Proposal Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Proposal Specialist roles involve writing, coordinating, and managing responses to RFPs, RFQs, and grant opportunities, skills that translate well across government contractors, consulting firms, and nonprofits. Many employers in these sectors are experienced with OPT work authorization and the 60-day transition window between positions.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Opportunity:
Tetra Tech seeks a creative, detailed, and client service-oriented Marketing Specialist with an unyielding positive attitude to support our marketing and business development efforts. This role is available for remote work within the U.S.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
The Marketing Specialist focuses on producing and writing proposals for future work in our environmental, coastal, stormwater, and flood risk practices for federal, state, local, and commercial clients. The qualified candidate will have superior research knowledge, strong writing and editing skills, be organized, and able to balance multiple projects.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
- Developing compelling marketing materials, such as SOQs, proposals, interview presentations, and brochures, as well as non-pursuit related tasks, including marketing planning and research
- Reviewing and analyzing RFPs and working with technical project managers to develop strategic responses to RFPs/RFQs and preparing high-quality proposals, SF 330s, custom packages, and presentations that conform with firm branding and style guidelines. This includes organizing and coordinating all elements of the proposal including integration of key win themes, with assistance if necessary
- Lead all aspects of the proposal production of USACE SF330 proposals, including organizing data calls and managing schedules, material preparation (writing/editing/formatting), internal and external communication with team members, and QC process management of submittals
- Coordinating RFQ/P compliance; proposal organization and scheduling; writing non-technical sections; editing technical material; tailoring project descriptions and resumes; and collaborating with other prime or subconsultant firms
- Developing graphic concepts to support proposal messages; proposal compilation, formatting, and production; proposal closeout; and client debriefings
- Planning, conducting, and coordinating a range of marketing support activities, such as awards submissions and presentations, conference support, press release development, and marketing planning
- Supporting research in support of business development, including mining news, websites, industry news sources, and identifying and cultivating peer contacts in client and professional organizations
- Partnering with regional and practice leadership to shape pursuit strategies, positioning approaches, and defining win themes aligned with growth priorities
- Leading pursuit planning activities, including opportunity assessment, go/no go support, and competitive positioning
- Applying AI-enabled tools to support proposal development, competitive research, content drafting, and pursuit analytics while maintaining compliance with firm standards and client requirements
- Other duties or responsibilities as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a similar field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree for candidates with an AA or high school diploma
- A minimum of three years of experience in a marketing position. Previous experience in an A/E firm or other professional services environment is strongly preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). A working knowledge of InDesign, Acrobat, and other Adobe software is strongly preferred
- Experience with SF 330 responses, demonstrated by a track record of high quality, accurate products
- An understanding of ChatGPT or other AI platforms for research, content development, and process efficiency in marketing and business development environments
- A strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent interpersonal and client service skills
- The ability and willingness to provide work samples during the interview process
Additional Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders
- Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines consistently
- Adaptability and openness to feedback in a dynamic project environment
- Team-oriented attitude with the ability to work collaboratively across departments
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and documentation efficiently
Physical Requirements:
- Manual dexterity to use a computer mouse, keyboard, and peripheral equipment
- The ability to sit at a workstation for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and via electronic means
Additional Information
This position is available for remote work within the United States. Candidates near select Tetra Tech offices may be permitted/requested to work a hybrid schedule. This position is scheduled for full-time work (40 hours/week) with a typical schedule of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required based on project needs.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000; individual compensation will vary within this range based on your geographic location as well as your skills, qualifications and experience as they relate to the requirements for this position. Where applicable, the rate of pay will be offered as an hourly rate in accordance with state or local requirements.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please no phone calls or agencies.
