Proposal Specialist
Full-time
Ottawa, ON, Canada · Remote
CAD 70k-85k / year
About Calian
At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we’ve grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government.
We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you’re driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.
Position Overview
We are looking for a Proposal Specialist to lead Calian’s bid process from project initiation through contract award for our service lines. In addition to proposal coordination responsibilities, this role supports proposal development activities, ensures compliance with solicitation requirements, and contributes to the successful delivery of high-quality proposal submissions. The Proposal Specialist plays a key role in resolving proposal challenges, coordinating stakeholder input, and maintaining proposal quality under deadline-driven conditions.
Responsibilities
• Assists Proposal Coordinators in their proposal development efforts
• Mentors and provides training to Proposal Coordinators
• Acts as back-up to the Director Proposals / Senior Proposal Manager in assigning proposal development responsibilities
• Provides back-up to other team members as needed
• Performs audit functions of the opportunities database to ensure records are current and accurate
• Proactively advises on compliance risks based on experience and lessons learned
• Reviews and interprets RFP and RFI requirements to identify missing or unclear response elements and proactively resolve gaps
• Works with subject matter experts to clarify and tailor technical or service content to meet proposal requirements
• Resolves formatting, document structure, and version control issues to ensure professional and compliant submissions
• Coordinates inputs from multiple stakeholders and resolves conflicts in messaging, tone, or content ownership
• Addresses time-sensitive challenges by reprioritizing tasks and adjusting internal deadlines to meet submission schedules
• Performs other duties as required within the context of the role
Qualifications
• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience
• Three to five years of experience writing, editing, and responding to Request for Proposal documents is desirable
• Experience handling moderate to high complexity proposal-related challenges involving compliance, coordination, formatting, and content customization
• Strong ability to interpret solicitation requirements and support compliant proposal submissions
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders
Additional Requirements
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support team members
• Commitment to producing accurate, professional, and compliant proposal documentation
Compensation
$70,000 to $85,000
Position Type
We have 1 available position for an 18 month contract.
#LI-SL1# #SF#
At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.
How we hire
- Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.
Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self! - Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.
During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.
- We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
- Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
- Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
- In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
- Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
- Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
- Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
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- Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
- Prepare a list of questions to ask us
- Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
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- We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
- We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
- Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process
Perks and benefits
- Competitive, company-paid benefits
- Generous time off package
- Stock purchase plan
- RRSP program
- Flexible work hours for eligible roles
- Programs to support employee health and well-being