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Proposal Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Transdev

Proposal Director

Lombard, IL · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

The Proposal Director is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end proposal development process for strategic business opportunities across Transdev's portfolio. This role ensures the ...

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Transdev

Proposal Director

Lombard, IL

$117K - $146K/yr

The Proposal Director is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end proposal development process for strategic business opportunities across Transdev's portfolio. This role ensures the ...

New

JLL

Pursuit and Proposal Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

You will serve as project manager, storyteller, and quality champion - ensuring every submission ... Facilitate proposal kick-off meetings, stand-ups and reviews to keep teams aligned and on schedule.

Federal Signal

Proposal Coordinator

Crete, IL

$43K - $63K/yr

The appropriate candidate for this role will provide comprehensive support to the Proposal Management process across all University Park groups, including contract vehicle coordination, vendor ...

Federal Signal

Proposal Coordinator

University Park, IL · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

The appropriate candidate for this role will provide comprehensive support to the Proposal Management process across all University Park groups, including contract vehicle coordination, vendor ...

Lindsay & Brownell

Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

You will have the flexibility to manage your days in support of our commitment to work/life balance ... Drafting proposal responses based on insight from prospect meetings and RFP requirements

Eisneramper Llp

Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

You will have the flexibility to manage your days in support of our commitment to work/life balance ... Drafting proposal responses based on insight from prospect meetings and RFP requirements

The LaSalle Group

Proposal & RFP Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Track multiple proposal deadlines while effectively managing competing priorities * Deliver high-quality, accurate proposals on time with exceptional attention to detail * Continuously improve ...

LHH US

Proposal Coordinator

Westmont, IL · Remote

$60K - $83K/yr

Proposal Coordinator Remote Salary $60k-$83k (commensurate with experience) plus bonus Full ... Experience with CRM software, preferably Salesforce or similar. * Strong proofreading and editing ...

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All JobsProposal JobsProposal Manager JobsProposal Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Proposal Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$102.5K

$147.3K

How much do proposal manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal manager in Chicago, IL is $102,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $121,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Proposal Manager vs Proposal Coordinator?

AspectProposal ManagerProposal Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire proposal process, manages teams, develops strategiesSupports proposal preparation, coordinates document collection, assists with editing
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, proposal developmentOrganizational skills, communication, document management
Work EnvironmentLeads proposal teams, interacts with executivesSupports proposal teams, collaborates with proposal managers
CertificationsOften requires PMP or industry-specific certificationsLess likely to require certifications, more administrative

The Proposal Manager typically leads the entire proposal process, focusing on strategy and team management, while the Proposal Coordinator provides essential support in document preparation and coordination. Both roles are vital in the proposal development cycle, with Proposal Managers holding more responsibility for overall success.

What are some common challenges proposal managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams during the proposal process?

Proposal Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning schedules and priorities across diverse departments, ensuring timely contributions from subject matter experts, and maintaining consistent messaging throughout the proposal. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these hurdles. Additionally, Proposal Managers must be adept at managing tight deadlines and last-minute changes, all while fostering collaboration and keeping the team motivated.

Is a proposal manager a stressful job?

A proposal manager's role involves coordinating and preparing bids and proposals, which can be stressful during tight deadlines and high-stakes projects. The job requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and workload fluctuations can contribute to stress levels.

What is a proposal manager?

A Proposal Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the creation, development, and submission of business proposals, often in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from clients or government agencies. They coordinate teams, manage timelines, ensure compliance with requirements, and assemble all necessary documentation to create compelling and competitive proposals. Their goal is to increase the organization’s chances of winning contracts by delivering clear, persuasive, and compliant proposals. Proposal Managers work closely with sales, technical experts, and other stakeholders throughout the proposal process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Manager, you need strong project management abilities, excellent writing and editing skills, and a background in business development or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with proposal management software (such as RFPIO or Qvidian), CRM systems, and knowledge of RFP processes are typically required. Outstanding attention to detail, collaboration, and time management help Proposal Managers excel under tight deadlines and coordinate input from various stakeholders. These skills ensure that proposals are compliant, compelling, and delivered on time, increasing win rates and supporting business growth.

What does a proposal manager do?

As a proposal manager, your primary responsibilities involve preparing company proposals and working to ensure you meet goals on time. Your duties require you to collaborate with marketing, operations, business development, and other departments to review information and assess the most efficient and effective plan. You write a draft, prepare a presentation, and bring your recommendations to clients. You manage the request for proposal (RFP) from start to finish and assist along the way. You maintain the resource materials, check that you are following proper procedures and standards, and communicate with outside vendors as needed.

More about Proposal Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Proposal jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Proposal Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Proposal Manager job openings:
Proposal Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, and 95% Full Time. Highlights an 68% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,490 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Proposal Manager, Justice + Civic

DLR Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you're in the right place.
We have an opening for a Proposal Manager, Justice+Civic. We operate within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. Considering this model, this role could be based in the following cities:
  • Chicago, IL
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Dallas, TX
  • Denver, CO
  • Overland Park, KS
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Omaha, NE
  • Phoenix, AR
  • Riverside, CA
  • Sacramento, CA

About Marketing Sector at DLR Group
At DLR Group, the Marketing team provides strategic support in pursuit of new opportunities and the development of marketing materials. By leveraging a deep understanding of market trends and client needs, the team highlights the firm's expertise and resonate with prospective clients.
Position Summary
The Proposal Manager leads the pursuit process and production of on-time, brand standard-compliant deliverables (statement of qualification, request for proposal response, and interviews) from RFP receipt to interview completion for the firm. The Proposal Manager will lead and produce their own pursuits while delegating and coordinating the production of specific supporting content.
What you will do:
  • Manage multiple concurrent pursuits to on-time, compliant delivery with little oversight.
  • Inspire a multi-disciplinary pursuit team (designers, project managers, client leaders, and creative services) to leverage business development intelligence, develop a persuasive win theme, and deliver content in support of the client's needs.
  • Synthesize complex information streams into compelling written responses to client needs and RFP requirements; edit written content from the pursuit team (designers, client leader, etc.) to match brand voice and professional style.
  • Coach project team on presentation best practices to support win in an interview setting.
  • Support DLR Group's shortlist and win rate goals, with a strong conversion strategy and execution.
  • Support DLR Group's ROI goals and BD framework by identifying Random Acts of Marketing (RAM) and adhering to strong process management.
  • Record discovered project and people information in the firm's database (Vantagepoint) to ensure institutional knowledge.
  • Develop and leverage your knowledge base - including industry research, business development intelligence, firm capabilities, and market sector expertise - to inform win strategies, add value, and increase the likelihood of winning.
  • Champion DLR Group as a best-in-class brand by completing comprehensive quality control checks on materials.
  • Collaborate with a) Pursuit teams to produce and maintain an up-to-date library of on-brand pursuit materials including resumes, project plates, and boilerplate information to facilitate effective and efficient workflows across the team; this includes proactive content capture following submittal. b) Graphic design teams on key pursuits to develop custom, on-brand visual assets that support defined win themes

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience creating, writing, and editing proposals in a professional services environment, preferably the AEC industry.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign; proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including PowerPoint and Teams; familiarity with information gathering from a database, Deltek Vantagepoint (preferred)
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without needing a work visa or residency sponsorship.

Preferred Experience And Skills:
  • Experience leading a pursuit process to win work with / familiarity with the needs of and relevant messaging for private clients including Fortune 500 companies, major hotel brands/flags, and commercial real estate developers.
  • Experience leading successful SF330s and RFQ/P responses for government and public entities.
  • Demonstrate a sense of urgency to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent deadlines.
  • Attention to detail and an ability to craft deliverables that comply with RFP requirements while creatively expressing the DLR Group brand and differentiators.
  • Critical thinker who can quickly evaluate needs and recommend responsive solutions.
  • Strong project and people management skills -the ability to quickly build consensus, and positively 'manage up' to get senior-level individuals to support established processes with input and insight in a timely manner.

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is:
Pay Range
$75,000-$105,000 USD
DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.
We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients' success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Through our values - commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork - we elevate the human experience through design, together.
DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.

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