Next Step Recruitment is leading the search for a Marketing & Proposal Specialist to join a highly regarded design-focused studio in Vancouver. This is a hands-on role where you’ll be at the center of marketing and business development efforts — crafting persuasive proposals, creating award-worthy materials, and helping the firm win exciting projects that shape communities.

The studio is known for its collaborative culture and impactful work across cultural, institutional, and civic spaces. As part of the team, you’ll contribute directly to projects that leave a lasting mark on the city, while working in a supportive, design-driven environment that values creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced, creative, and highly organized Marketing & Proposal Specialist to guide and deliver the firm’s communications and business development pursuits. Reporting to leadership, you’ll oversee the full marketing and proposal function — shaping strategy while also driving execution. You’ll play a central role in positioning the firm within the industry, securing new work, and ensuring all external communications reflect design excellence and values.

Key Responsibilities

Proposals

• Actively research leads and identify opportunities aligned with the firm’s expertise
• Oversee the full lifecycle of RFQs, RFPs, RFEOIs, and similar project opportunities
• Manage the Go/No-Go process and collaborate with leadership on pursuit strategy
• Lead preparation of high-quality, compliant, and persuasive proposals within strict deadlines
• Act as the primary internal and external contact for proposals, coordinating across principals, directors, consultants, and procurement bodies
• Assist with interview preparation, coach teams, and ensure materials meet firm standards
• Maintain and manage leads/pursuit tracking systems and CRM

Marketing

• Develop high-calibre written and graphic materials for award submissions, publications, and business development initiatives
• Manage the firm’s website, social media, and digital channels with consistent, compelling content
• Oversee marketing assets including photography, drawings, brochures, and project descriptions; ensure resources are current and accessible
• Strengthen the firm’s profile through press opportunities, thought leadership, and industry awards
• Support and coordinate firm participation in conferences, networking events, and speaking engagements
• Develop and maintain relationships with marketing counterparts at client and consultant organizations
• Monitor industry trends, client sectors, and competitor positioning to inform marketing and BD strategies

About You

• 3–5 years of experience leading marketing and proposal efforts for an architectural, design, engineering, or similar professional services firm
• Proven ability to manage multiple pursuits and marketing initiatives under tight deadlines
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills; ability to translate technical content into persuasive narratives
• Strong graphic sensibility and ability to develop visually appealing materials
• Expertise in Adobe InDesign and proficiency in MS Office (Photoshop/Illustrator an asset)
• Background or interest in architecture/design
• Demonstrated experience in social media strategy, award submissions, and press engagement
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders
• Proactive, adaptable, naturally curious, and collaborative, with a balance of creative and strategic thinking

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Collaborative, design-driven studio culture