Proposal Lead

Overview
MSA is seeking a collaborative

Proposal Lead

to oversee our proposal development program and lead a high-performing Proposal Team. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of strategic pursuits while ensuring proposals are competitive, compliant, client-focused, and aligned with MSA’s brand and business goals. The Proposal Lead partners closely with technical staff, client liaisons, company leadership, and the broader marketing team to drive a consistent and efficient proposal process that supports growth across the organization.

This role can be based out of our WI, MN or IA offices and we offer a work environment that supports fully onsite, hybrid or remote work (but within driving distance of the office).

Why MSA
At MSA, we believe people are our greatest strength. Our employee-owned culture encourages collaboration, innovation, and professional growth while empowering team members to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. As a Proposal Lead, you will have the opportunity to shape strategic pursuits, mentor a talented team, and contribute directly to MSA’s continued success.

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned , meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."

-Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities
Proposal Leadership & Strategy

Lead MSA’s proposal development program and oversee the full lifecycle of strategic pursuits

Manage multiple concurrent proposals and internal projects while ensuring alignment with pursuit strategy, branding, and company goals

Oversee proposal pipeline management, workload balancing, and prioritization across the Proposal Team

Schedule and facilitate go
o-go meetings for RFPs and RFQs

Guide proposal strategy, messaging, differentiators, and win themes

Ensure the development and maintenance of proposal resources, including resumes, project descriptions, templates, and boilerplate content

Support preparation of client presentations and presentation rehearsals

Maintain accurate and up-to-date proposal materials and information within DAM, ERP, and CRM systems

Oversee electronic file management processes, naming conventions, and proposal closeout procedures

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach, mentor, and support Proposal Team members

Foster a collaborative and positive team environment that promotes accountability and growth

Assess team capacity, resource needs, and skill development opportunities to support business growth

Encourage ongoing training and professional development

Model MSA’s values and serve as a role model across the organization

Collaboration & Client Focus

Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external clients

Collaborate with technical staff to gather meaningful proposal content and positioning

Partner with the Marketing Team to ensure consistency across proposals, collateral, and brand messaging

Work closely with marketing leadership and client liaisons to prioritize pursuits and allocate resources effectively

Business Performance

Ensure production of high-quality, competitive proposals that support revenue growth and client acquisition

Track proposal metrics and team performance and provide insights and recommendations to leadership

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce proposal cycle times, and strengthen competitiveness

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Minimum of five years of experience in marketing, proposal coordination, business development support, or related fields

Experience within the architecture/engineering (A/E) industry

Strong organizational, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and Acrobat

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience leading or supervising a team

Familiarity with CRM systems and marketing databases

Knowledge of AP Style

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment. They bring a high level of accountability, attention to detail, and service orientation while effectively leading cross-functional teams through complex pursuits. This individual is highly organized, proactive, and passionate about developing people and improving processes.

Why MSA

100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact

Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm

Flexible work‑life integration

Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions

Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging

Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Additional Benefits
Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Compensation Range:

$79,000 –$126,500 (commensurate with experience)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

– As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares

at no cost

Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future

401(k) Retirement Plan

– Generous employer match that is immediately

100% vested

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

for employees and eligible dependents

Paid Time Off

– Minimum of 17 days in the first year

Paid Holidays

– 8 holidays annually

Paid Parental Leave

– regardless of birth parent

Employer-Paid Insurance – Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) – Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer
MSA is an

Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to

race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law .

MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.

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