Job Information
Actalent AEC Marketing & Proposal Operations Manager in Pasadena, California
Marketing & Proposal Operations Manager
Public‑Sector | AEC | Executive‑Level Player‑Coach
This is not a coordinator role.
It’s not a brand‑only marketing job.
And it’s not a bureaucratic director seat.
This is an opportunity for a senior AEC proposal leader to own the function, partner directly with the CEO, and shape how a growing construction management firm wins public‑sector work.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a Marketing & Proposal Operations Manager to lead public‑agency pursuits and firm‑wide marketing operations for a well‑established, California‑based construction management consultancy.
This role sits at the leadership table and reports directly to the President/CEO. You’ll have real authority over what the firm pursues, how it presents itself, and how proposal strategy, branding, and infrastructure come together to drive growth.
If you’ve spent years winning work at firms where decisions happen three layers above you — this is your chance to step into a seat with visibility, ownership, and impact.
What You’ll Actually Do
This is a player‑coach role. Strategy and execution both matter here.
You will:
Lead RFQs, RFPs, and SOQs for City, County, State, and Federal agencies
Write and edit executive summaries, win themes, and technical narratives
Run proposal kickoffs, strategy sessions, and Go/No‑Go discussions with leadership
Own the firm’s CRM and proposal infrastructure (Deltek Vantagepoint, resumes, project data)
Ensure proposals are compliant, persuasive, and on‑brand
Oversee firm branding across proposals, website, collateral, and thought leadership
Mentor and develop proposal managers and coordinators
Support business development efforts tied to interviews, presentations, and industry engagement
When deadlines hit, you’re comfortable stepping directly into InDesign or Deltek to make sure the submission goes out right.
Who This Role Is For
This role is a strong fit if you:
Have deep AEC experience (construction management or owner’s‑rep strongly preferred)
Have personally led winning public‑sector proposals
Can speak confidently with executives about pursuit strategy and risk
Still enjoy the craft of proposals — writing, storytelling, and production
Want ownership, not just oversight
Thrive in a lean, high‑accountability environment
What You’ll Bring
10–20 years in the AEC industry (15+ ideal)
Proven success leading public‑agency RFQs/RFPs/SOQs
Hands‑on expertise with:
Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign required)
Deltek Vantagepoint
Strong technical and executive‑level writing skills
Experience building or improving proposal and resume databases
Confidence pushing back when a pursuit isn’t the right fit
A collaborative, composed presence under deadline pressure
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but exceptional experience and a strong portfolio matter most.
Work Environment & Compensation
Location: Pasadena, CA
Work model: Primarily in‑office
Base salary: $120,000 – $140,000
Bonus potential tied to firm performance
Comprehensive benefits package included
This Role Is Not For You If…
You don’t do hands‑on proposal work anymore
You’re looking for a fully remote role
Your background is general marketing with little public‑sector experience
You expect a large support team to handle production for you
Why This Role Is Different
You won’t be buried in a marketing department.
You won’t be managing by spreadsheet alone.
And you won’t be fighting bureaucracy to get decisions made.
You’ll work directly with leadership, shape how the firm competes, and see the impact of your work immediately.
If that sounds like the next chapter you’ve been waiting for — we should talk.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Pasadena, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.
Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance 401K Life and Long-Term Disability Insurances Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal time, sick days, and holidays
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Pasadena,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.