Cheryl Jemar | Brice Civil Constructors
In our member spotlight, Cheryl Jemar takes time out of her busy day to chat with SMPS. Cheryl, who works for Brice Civil Constructors as their Proposal Manager, shares the rewards of her job and the benefits of being an SMPS member.
Q: How did you find your way to the AEC industry and your current firm?
A: I started a temp job as a backup receptionist at USKH (now Stantec). They hired me permanently as an administrative assistant. While in this role, I observed the marketing department and occasionally helped them with a few tasks. I really enjoyed working with staff in this department and started learning more about professional services marketing. This was a whole new world to me – it was never discussed in my marketing classes in college. When there was an opening in the department, I moved to a marketing coordinator role. I worked my way up to proposal manager prior to the 2014 Stantec acquisition. With Stantec, my role encompassed new markets and regional pursuits. During COVID, my husband had a job change and we move out of Alaska. I was able to continue working from home but that led to some changes in my position at Stantec. I made the jump to Brice Civil Constructors about 18 months ago as their first proposal manager – really their first full time marketing person – and absolutely love it! I can work from home (in Utah) and manage proposals in our Alaska and Texas offices.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: Leading the pre-proposal strategy sessions. We meet weekly for four to six weeks to discuss the project, client hot buttons, team strengths and weaknesses, and the competition. We use this information to develop our win strategy.
Q: What has been your most meaningful project?
A: With nearly two decades in this industry, it’s hard to select just one meaningful project. My very first proposal was a design-build pursuit for the USACE Alaska District Cottonwood Family Housing on Fort Richardson – it was very exciting to win this project and it affirmed I made the right career move into the professional services marketing world. Another highlight was the Illisagvik College Design Competition for a new campus in Utqiagvik, Alaska. We pulled together northern design subject matter experts in all disciplines from Alaska and Canada to prepare and deliver phase one qualifications, phase two technical approach, and an intensive interview held in Utqiagvik. It was a six-month effort with a large cast of experts. Unfortunately, we were not selected, and the project was eventually canceled by the client. The experience working with the assembled team was fantastic!
Q: What are your challenges?
A: Starting at a new company that didn’t have any structure for a marketing department. Using the SMPS Blueprints publication has been extremely helpful as I establish and introduce various marketing and business development services internally to my company.
Q: What was a pivotal point in your career?
A: When I realized I needed to change companies to continue my professional growth. It was a difficult decision to leave my roots that began at USKH but I needed a change that allows me to continue growing and developing my skills as well as an employer that allows me to implement processes for M&BD structure that help the company grow.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is about to enter the marketing or business development field?
A: I would suggest learning about the career of marketing for professional services through SMPS not just about the specific job someone takes entering the career field. Once you realize the different options that exist in this career field, find a company that allows you to grow. When you’ve reached the ceiling at that company, find a new employer where you can grow higher. Most importantly, find a mentor to help your professional development and navigate your career.
Q: Why is SMPS important to you?
A: SMPS involvement opens the door to a variety of possibilities a person may not see while doing the daily tasks of a marketing job. Beyond learning about job/career field, SMPS involvement helps develop leadership skills, mentorship with industry cohorts that can help you with your professional development, and networking that can help your firm with teaming possibilities or yourself when looking for a new position. I am grateful for the years I was involved with the Alaska Chapter beginning as a founding member when we chartered our chapter and the years volunteering in various roles on the board of directors. This experience helped with my leadership development as well as building my confidence to teach, train, and guide others.
