Marketing Director

About the role

We are currently seeking a high caliber Marketing Director for a long-term basis within our client’s team of experienced professionals. Based in Santa Ana, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the firm's Marketing Department, including the Marketing Manager, Proposal Writer(s), and other marketing support staff.
• Establish priorities, assign workloads, mentor staff, and oversee professional development.
• Develop and implement annual marketing initiatives that align with strategic business goals.
• Maintain quality control standards for all marketing materials and communications.
• Direct the firm's response to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and interview presentations.
• Manage proposal schedules, deadlines, assignments, and production to ensure timely, high-quality submissions.
• Collaborate with Partners, Principals, Project Managers, and technical staff to develop compelling proposal strategies.
• Lead Go/No-Go discussions and provide recommendations regarding pursuit opportunities.
• Review proposal content for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with client requirements.
• Continuously improve proposal processes, templates, and best practices.
• Support client relationship management initiatives.
• Aid in interview preparation, presentation materials, rehearsal sessions, and leave-behind materials.
• Assist with market research and competitor analysis to support strategic planning.
• Ensure consistency of the company brand across all offices and marketing platforms.
• Oversee production of qualifications packages, brochures, project sheets, resumes, award submissions, and marketing collateral.
• Coordinate website updates, digital marketing initiatives, and social media content in collaboration with internal and external resources.
• Coordinate the firm's participation in industry conferences, trade shows, networking events, and client programs, including organizations such as CASH, AIA, CMAA, DBIA, and other industry associations.
• Manage sponsorship opportunities, exhibit booth planning, promotional materials, and event logistics.
• Support Partners and Principals with conference speaking engagements and industry presentations.
• Provide centralized marketing leadership supporting all company offices throughout California.
• Cook up proposal resources and marketing efforts across multiple studios and market sectors.
• Foster collaboration between technical staff and marketing professionals to maximize pursuit success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of marketing experience within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry.
• Minimum 3–5 years of marketing leadership or management experience.
• Previous experience working for a mid-sized or large California architectural firm.
• Demonstrated experience managing RFQs, RFPs, RFIs, interviews, and proposal production.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and grammar skills.
• Strong understanding of California public agency procurement processes.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership and client-facing professionals.

Qualifications

• Preferred Experience with K-12 Education (DSA), Higher Education, Civic, Healthcare, Multifamily Housing, and Public Works pursuits.
• Familiarity with California agencies and clients.
• Knowledge of CRM systems, proposal databases, and marketing analytics.
• Experience developing strategic pursuit plans and Go/No-Go evaluations.
• Technical Skills: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat), Microsoft Office Suite, Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint (preferred), CRM platforms, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, Presentation software and digital collaboration tools.