Proposal & Pursuit Specialist

Who we are:

We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work® based on feedback from our community of over 240 team members.  We ranked top three in the AEC Advisors 2021 and 2022 Diversity Index Top Firms and were recognized as one of Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services in 2023 and 2024.  Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team. Over the years we have built upon that mission and now integrate a host of high-quality services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology from our multiple locations in the west.  As a team, we work with our clients to understand their true needs. Our long-term relationships are based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions. In 2025 and beyond, West Yost is advancing water resources for future generations and living our core values every day.

Compensation range:  $40.21hr - $50.50hr.  Based on our Davis / Sacramento, CA office locations.  (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions). 

 LOCATION: Our preference is for this position to sit in either our Davis or Sacramento office- (https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ).

**This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.**

Standard benefits:

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.

Proposal & Pursuit Specialist

Position Overview: The Proposal & Pursuit Specialist is a highly visible role within the firm, driving strategic growth through leadership in proposal and pursuit efforts. As a key contributor to the firm’s success, this position is pivotal in shaping pursuit strategies, collaborating with leadership, and delivering winning results for high-stakes opportunities. The Proposal & Pursuit Specialist acts as a mentor and trainer, empowering pursuit teams and contributing to a culture of excellence in marketing and business development. This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to manage a team of proposal coordinators and advance into leadership positions such as Pursuit Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Pursuit Management

• Lead the full lifecycle of pursuit efforts, from pre-positioning through proposal development, interview preparation, and client selection.
• Write and edit critical proposal sections, including project understanding, scope of services, and other technical content, ensuring clarity, compliance, and alignment with client needs.
• Develop and refine proposal blueprints, setting the framework for clear and compelling responses tailored to client goals and RFP requirements.
• Collaborate with Area Market Leaders (AMLs), Client Service Managers (CSMs), Pursuit Champions, and Business Sector Leaders to identify opportunities, develop win themes, and establish pursuit strategies.

Strategic Pre-Positioning & Capture Planning

• Support pre-positioning efforts by researching clients, competitors, and market trends to inform pursuit strategies.
• Develop and execute capture plans that align with organizational goals and maximize the firm’s competitive position.
• Support go/no-go discussions, providing critical insights to shape pursuit priorities and strategies.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Act as a mentor and trainer for proposal teams, fostering skills in compliance, writing, editing, and strategic thinking.
• Provide guidance and leadership to junior staff, cultivating a pipeline of skilled pursuit specialists.
• Lead training initiatives to improve team proficiency in proposal processes, tools, and strategic communication.
• Share expertise as a subject matter authority in proposal management, marketing strategies, and pursuit best practices.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a critical link between technical teams, business development staff, and leadership, ensuring seamless integration of pursuit efforts.
• Coordinate with subconsultants, subject matter experts, proposal coordinators, and graphic designers to create cohesive, high-quality proposals.
• Build strong networks with industry peers and clients, representing the firm at events, conferences, and professional gatherings.
• Maintain ongoing communication with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of pursuit strategies with client needs and expectations.

Operational Excellence

• Support and enhance the use of digital asset and CRM systems (e.g., OpenAsset, Deltek Vision/VantagePoint) to facilitate seamless integration, improve workflows, and ensure accessibility for marketing and proposal development.

• Maintain accurate pursuit status reports and data in CRM systems (e.g., Deltek Vision/VantagePoint).
• Leverage tools like OpenAsset to organize digital assets and streamline proposal development processes.
• Lead high-value pursuits, driving strategy and ensuring flawless delivery across sectors.
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Expertise in proposal management, capture planning, and strategic marketing.
• Strong technical writing and editing skills, with a focus on developing project understanding, scope of services, and compelling narratives.
• Proficiency in InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems (e.g., Deltek Vision/VantagePoint).
• Proven ability to mentor and train teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

This position provides an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of the firm’s growth and success. As a Proposal & Pursuit Specialist, you will:

• Gain significant visibility within the firm and externally, influencing key pursuits and client relationships.
• Lead and contribute to impactful, high-value projects that shape the firm’s market position.
• Expand your expertise through mentorship and training initiatives, becoming a recognized subject matter authority.
• Grow your career with opportunities to manage a team and advance into leadership roles that drive strategic direction and client engagement.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices. Applicant must carry a valid driver's license. Applicant must also be able to meet West Yost’s rules and be eligible to drive for business. West Yost’s insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.*

Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service matches our vision for excellence.  We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees.  Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you’ll do the best work of your life. 

A day in the life:

You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance.  All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs.  We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us. Our annual company-wide monthly staff meetings, annual in-person All Staff meeting, Duck Dinner, company camping events, company celebrations, and other company-sponsored events provide an important part of the West Yost culture, which is to have fun.

Other unique benefits:

You’ll be provided with support in on-going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance-based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement.

Salary : $40 - $51