Proposal Specialist II at AECOM in Waterloo, IA

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AECOM is looking for a Proposal Specialist II to join AECOM’s Federal Marketing team. Our clients include both Federal Defense and Civilian agencies, and you will have the opportunity to work with highly specialized teams across all Architecture, Engineering, and Environment sectors primarily in North America (USA, Canada) but also internationally. 

This will be a hybrid position including a combination of both remote and in-office, that can be based in, but not limited to: Atlanta, GA; Santa Fe, NM; Austin, TX; Arlington, VA; Denver, CO; Waterloo, IA; Charlotte, NC

Job Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Assist with large proposals and lead Requests for Information, Requests for Qualifications, and other proposals (across regions and business lines) for Federal clients, supporting from capture through to interview stage, as required.  
• Participate in go/no-go assessments in compliance with delegation of authority guidelines, capture planning and positioning activities as they pertain to preparation for the proposal. 
• Participate in pre-RFP capture/proposal planning, supporting the development of key messages and discriminators in deliverables. 
• Lead proposal process for small to medium (<$20M) Federal Task Order and IDIQ proposals and assist with proposal process for large Federal proposals (>$20M), including being responsible for proposal schedule, templates, compliance list, and content plan) and providing conceptual leadership for document design.  
• Serve as lead writer/editor for, at least, cover letters, resumes and past performance sections for proposals. 
• Lead development of data calls to teaming partners/subconsultants, setting up status calls and color team reviews. 
• Facilitate color team reviews and manage the implementation of proposal and presentation revisions based on direction from review teams and the capture team. 
• Support internal debriefs after proposal submittal, and review client debriefs and client feedback on proposals to drive continuous improvement. 
• Apply working knowledge of company quality procedures and approval processes (legal, contracts, signatory). 
• Liaise with appropriate/relevant operations, technical, and business development professionals to support or develop marketing information (including case studies/project sheets and capabilities summaries). 
• Provide guidance/mentoring to entry level proposal team members. 
• Be responsible for quality and compliance of deliverables. 
• Participate in presentation/interview preparation and planning, as assigned. 
• Perform final and edits layout, primarily in MS Word and InDesign, using brand guidelines.   
• Use CRM software to keep data updated (Salesforce). 
• Report to Team Lead regarding assignments, challenges, timekeeping, etc.  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's + 2 years of experience collaborating within a marketing team to lead and/or support proposal activity with key client and strategic pursuits in support of winning work, or a demonstrated equivalency of education and/or experience.
• Foundational knowledge of proposal best practices and procedures, work processes, and tools as related to Federal proposal management of RFQ/P responses.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience working within a marketing team to lead and/or support proposals with for Federal clients a plus. 
• A developed understanding of effective proposal and presentation writing and production.
• Experience in the use of generative AI for market research and content development in the capture and proposal process.
• Experience with SAM.gov, GovWin, FedConnect, and SalesForce is preferred but not required.

• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization now or in the future
• Relocation assistance and/or per diem is not offered for this position

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.