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Proposal Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Black & Veatch

Senior Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Opportunity As a Senior Proposal Coordinator , you'll lead proposal efforts from kickoff through submission, partnering with engineers, technical leaders, and subject matter experts to develop ...

Sodexo

Proposal Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$86K - $133K/yr

Sodexo is hiring a strategic Proposal Manager to lead compelling proposals that win business. Collaborate across teams, manage timelines, and craft persuasive content that meets client needs and ...

FUEL TECH INC

Sales Proposal Engineer

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$123K - $184K/yr

Reviews and supports all proposal and pre-contract activities within the marketing and sales operation group focusing on bid specification review, equipment and engineering cost estimates ...

FUEL TECH INC

Sales Proposal Engineer

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$123K - $184K/yr

Reviews and supports all proposal and pre-contract activities within the marketing and sales operation group focusing on bid specification review, equipment and engineering cost estimates ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models, electrical schematics, manuals to the customer as needed). * Provide correct survey(s) on equipment ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL

$80K - $110K/yr

Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models, electrical schematics, manuals to the customer as needed). * Provide correct survey(s) on equipment ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models, electrical schematics, manuals to the customer as needed). * Provide correct survey(s) on equipment ...

F.H. Paschen

Marketing Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Our Chicago marketing team prepares proposals and marketing materials for all offices, and we work collaboratively to bring exciting projects and clients to F.H. Paschen. If you are someone who is ...

F.H. Paschen

Marketing Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Our Chicago marketing team prepares proposals and marketing materials for all offices, and we work collaboratively to bring exciting projects and clients to F.H. Paschen. If you are someone who is ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProposal JobsProposal Jobs in Illinois

Proposal information

See Illinois salary details

$29.6K

$96.4K

$138.6K

How much do proposal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal in Illinois is $96,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $114,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposal manager?

Proposal managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the creation and submission of business proposals, typically in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from clients or government agencies. They coordinate teams, manage timelines, and ensure that proposals meet all requirements and effectively communicate the value of the organization’s services or products. Proposal managers play a key role in helping companies win new business by producing compelling, compliant, and competitive proposals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal manager?

To thrive as a Proposal Manager, you need strong project management abilities, persuasive writing skills, and a background in business development or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with proposal management software (such as RFPIO or Loopio), CRM systems, and knowledge of RFP processes are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, collaboration, and time management skills help you coordinate teams and meet tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial for producing compelling proposals that win business and align with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by proposal managers during the proposal development process?

Proposal managers often encounter tight deadlines and rapidly changing requirements, which can make coordinating input from multiple stakeholders challenging. Balancing the need for a compelling, compliant submission with limited resources requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, managing version control and ensuring consistency across all sections of the proposal are frequent hurdles. Successful proposal managers leverage collaborative tools and clear processes to overcome these challenges and deliver high-quality proposals on time.

What is the difference between Proposal vs Bid Specialist?

AspectProposalBid Specialist
Primary FocusCreating detailed project proposals for clientsPreparing competitive bids for contracts
CredentialsOften requires writing, project management, or industry-specific certificationsRequires knowledge of bidding processes, industry standards, and sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborating with sales and project teamsOffice or field, working closely with sales and procurement teams
Industry UsageCommon in consulting, construction, and government contractingPrevalent in construction, engineering, and government projects

While both Proposal and Bid Specialist roles involve preparing documents to secure projects, proposals focus on detailed project plans and solutions, whereas bid specialists concentrate on competitive pricing and compliance to win contracts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become a proposal writer?

To become a proposal writer, develop strong writing and research skills, often through a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business, communications, or English. Gaining experience with proposal development, understanding client needs, and becoming familiar with tools like Microsoft Office or proposal management software can improve job prospects. Certifications in proposal management, such as the Certified Proposal Professional (CPP), can also enhance credibility and career advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Proposal jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Proposal jobs in Illinois?

For Proposal jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Proposal jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Proposal jobs in Illinois are:

Proposal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,409 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Proposal Team Lead

Infrastructure Engineering Inc.

Chicago, IL

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Join us at the intersection of
INGENUITY amp; INCLUSION
About the Role
Infrastructure Engineering Inc. (IEI) is looking for an experienced Proposal Team Lead to join our Team! Do you love the thrill of receiving an award letter after preparing a masterfully woven proposal that perfectly showcases your team’s skills and experience? We’re looking for you. Do you want to be part of a dynamic, diverse team that values individual skills AND collaboration? We’re the place for you. Our firm is expanding to new cities and taking on new challenges. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, great story telling abilities, and a growth mindset, you’ll be the perfect addition to our team.
We are a leading engineering firm known for quality and responsiveness and a proven track record of success as a Prime civil engineering firm. Our firm is growing rapidly, and we’re looking for an experienced wordsmith with matching InDesign skills who knows how to craft winning responses to RFPs and RFQs in the civil/structural engineering world. Your proven skills and industry experience will play a critical role in our company’s continued growth by developing clever strategies, artfully managing the proposal team, and developing winning responses…..and we’re really fun to work with! Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to build a company based on Integrity, Excellence, and Ingenuity!
Key Responsibilities:
* Create customized and comprehensive proposals, managing the composition/production of all proposal components ensuring full compliance with RFQ/RFP requirements.
* Collaborate with team members to compile information and manage deliverables from multiple contributors – technical, business development, internal marketing team, and teaming partners.
* Manage proposal timelines and coordinate with internal stakeholders to meet deadlines.
* Engage/manage proposal team resources to oversee/produce multiple, concurrent proposals.
* Review and synthesize RFQs and RFPs to create clear proposal roadmaps.
* Conduct necessary research.
* Bring our brand, our experience, and our personnel to life for prospective clients by weaving persuasive stories based on sound strategies and cohesive themes and combining them with top notch graphics and layouts.
* Write, edit, proofread proposal content to ensure completeness, coherence and compliance.
* Help build a highly productive, highly successful proposal team.
* Look for and implement opportunities for efficiencies in the proposal production process.
* Manage/Create InDesign templates or other graphic materials as needed.
To Be Successful
* Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or other related fields.
* Ideal candidate should have 7-10 years proven experience crafting proposals in the AEC Industry; with a focus on Civil Engineering a plus.
* Must have a strong knowledge of the RFP/RFQ process for state, county, and municipal transportation agencies.
* Strong understanding of AEC terminology, methods, and industry practices.
* Advanced InDesign skills are a must; and proficiency with other Adobe products is a plus.
* Exceptional writing and verbal editing skills with an eye for detail a must.
* Creative ability to develop visually unique graphics for proposal covers, tables, and illustrations.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment as well as able to manage multiple deadlines.
* Must be able to develop professional relationships.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Willing to assist in developing other marketing materials, as needed.
Benefits and Perks
Highly competitive salary; and Bonus opportunities
Hybrid work environment
Flexible Work Schedule
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Personal Paid Leave (Paid Time-Off)
Paid Holidays
Life Insurance
Short and Long-term Disability Program
401K Program with Employer Match
Profit Sharing
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Program
Employee Appreciation Program
IEI University
An opportunity to learn and grow - Professional Development Program
Opportunity to share ideas and express your point of view
You are welcome to be your authentic self
Philanthropic Outreach and Volunteer Opportunities
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb a ladder/stepstool. The employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an office environment or a remote/home office space and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards; and requires the ability to walk short distances and occasionally requires lifting and caring smaller parcel, packages and other items while walking short distances. May occasionally require work outdoors in various weather conditions, possibly for an extended period depending on the assignment type.
IEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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