Proposal and Marketing Specialist

SME is seeking a dynamic Proposal + Marketing Specialist to lead the development of high-impact proposals and support the broader marketing team in delivering a range of marketing initiatives. This role focuses on proposal management while contributing to various marketing tasks and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, writing, and production of formal and informal client solicitations, including RFQs, RFPs, and pre-qualification packages
• Coordinate proposal content, schedules, templates, compliance, and production, ensuring timely and accurate submissions
• Serve as lead writer/editor for resumes, project profiles, and past performance sections
• Design and layout proposals using InDesign and other creative tools, ensuring visual and technical excellence
• Facilitate proposal reviews, apply lessons learned, and manage revisions based on team feedback
• Conduct internal debriefs and review client feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Collaborate with marketing, business development, and operations teams to develop and update marketing collateral, case studies, project sheets, and capability summaries
• Support the creation of graphics, presentations, and other marketing deliverables as needed
• Assist with market research, content planning, and campaign execution to advance SME’s strategic marketing goals
• Provide guidance and mentorship to entry-level proposal and marketing team members
• Participate in go/no-go meetings and capture planning activities
• Flexibly support the marketing team with additional tasks such as event coordination, social media content, internal communications, and other marketing projects as assigned
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of SME’s quality procedures, approval processes, and brand standards

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in proposal development and marketing support, preferably in the A/E/C industry
• Ability to drive proposal process from leads through submission / interview / decision / follow-up
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with initiative and attention to detail
• Experience with collaborative tools (Teams, SharePoint) and data analytics is a plus
• Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling and visual communication
• Team player who can work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth

Benefits

• SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
• SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
• 401k match
• Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401k
• Yearly performance bonuses
• Yearly wage evaluations
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Off

Company Overview

• SME is an organization for individuals, students, educators and companies involved in all facets of manufacturing. It was founded in 1932, and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is http://www.sme.org.