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech seeks a creative, detailed, and client service-oriented Marketing Specialist with an unyielding positive attitude to support our marketing and business development efforts. This role is available for remote work within the U.S.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
The Marketing Specialist focuses on producing and writing proposals for future work in our environmental, coastal, stormwater, and flood risk practices for federal, state, local, and commercial clients. The qualified candidate will have superior research knowledge, strong writing and editing skills, be organized, and able to balance multiple projects.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
- Developing compelling marketing materials, such as SOQs, proposals, interview presentations, and brochures, as well as non-pursuit related tasks, including marketing planning and research
- Reviewing and analyzing RFPs and working with technical project managers to develop strategic responses to RFPs/RFQs and preparing high-quality proposals, SF 330s, custom packages, and presentations that conform with firm branding and style guidelines. This includes organizing and coordinating all elements of the proposal including integration of key win themes, with assistance if necessary
- Lead all aspects of the proposal production of USACE SF330 proposals, including organizing data calls and managing schedules, material preparation (writing/editing/formatting), internal and external communication with team members, and QC process management of submittals
- Coordinating RFQ/P compliance; proposal organization and scheduling; writing non-technical sections; editing technical material; tailoring project descriptions and resumes; and collaborating with other prime or subconsultant firms
- Developing graphic concepts to support proposal messages; proposal compilation, formatting, and production; proposal closeout; and client debriefings
- Planning, conducting, and coordinating a range of marketing support activities, such as awards submissions and presentations, conference support, press release development, and marketing planning
- Supporting research in support of business development, including mining news, websites, industry news sources, and identifying and cultivating peer contacts in client and professional organizations
- Partnering with regional and practice leadership to shape pursuit strategies, positioning approaches, and defining win themes aligned with growth priorities
- Leading pursuit planning activities, including opportunity assessment, go/no go support, and competitive positioning
- Applying AI-enabled tools to support proposal development, competitive research, content drafting, and pursuit analytics while maintaining compliance with firm standards and client requirements
- Other duties or responsibilities as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a similar field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree for candidates with an AA or high school diploma
- A minimum of three years of experience in a marketing position. Previous experience in an A/E firm or other professional services environment is strongly preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). A working knowledge of InDesign, Acrobat, and other Adobe software is strongly preferred
- Experience with SF 330 responses, demonstrated by a track record of high quality, accurate products
- An understanding of ChatGPT or other AI platforms for research, content development, and process efficiency in marketing and business development environments
- A strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent interpersonal and client service skills
- The ability and willingness to provide work samples during the interview process
Additional Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders
- Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines consistently
- Adaptability and openness to feedback in a dynamic project environment
- Team-oriented attitude with the ability to work collaboratively across departments
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and documentation efficiently
Physical Requirements:
- Manual dexterity to use a computer mouse, keyboard, and peripheral equipment
- The ability to sit at a workstation for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and via electronic means
Additional Information
This position is available for remote work within the United States. Candidates near select Tetra Tech offices may be permitted/requested to work a hybrid schedule. This position is scheduled for full-time work (40 hours/week) with a typical schedule of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required based on project needs.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000; individual compensation will vary within this range based on your geographic location as well as your skills, qualifications and experience as they relate to the requirements for this position. Where applicable, the rate of pay will be offered as an hourly rate in accordance with state or local requirements.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please no phone calls or agencies.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Proposal Specialist
Target government contractors and consulting firms
Federal contractors and management consulting firms regularly hire Proposal Specialists and are experienced with OPT work authorization. These employers often have dedicated HR processes for international hires, making the sponsorship conversation significantly less complicated than with smaller companies.
Emphasize your writing and compliance skills together
Proposal work requires precision under tight deadlines, a combination that signals to employers you can handle compliance-heavy environments. Highlighting both technical writing ability and attention to regulatory requirements makes you a stronger candidate who can also navigate OPT paperwork independently.
Build a portfolio of RFP responses before applying
Even if your experience is academic or volunteer-based, a portfolio showing structured proposal writing demonstrates real competency. Employers evaluating OPT candidates often need confidence in immediate contribution, and sample work removes doubt about your readiness to produce on day one.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Hiring timelines for Proposal Specialist roles can run four to eight weeks between application and first day. Starting your search two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you enough runway to clear the process without burning into your authorized work period.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility if your degree qualifies
Degrees in technical fields like engineering, information systems, or data analytics may qualify you for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in proposal management find this especially valuable, as it reduces the urgency around H-1B sponsorship timelines and extends your contribution window considerably.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship policy during the second interview round
Raising sponsorship too early can stall an application, but waiting until an offer creates pressure. The second interview is a natural checkpoint to confirm an employer sponsors H-1B visas, giving both sides time to align before commitment without derailing early-stage evaluation.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Proposal Specialist on OPT?
Yes. Proposal Specialist roles qualify as OPT-eligible employment as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in communications, English, business, public administration, or technical fields typically satisfy this requirement. You should confirm the connection between your degree and the job description with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Proposal Specialist employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Government contractors, large consulting firms, and defense-sector employers are among the most experienced sponsors for Proposal Specialists, since they routinely hire internationally and understand the H-1B process. Smaller agencies and nonprofits are less consistent. Searching Migrate Mate filters for sponsorship-willing employers in this field so you avoid applying to companies unlikely to sponsor.
Does a Proposal Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your underlying degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as information systems, applied mathematics, or a technical discipline, and your Proposal Specialist role involves applying that training, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO and verify that the job duties align.
What should I include in my OPT disclosure to a Proposal Specialist employer?
Be direct and specific. Tell the employer your OPT authorization period, your STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and your H-1B timeline expectations. Proposal-heavy environments value clarity and organized communication, so presenting your work authorization status in a clean, factual way often lands well with hiring managers in this field.
How do I find Proposal Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most general job boards do not filter by sponsorship willingness, which wastes significant time when you are on a limited OPT window. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Proposal Specialist roles at employers who have sponsored international candidates before, so you can focus your applications where they have a realistic chance of success.
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