Marketing Proposal Manager - Aviation

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Job Title: Marketing Proposal Manager

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $90,000-120,000 Annually

Location: Hybrid/Ypsilanti, MI

Position Summary:

The Marketing Proposal Manager is responsible for leading the development, coordination, and production of high-quality, compelling proposals, qualifications packages, and presentations in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and other solicitations for airport planning, implementation, and operational services. This position plays a key role in supporting business development efforts and ensuring the firm’s brand, messaging, and competitive positioning are clearly articulated in all deliverables.

The ideal candidate will have experience with aviation/airport proposal writing in one or more of the following areas: planning, project management, program management, and operational services such as parking, concessions, and terminal operations. The Proposal Manager will work a hybrid schedule in Ypsilanti, MI and will report to the Chief Development Officer.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage proposal lifecycle – Lead and oversee all phases of the proposal process, including kick-off, strategy development, content creation, internal reviews, production, and delivery.
• Work closely with technical staff to gather input and translate complex technical concepts into clear, persuasive content.
• Interpret RFP/RFQ requirements and develop compliance matrices, schedules, and deliverable checklists.
• Develop win strategies in coordination with leadership and technical leads; identify differentiators and value propositions.
• Coordinate proposal teams including writers, editors, graphic designers, and technical contributors.
• Write and edit content including executive summaries, project descriptions, resumes, and firm qualifications.
• Maintain and update marketing content databases such as project sheets, resumes, boilerplate text, and graphics.
• Ensure quality and brand consistency across all proposal materials.
• Support interview preparation and presentation development as needed.
• Track and report on proposal status, success rates, and lessons learned.
• Support other marketing and business development initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in proposal development, preferably in the A/E/C or airport consulting industry.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign required).
• Experience with CRM and content management systems (e.g., Deltek Vantagepoint) is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical staff.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aviation/airport proposal writing (planning, project management, program management, and operational services such as parking, concessions, and terminal operations).
• Knowledge of SOQ/RFP best practices and interview strategy within public sector procurements.
• APMP Certification or similar industry credentials and training a plus.
• Strong understanding of industry terminology and procurement processes (FAA, TSA, DOT, local agencies, etc.).

Work Environment & Travel:

• Primarily office-based (remote/hybrid optional depending on firm policy).
• Occasional travel for interviews, conferences, or project meetings may be required.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit for long periods of time, bend, use hands to manipulate (type), utilize small hand tools, talk and hear; walk; sit, and lift or move no more than ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral visions, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems, use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with occasional interruptions, and interact with staff and other organizations.

Reporting Relationships:

The position reports to Chief Development Officer or other executive identified during the hiring process or during the performance review cycle.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by an employee so classified.

Jacobsen|Daniels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives for diversity. J|D, in accordance with applicable law, does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets