Desktop Publisher

Desktop Publisher

The Desktop Publisher (Proposals) is responsible for the layout, formatting, and production of high-quality proposal documents, presentations, and related materials that support the company's business development and capture efforts. This role ensures that all proposal submissions are visually consistent, compliant with solicitation requirements, and delivered on time. The ideal candidate combines technical proficiency in document design software (MS Word, MS PPT, MS Excel) with a strong eye for detail, organization and brand consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Document Production & Formatting
• Design, review, format and finalize proposal documents created by technical writing teams. Create templates, presentations and compliance matrices in MS Word, PPT, Excel, and/or Adobe Acrobat.
• Choose appropriate fonts and styles for text to maintain consistency and readability. Pay attention to font sizes, line spacing and other typographic elements to enhance the overall visual aesthetics while adhering to solicitation requirements.
• Ensure all proposal materials meet corporate branding standards and solicitation requirements.
• Apply consistent styles, headers, footers, tables, and numbering schemes across large, complex documents. Revise layouts and make corrections as necessary.
• Work with the graphic design team to incorporate images, illustrations and graphics into documents aligning them with the content and solicitation requirements. Adjust image placement and size for optimal visual impact.
• Review and proofread documents to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting. Ensure the final product adheres to the requirements and quality standards.

Proposal Support

• Collaborate with proposal managers, writers, and subject matter experts to prepare compliant, visually appealing deliverables through each color team (Pink, Red, Gold).
• Manage multiple proposal projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prepare both electronic and print-ready versions of proposals for submission.
• Convert and format content from various sources (Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint) into submission-ready documents.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct final quality checks for layout consistency, pagination, cross-reference, and overall design integrity.
• Ensure adherence to proposal instructions, compliance matrices and file naming conventions.
• Maintain version control throughout the proposal development lifecycle.

Branding and Template Management

• Maintain and update proposal templates, style guides, and visual assets to align with corporate identity.
• Support the development of reusable design and layout components to streamline future proposals.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with proposal teams to adhere to proposal schedules.
• Communicate proactively about progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Provide creative layout solutions under time constraints while maintaining document quality.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Communications, English, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in desktop publishing, preferably in proposal development, marketing, or a government contracting environment.

Skills

• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat (styles, templates, and advanced formatting).
• Strong understating of MS Teams and SharePoint.
• Strong understanding of digital and print file preparation standards.
• Experience supporting federal, state, or local government proposals (RFP/RFQ responses).
• Understanding of proposal lifestyle and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Shipley proposal methodologies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality
• Strong time management and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team-oriented, flexible, and dependable
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite a plus