Marketing Strategist, Government

Overview: Responsibilities: Analyzes each priority pursuit from the client's perspective: their stated and unstated priorities, procurement context, decision-making dynamics and how HKS is positioned relative to likely competitorsDevelops a clear pursuit strategy and document for each Tier 1 opportunity, defining win themes, messaging pillars, differentiators and the overall narrative approachEnsures pursuit strategy is grounded in client intelligence gathered through the BD relationship and that it reflects the practice's core value propositions and brand identityPartners with Business Development Directors (BDD) and seller/doers to pressure-test and align on strategy before creative and writing work begins with Pursuit teamProvides ongoing strategic direction throughout the pursuit lifecycle, including guidance on interview storylines, executive messaging and finalist presentation framingCreates clear strategic briefs that guide the Pursuit Marketing COE's proposal and interview development, ensuring deliverables reflect the agreed strategy and client focusMaintains close alignment with the PMD and BDD to stay connected to evolving client relationships, pipeline developments, and BD activityLeverages Salesforce to capture relevant client details so it is accessible and actionable for pursuit teamIdentifies the through-line between clients' early communication and what HKS will say in the pursuitCarries proof points, outcomes, and themes from completed projects forward into pursuit strategy and practice positioningSupports PMD with monitoring market signals, published shortlists and procurement activity in the practice's key sectors to help the PMD anticipate future needsCollaborates with the PMD to identify which completed projects should be prioritized for external promotion, based on practice positioning, thought leadership value, and firmwide brand goalsDevelops and maintains a rolling annual promotion plan by practice and geography, with timelines aligned to project milestones, client readiness and publication opportunitiesLeads the narrative and story development for each featured project, working with the Communications COE to define the angle, emphasis and channel strategyPartners with the Brand COE to define the visual approach and ensure creative execution aligns with the HKS visual identity and the story being toldServes as the primary coordinator between HKS and the client for all promotion-related activities, including content approvals, photography coordination and media participationSupports the COE's development of award submissions, press releases, editorial pitches and social contentTracks performance of project promotions across media, digital and awards channels, provides regular reporting to the PMD and use those insights to continuously refine the approachFacilitates alignment conversations that bring BD intelligence, design perspective and marketing strategy into a single, unified pursuit direction before execution beginsIn partnership with pursuit team and BDD, conducts post-pursuit debriefs to evaluate strategy effectiveness, capture lessons learned and identify what worked and what to do differentlyFeeds pursuit learnings back into the practice's positioning, story library and BD tools so that each pursuit makes the next one stronger Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, or related degreeTypically 8+ years of experience in AEC marketing, pursuit strategy, business development support, or related experienceProficiency in InDesignExperience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign software preferredProficiency in MS Office Suite preferredPreviousexperience with government procurements, e.g., SAM.govPreviousexperience with subscription services, e.g., GovWin.coPrevious experience with completion of government forms, e.g., SF330Previous experience with design-bid-build and design-build procurementsPrevious experience with Phase 1/Phase 2, RFQ/RFP best-value procurementsExcellent written verbal, presentation, and storytelling skills, including the ability to craft compelling narratives and work with geographically designed page layoutsProven ability to build strong, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders, using a diplomatic, collaborative leadership style grounded in emotional intelligenceStrong facilitator skills with the ability to lead alignment sessions and strategy workshopsStrong understanding of client motivations in architecture, design, and professional services procurementStrong familiarity with content libraries, case studies, positioning frameworks, and value propositionsStrong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple high-stakes pursuits, ensuring high-quality work is delivered on time and aligned to strategyAbility to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and externalAbility to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutionsAbility to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize workAbility to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityTravel may be required Base Salary Range: - Richmond & Washington DC location.