Jobs › Clark Construction

Marketing/Proposal Manager

Clark Construction · Chicago, IL · $90,000–$110,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a proposal you led that won. What made it stand out?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain what actually drove a win, not just that they were involved.

Tell me about a time you used graphics or visual design to make a complex idea clear in a proposal.

What they are checking: Whether they think visually about communication, which Clark lists among the role's skills.

How do you build trust with project staff who see proposal work as a distraction?

What they are checking: Whether they can earn cooperation from busy operators, which affects every proposal.

What would you do

A project executive gives you weak content the night before submission. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can improve content under pressure while respecting the operator's expertise.

How do you prepare a team for a shortlist interview, and how do you give feedback on their presenting?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach senior builders on public speaking without making them defensive.

You're juggling two proposals due the same week. How do you decide where your time goes?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and manage workload when deadlines collide.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd organize a proposal team for a major RFP with a three-week deadline.

What they are checking: Whether they can plan a proposal schedule and get busy operations leaders to deliver on time.

How do you write proposal content that directly answers the RFP questions rather than repeating company boilerplate?

What they are checking: Whether they tailor content to the client's evaluation criteria, which is how proposals win.

How do you make sure a proposal is fully compliant with every requirement in the RFQ?

What they are checking: Whether they use compliance checklists, since one missed requirement can disqualify a bid.

How do you keep a marketing database of project data and resumes accurate and useful?

What they are checking: Whether they maintain the information that makes future proposals faster and more accurate.

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The full job description

As published by Clark Construction.

Clark is looking for an experienced marketing professional to become part of our creative, collaborative, high-energy team. As an integral part of this team, you will lead teams in creating innovative proposals, presentations, and other materials that help Clark win projects. This is an onsite position that can be based in either our McLean, VA or Chicago, IL office. Some travel is required. Responsibilities: • Develop and execute winning RFQ and RFP responses, actively leading and delivering at all stages of proposal development, including writing, editing, and visual communication. • Organize and lead proposal teams in coordination with our operational leaders and the company’s national marketing team. • Build collaborative relationships with project staff to facilitate team synergy, creativity, and effectiveness. • Write and/or edit compelling proposal content that directly responds to questions in the RFQ or RFP. • Participate actively in developing RFQ or RFP responses, including writing, editing, visual communication, graphics, and interactive media. • Develop and edit presentation material for interviews. Initiate presentation preparation and critique public speaking skills. • Maintain company information, materials, and associated marketing databases. Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree with a major in Communications, English, Business, Marketing, or other relevant focus of study in writing, communication, and critical analysis. • 7+ years of relevant and successful marketing and proposal management experience with a minimum of 2 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and/or construction (AEC) industry. • Proficiency using Adobe Creative Suite (primarily InDesign and Illustrator) for professional document design, layout, and production. • Proven experience coordinating and managing large-scale and complicated proposal efforts. • Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills and the ability to coordinate the activities of various team members when faced with multiple deadlines. • Demonstrated ability to write and communicate in a clear and compelling manner, with a strong command of English grammar and editing, as well as attention to detail. • A good eye for visualization, layout, and/or graphic design skills to facilitate appealing and effective communication, with experience using Adobe Creative Suite required. • Creativity and resourcefulness, with the ability to execute ideas effectively. • Confident personality with the ability to think strategically and help teams develop sound marketing, pursuit, and proposal strategies. • Strong work ethic and problem-solving skills with a “hands-on” and team-oriented attitude. Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced degree. • Technical or professional writing background. • Experience managing direct reports. The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work. While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required. Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our professional office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations. Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team. A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests. Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $90,000 - $110,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers/clark-experience

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