Medical Plans fully paid for employee-only coverage
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
  • Retirement Plan, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Overtime Compensation for Hourly Employees
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays and Sick Time
  • Rail Station one block from campus

The Proposal Lead is a key member of our Business Development and Marketing team, responsible for driving the strategy, coordination, and production of competitive architectural submissions-including RFQs, RFPs, competition packages, and interview presentations. This role partners closely with Design Teams and colleagues across AO and Marketing to produce compelling, high-quality proposals that reflect our brand, strengthen our market position, and inspire client confidence.
We're looking for a curious, creative, enthusiastic, and excellence-driven collaborator with strong writing, editing, coordination, and strategic thinking skills.
Key Responsibilities
Coordination & Strategy
  • Lead and participate in kick-off meetings and strategy sessions for RFQs, RFPs, and interviews, including scheduling, tracking tasks, and managing timelines.
  • Develop proposal outlines, content plans, and coordinate execution with pursuit teams.
  • Work with Marketing and AO leadership to ensure messaging, visuals, and project objectives align with client expectations.
  • Conduct proposal debriefs-win or lose-to identify improvements that continually elevate our competitive edge.

Content Development
  • Plan, manage, write, and deliver polished, visually compelling, and persuasive proposal documents that reflect the firm's voice and values.
  • Collaborate with Marketing on proposal design and production to ensure professional, timely delivery.
  • Support development of interview presentations and prepare teams with materials, logistics, and unified messaging.
  • Maintain marketing collateral databases (project profiles, CVs, narratives, etc.) to ensure accurate, high-quality content for pursuit efforts.

Research & Analysis
  • Continuously monitor portals and industry channels to identify opportunities.
  • Analyze pursuit requirements to ensure all submissions meet client criteria and expectations.
  • Assess competitive positioning to highlight our differentiators and strategic strengths.
  • Research and coordinate teaming opportunities-including subconsultants and architectural partners.

Team Coordination & Execution
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams, including marketing staff, designers, consultants, and architect leads, with clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
  • Ensure accuracy and quality across marketing databases and submissions while upholding architectural documentation standards.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and support team development.
  • Contribute to broader marketing and business development strategy discussions.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in marketing communications, writing, or architecture-related content development.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in communications, marketing, media relations, brand development, or related functions-preferably within architecture, design, or real estate development.
  • Strong understanding of brand and marketing strategy, with the ability to craft engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
  • Familiarity with key topics and market drivers shaping today's built environment.
  • Exceptional writing and editing abilities with strong verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in visual communication, including diagrams, tables, and formatted layouts that enhance clarity and persuasion.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Technical proficiency with:
    • Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint)
    • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
    • Mailchimp, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, WordPress
    • OpenAsset
  • Experience with video editing software is a plus.
  • Described as a self-starter who can break down complex processes and drive projects forward.

Apply