Proposal Development Specialist

Position Summary

Cannon Construction is looking for a Proposal Development Specialist who can own the proposal process from RFP analysis through final submission. This is not a formatting role - it is a writing and project management role. The right person reads an RFP, breaks down the requirements, develops a compliance strategy, writes technical content, coordinates input from project managers and field leadership, and delivers a polished, competitive proposal on deadline.

Cannon pursues large-scale telecommunications and civil infrastructure projects across the Pacific Northwest, including fiber backbone, fiber-to-the-home, horizontal directional drilling, and underground utility construction. Proposals range from $2M to $30M and require technical credibility, clear writing, and the ability to translate field construction experience into compelling narratives that differentiate Cannon from competitors.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical writing ability with enough construction fluency to write credibly about HDD, cable plowing, fiber splicing, permitting, and traffic control without needing every detail dictated. You are organized enough to manage multiple concurrent deadlines and assertive enough to chase a project manager for input when the deadline is three days out and you're still waiting on reference contacts.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Writing

• Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and bid solicitations to identify all submission requirements; build compliance matrices to ensure nothing is missed
• Write and develop technical proposal content including work plans, qualifications narratives, project descriptions, executive summaries, safety plans, and cover letters
• Conduct internal interviews with project managers, field supervisors, and subject matter experts to extract project details and develop compelling reference descriptions
• Adapt tone, format, and content strategy to match client expectations - a Tribal broadband RFP reads differently than a private telecom backbone bid
• Develop clear, persuasive writing that conveys Cannon's capabilities without relying on generic corporate language

Content Management & Maintenance

• Maintain a current, ready-to-deploy library of resumes, project reference sheets, safety records, insurance certificates, bonding letters, org charts, and equipment inventories
• Proactively update resumes and project sheets on a regular cycle - not scrambling the week before a deadline to update 7 of 10 team member resumes
• Develop and maintain proposal templates aligned with Cannon's branding and established voice
• Maintain an archive of past submissions organized for reuse and reference

Process & Deadline Management

• Own the proposal calendar and drive the internal schedule - including holding project managers, executives, and field leaders accountable for content delivery dates
• Coordinate with estimators on pricing sections, ensuring cost breakdowns align with technical narratives
• Manage proposal production including formatting, proofreading, printing, electronic submission, and compliance with client-specified submission requirements
• Track pursuit pipeline and provide status updates to leadership on active and upcoming proposal opportunities

Strategic Support

• Participate in go/no-go discussions with input on proposal feasibility, timeline, and resource requirements
• Support post-submission activities including presentations, interviews, and debrief documentation
• Identify win themes and competitive differentiators for each pursuit
• Use AI-assisted content development tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to accelerate drafting, research, and iteration while maintaining quality and accuracy

Required Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in proposal writing, technical writing, or business development support - construction, engineering, or infrastructure industry strongly preferred
• Demonstrated technical writing ability - writing samples will be requested during the interview process
• Experience reading, interpreting, and responding to RFPs, RFQs, and government or commercial solicitations
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals with competing deadlines without sacrificing quality
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills - this role requires pulling content from busy people who don't always prioritize proposal deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in telecommunications, utility, or civil infrastructure construction
• Familiarity with construction terminology: OSP, HDD, FTTH, fiber splicing, conduit, ROW permitting, WSDOT, MUTCD, prevailing wage, Davis-Bacon
• Experience with federally funded project proposals (NTIA, USDA, ARPA, Tribal Broadband)
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Technical Writing, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience with AI-assisted writing and content development tools
• Experience with graphic design or layout tools (InDesign, Canva) for proposal formatting
• APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification or familiarity with proposal best practices

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Milton, WA (Cannon corporate office). Could be hybrid. Some remote flexibility for writing days; mostly on-site presence required for coordination, meetings, and production.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support

How to Apply

Submit your resume, a cover letter, and two writing samples demonstrating technical or proposal writing ability. Writing samples from construction, engineering, or infrastructure proposals are preferred but not required. Applications without writing samples will not be considered.