📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing Specialist
🔹 Company: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Architecture and Planning
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Actively engaging in industry associations and maintaining positive client relations
- Conducting market research and supporting business plan creation and implementation
- Managing Salesforce data and contributing to proposal development and client interview strategies
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and proficiency in relevant software to effectively manage marketing and business development efforts within the A/E/C industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Actively involved in industry associations, with a fair degree of contact with potential clients, to develop, nurture, and maintain positive client and/or consultant relations
✅ Conducts market, leads, and potential client research, particularly in support of business plan creation and implementation
✅ Supports Manager and/or Leadership in the creation and implementation of business development strategies
✅ Contributes to business plan creation by identifying trends and growth areas in the market and how to best strategically position SOM, and contributes to business plan implementation by keeping groups/leaders on target, providing research, etc.
✅ Manages Salesforce data and ensures data accuracy, ensuring that pursuits are moving through the sales funnel, and uses Salesforce to track business plan implementation
✅ Contributes to the selection of consultants, attends pre-proposal conferences, and can lead a proposal independently, including outlining, scheduling, and driving the development of proposals, qualifications packages, and related submissions with some oversight from their Manager, and can create content for proposals
✅ Contributes to client interview strategy and can create marketing collateral for interviews and presentations, if needed
✅ Develops materials that reflect and fulfill strategic marketing goals, if needed
✅ Develops strong working knowledge of A/E/I services offered by SOM and develops area(s) of expertise, either geographically or by functional market
✅ Acts as a peer mentor within the Marketing Team for Salesforce, business plan implementation, and general business development efforts, and acts as a key resource in the office for Salesforce training and quality assurances
✅ Assists with other duties and tasks as may be required
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the A/E/C industry, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
Experience: 5-8 years of experience in marketing or business development within the A/E/C industry
Required Skills:
- Proven business development experience in the design or engineering industry
- Exceptional written communication and people skills
- Fluency in Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
- Experience with Salesforce CRM or other CRM systems
- Ability to work and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with proposal development and client interview strategies
- Familiarity with the architecture, engineering, and planning industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in marketing or business development within the A/E/C industry, exceptional communication skills, and proficiency in relevant software are well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 per year (based on experience, qualifications, location, and education)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
- 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
- Hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
- Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees, as well as specialized in-house career development
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles within the A/E/C industry in the San Francisco area. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Architecture and Planning. SOM is a global collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners building a better future. They are named No. 1 on Architizer's 2024 list of "Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States," an #Equality100 company by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, and a Woman-forward Workplace finalist by Crain's New York Business in 2023.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a large firm, SOM offers a wide range of opportunities for collaboration, growth, and exposure to diverse projects and teams.
Founded: 1936. SOM has a rich history and extensive experience in the architecture and planning industry, with a strong reputation for innovation and excellence.
Company Description:
- SOM is a global collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners building a better future
- Named No. 1 on Architizer's 2024 list of "Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States"
- An #Equality100 company by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index
- A Woman-forward Workplace finalist by Crain's New York Business in 2023
Company Specialties:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Civil/Structural Engineering
- Sustainable Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Seismic Engineering
- Sustainable Engineering
- Adaptive Reuse
- Graphics + Brand
- Urban Design + Planning
Company Website: som.com
ASSUMPTION: SOM's extensive experience, global presence, and commitment to sustainability and diversity make it an attractive employer for professionals in the architecture and planning industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role with significant responsibility for business development and marketing efforts within the firm
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager or another relevant leader within the firm's marketing department
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership or management role within the marketing department
- Opportunities to work on diverse and transformative projects across various industries and regions
- Access to professional development resources and in-house career development programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development within a large, global firm with a strong reputation for excellence in the architecture and planning industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space designed to facilitate interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation
Office Location(s): One Maritime Plaza, San Francisco, California 94111, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its diverse industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare
- The city offers a high cost of living but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development
- San Francisco has a mild Mediterranean climate, with cool, foggy summers and mild, wet winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: SOM's San Francisco office provides a dynamic, collaborative work environment with access to diverse industries and professional networks.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the SOM careers portal
- Phone or video screen with the Marketing Manager or another relevant leader within the marketing department
- In-person or virtual interview with the Marketing Manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Marketing Director or another senior leader within the firm
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to articulate marketing and business development strategies
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the A/E/C industry
- Proven experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the A/E/C industry and SOM's unique value proposition
- Prepare examples of your marketing and business development successes to discuss during the interview
ATS Keywords: Business development, marketing, A/E/C industry, Salesforce, proposal development, client relations, strategic planning, leadership, mentoring, team collaboration
ASSUMPTION: SOM's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, industry knowledge, and relevant experience for the Senior Marketing Specialist role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Salesforce CRM
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage marketing and business development efforts, create proposals and presentations, and track progress and performance.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence: SOM strives for excellence in all aspects of its work, from concept to delivery
- Innovation: SOM encourages creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning to drive innovation in the industry
- Collaboration: SOM fosters a culture of interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration to deliver transformative projects
- Sustainability: SOM is committed to sustainable design and responsible business practices
- Integrity: SOM upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in all its operations
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: SOM values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective success
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and meeting deadlines
- Inclusive and supportive, with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of driving business development and marketing efforts in the A/E/C industry?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and managing multiple priorities?
- Do you share SOM's commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration, sustainability, integrity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with SOM's values and work style are well-suited for this role and will thrive in the firm's collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Navigating a large, global firm with diverse teams and projects
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities
- Developing expertise in the A/E/C industry and staying up-to-date with market trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication skills, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other marketing and business development roles in the A/E/C industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects within a global collective of interdisciplinary teams
- SOM's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence sets it apart from other firms in the industry
- Career paths within SOM may vary depending on the individual's interests, skills, and performance, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department or other areas of the firm
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of global exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for growth and development within the architecture and planning industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic business development plan for a specific market or region
- Managing the proposal development process for a high-profile architecture, engineering, or planning project
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends and growth opportunities within the A/E/C industry
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available to the Senior Marketing Specialist within SOM's marketing department.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and business development strategy for the firm?
- What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the marketing department or other areas of the firm?
- How does SOM support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working on architecture, engineering, and planning projects within SOM?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the work environment and opportunities for growth and development within SOM.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the SOM careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your marketing and business development successes to discuss during the interview
- If invited to an in-person or virtual interview, dress professionally and arrive early to demonstrate your punctuality and attention to detail
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within 24 hours of your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
