Demo

Proposal Specialist

TKDA
Downers Grove, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 10/31/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/31/2025

TKDA is a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and planning firm serving clients nationwide. As a Proposal Specialist, you will play a crucial role in driving our success across our core markets that include transportation, industrial and manufacturing, buildings and sites, and water. Your responsibilities will include leading the development of compelling proposals, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with client needs, and managing the proposal process from inception to submission. You will develop and maintain key relationships with partners in operations and leadership, leveraging these connections to enhance collaboration and ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-focused proposals. Utilizing your expertise, you will craft persuasive narratives that highlight our innovative solutions and technical excellence, ultimately contributing to our growth and market leadership.

Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday - Thursday In-Office \u007C Monday & Friday WFH
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, journalism, engineering, architecture, or related field.
  • Two to five years of hands-on experience developing proposals and creating marketing communications materials in a professional services environment.
  • Thorough understanding of the proposal development process and previous experience coordinating all facets of the proposal process: coordination, writing, interfacing with subject experts and project teams, editing/proofing, production, and quality control.
  • Ability to coordinate complex submittals and large multi-discipline teams, often involving teaming partners and subconsultants.
  • Write, review, and edit original content for clarity, compliance, and key messages, collaborating with technical staff.
  • Other responsibilities include use of creative and persuasive writing skills to create qualifications packages, project descriptions, team member resumes, and other proposal content.
  • Strong organization and time management skills demonstrated by the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Proficiency with Adobe InDesign and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Other duties as assigned.
Advantageous Qualifications
  • Minimum two years of previous experience within the architecture, engineering, or construction industry in proposal and marketing material creation.
  • Experience with visualization and digital storytelling.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. 
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 2 -5 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430 professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.

Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year

Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.


*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.

*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.

Salary.com Estimation for Proposal Specialist in Downers Grove, IL
$77,501 to $96,052
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