Proposal Lead

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.