Pursuits & Proposal Manager - Los Angeles
SWA Los Angeles is an internationally renowned landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm with studios across the United States and internationally. Our Los Angeles studio works at the intersection of public space, climate resilience, ecological restoration, mobility, and community-centered design—partnering with cities, institutions, developers, and public agencies to create landscapes that are both beautiful and enduring.
About the role
The Pursuits & Proposal Manager serves as the operational lead for the studio’s proposal process—from opportunity identification through proposal submission and interview preparation. This individual will manage multiple concurrent pursuits, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, develop compelling and complete RFQ/RFP packages, and ensure that each submission reflects the quality, creativity, and technical excellence of SWA’s work. Success in this role requires exceptional organization, strong writing and editing skills, an appreciation for design, and an understanding of how landscape architecture firms pursue and win work.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage RFQ/RFP submissions from opportunity identification through final submission.
- Develop pursuit schedules, assign responsibilities, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Coordinate proposal kick-off meetings, meet submission milestones, and provide strategic input for interview preparation.
- Support Go/No-Go discussions and assist leadership in prioritizing pursuit opportunities.
- Coordinate consultant teams and ensure timely collection of required materials.
- Develop compelling qualification packages and proposals.
- Write, edit, and organize proposal narratives in collaboration with principals and project teams.
- Maintain consistency in proposal quality, messaging, and graphic presentation.
- Support ongoing maintenance of CRM systems and proposal databases.
- Coordinate with SWA’s firmwide Marketing & Communications team and proposal professionals across other offices.
- Support strategic initiatives that strengthen the firm’s overall pursuit capabilities.
- Develop relationships with consultants, subconsultants, engineers, and strategic partners.
- Attend pre-proposal meetings.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental Design, Engineering, Communications, or related discipline.
- 3—7 years of experience managing proposals or pursuits within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), planning, or landscape architecture industry.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating RFQ/RFP submissions and interview presentation.
- Exceptional organizational, proposal, and project management skills.
- Excellent writing, editing, and visual communication abilities.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental Design, Engineering, Communications, or related discipline.
- Experience supporting landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, or planning firms.
- Familiarity with CRM and proposal management software.
- Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary consultant teams.
- Understanding of public-sector procurement processes and permitting.
- Interest in resilience, parks, infrastructure, urban design, and environmental planning.
- Local candidates preferred.
Characteristics
- Thrives in fast-paced pursuit environments.
- Enjoys managing multiple deadlines simultaneously.
- Understands how design firms pursue and win work.
- Appreciates strong graphic communication and visual storytelling.
- Is highly collaborative and relationship oriented.
- Is proactive, resourceful, methodical, and detail oriented.
- Brings curiosity about cities, landscapes, infrastructure, and the future of the built environment.
Pay
$90,000 - $100,000
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package including health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
- 401K and profit sharing.
- Performance-based bonus.
- 100% Employee-owned company.