Established in 2018, zzap operates as a strategic design partner, embedding within the workflows of property owners, developers, institutions, and public-sector clients from the earliest stages of site conceptualization. Our work focuses on unlocking site potential while advancing design quality across Atlantic Canada.
zzap’s founders believe that the integration of architecture and planning, grounded in place and supported by meaningful engagement, results in projects that are embraced by the communities they serve. This approach has contributed to a strong and growing reputation across Atlantic Canada in community planning, land development, heritage, and building design.
zzap works across a broad range of project typologies and sectors, including institutional, government, non-profit, commercial, industrial, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, and heritage. Our work spans multiple scales, from strategic planning and policy frameworks to individual buildings and sites, and reflects a commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design responses rooted in place, policy, and long-term viability.
By integrating urban planners and architects within a single practice, zzap simplifies the complex nature of land development, particularly in environments where regulatory frameworks, site constraints, and competing interests intersect. This integrated approach allows us to support clients through complexity, from early feasibility and entitlement through to detailed design and delivery.
zzap’s work is shaped by community needs and real-world conditions. Whether advancing community planning initiatives, stewarding heritage assets, or delivering new infrastructure and buildings, we bring a consistent focus on design quality, collaboration, and responsible growth.
zzap Values
- Start-to-Finish Care and Respect
- Just Be Honest (Honesty and Trust)
- Bring ’Em to the Table (Collaboration)
- Roll With It (Adaptability)
- Check Our Egos at the Door (Humility)
zzap is at an exciting point of growth. As the firm continues to expand its portfolio and pursue new opportunities, there is a growing need for someone to be a structural anchor to elevate the brand and lead all pursuits.
This role sits at the intersection of marketing, brand stewardship, pursuit of proposals, and strategic positioning. Crucially, the M&P Lead must look past the purely technical aspects of the firm's work to articulate how zzap operates as a strategic design partner.
Whether developing a complex proposal or shaping social media content, the M&P Lead will translate zzap's core philosophy into a consistent narrative. The successful candidate will intuitively understand how to communicate zzap's deep commitment to context-driven design responses—ensuring that every submission, story, and presentation reflects an approach that is grounded in place, shaped by community needs, and supported by meaningful engagement.
For zzap, the way the work is done is just as important as the final project delivery.
Proposal Development & Submission
- Coordinates and leads the end-to-end proposal development process (RFPs, RFQs, EOIs) from kickoff to final submission.
- Collaborates with Principals, project teams, and sub-consultants to translate technical ideas into polished, compelling narratives.
- Maintains and evolves proposal templates, credentials packages, boilerplates, and team CVs.
Coordinates presentation readiness, decks, and briefs for client interviews and pitches.
-
Marketing Content & Brand Presence
- Manages zzap’s digital presence, leading website updates and driving social media engagement (primarily LinkedIn and Instagram).
- Develops engaging case studies, project sheets, and thought-leadership content that highlight the firm's expertise.
- Coordinates project photography, visual assets, and industry award submissions (Architectural, Planning, and Business awards).
Supports industry visibility by tracking conferences, speaking opportunities, and panel abstracts.
-
Pipeline, Partnerships & Client Experience
- Maintains a live business development pipeline (tracking leads, pursuits, wins, and losses).
- Monitors industry procurement sources for new project opportunities and public sector calls for submissions.
Maintains client and partner databases, helping coordinate touchpoints, relationship-building efforts, and pre-meeting briefs for leadership.
-
Strategy, Analytics & Process
- Builds and maintains organized, scalable systems for marketing files, templates, and digital assets.
- Conducts post-submission win/loss debriefs to capture lessons learned and refine future pursuit strategies.
- Tracks market trends, competitor positioning, and pricing insights to improve the firm's win rate.
We recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of experience. We’d be excited to hear from people who bring:
- 5+ years of experience in proposals, marketing, communications, business development, pursuits, or strategic growth within professional services or complex project environments
- Experience leading or supporting proposals, RFQs, RFPs, EOIs, submissions, presentations, or client-facing materials
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a knack for translating technical information into compelling narratives
- Strong organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and moving pieces simultaneously
- Experience building or improving systems, templates, workflows, and knowledge management practices to support consistency and efficiency
- Experience or keen interest in AI, particularly Copilot and Claude
- Comfort working closely with senior leaders, subject matter experts, clients, and external partners
- Experience supporting brand development, market positioning, thought leadership, or strategic growth initiatives
- Curiosity about architecture, planning, urban development, design, and the built environment
Assets (but not required):
- Experience within Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), urban planning, land development, consulting, or adjacent professional services environments
- Familiarity with public sector and municipal procurement processes
- Experience supporting award submissions, speaking opportunities, conferences, or industry recognition initiatives
- Understanding of land development, planning policy, architecture, or project delivery processes
- Experience working in a growing organization where systems, processes, and positioning are evolving
Across all experiences, the ideal candidate is someone who is:
- Highly organized and naturally proactive
- Equal parts strategic thinker and hands-on do-er
- A relationship-oriented and polished communicator.
- Curious, adaptable, and motivated by helping meaningful work get recognized
- Aligned with zzap’s values of care, honesty, collaboration, adaptability, and humility
Statement of Intention
We encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women in non-traditional fields, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.
Moreover, we collaborate closely with the P4G search team, who are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you.
The Package
Salary: $75,000 - $90,000
Location: On-site at zzap's Home Office at 1 Canal Street Dartmouth, NS
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 paid hours per week
Benefits & Perks:
- 3 weeks vacation
- 7 Wellness Days
- December Holiday Shutdown
- Summer Hours
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development support
- Wellness Spending Account
- Comprehensive Group Benefits
- Parental Leave EI Top-Up Program
- Dog Friendly Office
What to Expect
At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. We’re working with the organization to ensure candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.
- We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
- If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
- Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
- Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
- P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2026 at noon AT.
Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.
Don’t be generic. Be yourself.
Have questions about the role?
Reach out to the Lead Placemaker at P4G to learn more.
Amanda McNutt
