[Hiring] Pursuit Strategist @CannonDesign

Role Description

Step into a role where ambition meets impact and innovation drives opportunity. We’re seeking a creative problem solver to work alongside firm leaders to influence strategy and drive success. This role is ideal for those who play to win, are excited by a challenge and excel at drawing insights that others might overlook.

We work in high-pressure environments, but we’ve cultivated a close-knit community built on shared knowledge, best practices and mutual support. Your drive, diligence and inquisitive nature will be key to challenging pursuit teams to deliver transformative results.

As a Pursuit Strategist, you’ll be part of our Brand, Marketing and Business Development (BMBD) team, reporting to our National Marketing Pursuits Leader and collaborating closely with the entire marketing team, as well as business developers, graphic designers, and market and client leaders throughout the firm.

Success in this role will require the ability to transform raw information into meaningful narratives that inform decision-making and inspire action. You’ll need creativity, strong writing skills and a collaborative spirit to bring ideas to life alongside our talented team. And you’ll be called upon to translate your strategic marketing instincts and talents to serve multiple areas of expertise housed within the firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development for our firm’s most significant and complex project pursuits.
• Develop an overall action plan that includes profiles of decision-makers and influencers, a competitor analysis, a SWOT analysis and comprehensive market research.
• Partner closely with the Opportunity Leader to develop a project-specific win plan, strategic teaming plan and spearhead the preliminary go/no go and strategy review.
• Facilitate strategy sessions/workshops to develop a pursuit strategy targeted to the client’s needs.
• Support compliance, readability and messaging of pursuit-related materials.
• Collaborate with opportunity leaders and marketing leads to organize and determine the objectives of strategy sessions/workshops.
• Partner with pursuit teams to develop and implement differentiators, value propositions, key messages, project approaches and successful interview presentations.
• Ensure messaging is translated into a compelling narrative with graphics that reinforce and amplify our pursuit theme throughout the proposal.
• Serve as a presentation rehearsal coach and facilitator for client presentations and interviews.
• Participate in win/loss debriefs and identify lessons learned to inform future pursuits.
• Coach and mentor Marketing Specialists and Senior Marketing Specialists across the region in proposal strategy and strategic storytelling.
• Develop strong, in-depth knowledge of the firm’s portfolio and personnel and brand.
• Develop subject matter expertise that adds value to our marketing initiatives and pursuit activities.
• Work with our National Marketing Pursuits Leader and Regional Marketing Team Leaders to train and develop our Senior/Marketing Specialists.
• Provide peer review and oversight for accuracy and quality of content.
• Self-review all work for accuracy and quality of content.
• Up to 25% travel expected.
• May participate in external marketing activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field required.
• Minimum of 8 years of related work experience required; 10+ years preferred.
• Related experience working in a proposal management role influencing strategy and content for a professional services firm required.
• Related experience working in the Architecture, Engineering and/or Construction industry preferred.
• Strong proficiency with InDesign, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Deltek CRM Vision, Salesforce and Miro is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker able to translate ideas into plans, goals and role assignments.
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a driven and disciplined team.
• Ability to command a room, gain consensus and navigate team dynamics effectively.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Solid skills and confidence in driving a process.
• Able to inspire and collaborate with a creative team.
• Effective communicator — able to share ideas with confidence and clarity.

Benefits

• Salary range: $83,200 to $104,000 annually.
• Discretionary bonuses may be available.
• Full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances.
• Paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options.
• 401k plan and employee perk programs.