ARA’s Transportation Division (TD) is seeking a driven and detail-oriented professional to assist business development needs and execution as our company continues to grow. The chosen candidate will provide analysis and support to ensure strategic proposal submissions are efficient and compelling. ARA is a proven provider of highly technical and innovative solutions to a wide range of government and commercial clients.

The TD staff includes nationally recognized leaders in applied research, consulting, software, and technology deployment in the areas of pavement engineering, asset and risk management, safety, and traffic monitoring.

This is a full-time position in our office in Champaign, Illinois.

What you will do as a staff proposal analyst:

• Maintain qualifications documents, resumes, past performance summaries, photo/graphics library, and related proposal materials.
• Work with other proposal team members to complete and submit ARA’s annual registrations with state DOTs and local transportation agencies.
• Track proposal opportunities by maintaining accurate and timely information in spreadsheets and website repositories.
• Review solicitations to identify proposal requirements such as proposal format/organization and necessary forms. Coordinate with relevant corporate staff and/or proposal manager to complete required forms.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to facilitate proposal content development and high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Be trained and act as a trusted cost proposal expert in review of cost proposals for accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as backup as needed for tasks including proposal writing and editing, proposal preparation and submittal, and coordination with subcontractors.

The staff proposal analyst also may develop or participate in the preparation of project financial management documents, subcontracting documentation and financial tracking, progress reports, process documentation, presentations, exhibits, and promotional materials.

Staff proposal analyst requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., English, journalism, marketing, business administration, technical communications), or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience, including writing proposals and/or grants for government customers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong communication skills with basic understanding of engineering and science terminology
• Willingness to work extended and/or flexible hours to meet proposal deadlines
• Proficiency in accessing web-based data systems, including Microsoft SharePoint, preferred

The anticipated salary for this position ranges from $58,400 to $75,000/year, depending on education and experience. ARA also offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.