Proposal Writer, Senior

Harris Computer • Remote - Utah, UT

1d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Proposal Writer to lead end-to-end proposal development for library system procurements. This role involves analyzing RFP requirements, developing proposal strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and crafting compelling content that highlights our library technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of library operations, technical capabilities, and competitive positioning, with exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Library Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of proposal writing experience, preferably in library technology, EdTech, or SaaS platforms serving public sector or education.
• Strong understanding of library operations and workflows.
• Strong understanding of metadata standards and interoperability.
• Strong understanding of cloud-based enterprise software solutions.
• Demonstrated experience responding to formal RFPs for public or academic institutions.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related field.
• Detailed knowledge of Symphony ILS.
• Experience working directly with libraries (academic, public, or consortia).
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and public procurement requirements.
• Knowledge of trends such as open access, digital collections, and linked data.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end proposal development for library system procurements (ILS/LSP, discovery, digital resource management, analytics).
• Analyze RFP requirements from libraries, consortia, and government entities to ensure complete compliance.
• Develop proposal strategies aligned to procurement criteria such as functionality, interoperability, accessibility, and total cost of ownership.
• Manage timelines, schedules, and deliverables across cross-functional teams.
• Write clear and persuasive responses describing circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and ERM functionality, discovery layers and user experience, interoperability (e.g., MARC, BIBFRAME, APIs, SIP2, NCIP, Z39.50), and cloud architecture, hosting, security, and data privacy.
• Translate technical platform capabilities into outcomes for librarians, faculty, and patrons.
• Collaborate with product managers, solution consultants, and library SMEs.
• Develop win themes focused on improved patron access and engagement, operational efficiency for library staff, support for digital transformation and open access, and integration with campus or municipal systems.
• Tailor messaging by segment (academic, public, consortia, K–12).
• Craft compelling executive summaries and value narratives.
• Partner with Sales and Account Teams to align on opportunity strategy.
• Partner with Product and Engineering to validate technical accuracy.
• Partner with Implementation and Support teams to describe service delivery.
• Lead proposal review cycles (e.g., content reviews, compliance checks).
• Coordinate inputs from distributed stakeholders, including international teams when applicable.
• Ensure full compliance with library procurement requirements, including mandatory forms, technical matrices, and pricing structures.
• Maintain consistency in terminology (library standards, metadata formats, accessibility requirements such as WCAG).
• Edit and proofread for clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Maintain and enhance a reusable content library specific to library technology: standard responses for ILS/LSP functionality, case studies and library success stories, implementation methodologies and training approaches.
• Develop templates for common library procurement formats.
• Continuously improve proposal processes and efficiency.
• Integrate knowledge of competing library platforms (e.g., Alma, WorldShare, Sierra, Polaris, Koha).
• Highlight differentiators such as open architecture and APIs, user experience innovation, and analytics and reporting capabilities.
• Support win/loss reviews specific to library procurements.
• Utilize our current Proposal Response software, Loopio, along with our suite of AI tools to write and edit detailed RFP responses for libraries and consortia.
• Develop compliance matrices addressing hundreds to thousands of functional requirements.
• Lead proposal kickoff meetings and define content strategy.
• Align messaging with library priorities such as accessibility, equity, and digital access.
• Customize proposals for each institution or consortium.
• Support presentations, demos, and oral proposals to library stakeholders.
• Mentor junior writers on library-specific content and standards.
• Track proposal success metrics within the library market segment.

Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior