Proposal specialist Jobs in Houston, TX

Proposal Specialist

The Proposal Specialist drives strategic proposal development initiatives to elevate Pfluger's competitiveness and market position. This role leads the creation of compelling, well-crafted RFQs, high-impact interview materials, and strategic content that reflect the firm's expertise and vision. As a key influencer in shaping how Pfluger presents its work, the Proposal Specialist ensures a cohesive, disciplined, and strategic approach across all RFQ efforts. Balancing strategy with execution, this individual leads with clarity and precision, delivering proposal strategies that strengthen client engagement, differentiate the firm, and support continued business growth.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Leadership & Marketing Alignment

• Embody Pfluger's core values. Consistently demonstrate the principles of Do What's Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle in all professional activities.
• Serve as a firm-wide RFQ lead. Maintain awareness of active pursuits and project phases to ensure information is accurate and current.
• Manage and optimize RFQ workflows, balancing team workloads and ensuring timely and effective execution of marketing initiatives.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Lead and oversee the creation of Requests for Qualification (RFQs), including reviewing and interpreting submission requirements to ensure alignment with brand messaging, high-quality content, and visually compelling presentations.
• Support interview preparation and strategy for business development teams, ensuring compelling and effective client presentations that are aligned with brand messaging and overall market strategy.
• Champion data entry and maintenance of the firm's client relationship management (CRM) system to support business development initiatives.

Content Strategy & Quality Control

• Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment across all proposal materials, including team resumes, project sheets, narratives, and supporting technical documentation.
• Serve as chief editor for RFQ content, reviewing and refining all proposal components to maintain high-quality writing, accuracy, and brand cohesion.
• Gather and validate information from internal teams to ensure accuracy and strengthen narrative quality.
• Translate complex concepts into clear, persuasive content tailored to client priorities and the target audience.
• Maintain and continually refine a library of standard proposal content, including resumes, project descriptions, and boilerplate materials to support efficient, high-quality proposal development.
• Collaborate on key marketing publication when proposal content intersects with broader messaging, including strategic storytelling around projects, people, and firm culture.

Market Research & Innovation

• Understand trends, client priorities, and evolving industry expectations that inform proposal strategy and positioning.
• Stay informed on industry best practices in pursuit strategy and proposal development and incorporate innovative approaches into RFQ workflows.

Experience & Qualifications:

Alignment with Pfluger's purpose of "inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience," with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Demonstrated experience leading RFQ development, including managing workflows, coordinating teams, and producing high-quality writing. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and guide project teams. Exceptional editing skills with experience shaping and refining brand messaging and content. Working knowledge of CRM systems. A proactive and creative mindset with a passion for storytelling and marketing. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office products. In-depth experience of Adobe InDesign is required. Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Business, Marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience. Minimum of five years of relevant experience writing proposals or working in a similar proposal development or technical writing role.

Location:

The Proposal Specialist must be prepared to commute three days per week to one of Pfluger's local offices (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio).

About Pfluger Architects

Since 1972, Pfluger Architects has designed spaces that reflect the vision and aspirations of the people who will use them. With more than 130 employees across five Texas offices, we focus on creating environments for K-12 and higher education that foster connection, creativity, and growth. Our work is guided by a culture of learning, where every project is an opportunity to ask questions, challenge ideas, and try new approaches. We are driven by curiosity and imagination, always seeking innovative solutions that push boundaries and create lasting impact. And, at the heart of our process is a culture of design, where intentionality and creativity come together to ensure every project is meaningful and successful. These values shape everything we do, helping us create spaces that inspire people to create a more meaningful human experience.