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

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/no-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

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.