Proposal Writer

CCS Fundraising•Chicago, IL

1d•$70,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

CCS Fundraising is seeking a motivated, deadline-driven Proposal Writer to work with a Chicago-based team. The role works closely with the Executive team, managing new leads from ideation to contract and ensuring Executives have the materials and preparation needed for successful business development and sales meetings. A central focus is producing compelling, consistent, creative, and professional proposals, RFPs, and presentations that distinguish CCS from competitors. This is not a sales or lead-generating position. The Proposal Writer contributes writing, communication, research, and design skills to develop sales materials and resources. The role requires a proactive, highly responsive professional who can work directly with senior leadership, balance competing priorities, and deliver under tight deadlines. Experience with RFPs, proposals, client relationship management databases, research, data visualization, and professional writing is relevant. Familiarity with AI tools and interest in using emerging technologies to improve quality, creativity, and efficiency are valued. The role offers room to grow and evolve. This is a full-time, hybrid position requiring two days per week in the office. CCS is unable to sponsor employment visas for this position; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of professional experience with a proven writing and project management track record.
Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Highly proactive, ambitious, and adaptable, with a strong sense of urgency, exceptional responsiveness, and a drive to exceed expectations.
Excellent writing and visualization skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Thorough proofreading skills.
Excellent time management and organizational abilities, including the ability to independently structure time and tasks to meet deadlines.
Resourcefulness and initiative in problem-solving and adapting to changing needs.
Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Strong presentation design skills, including understanding visual hierarchy, layout, and effective data visualization.
Familiarity with generative AI tools and interest in applying AI thoughtfully to writing, research, and workflow improvement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with RFPs, proposals, and client relationship management databases.
Creative presentation design experience with PowerPoint, Canva, and other graphic design programs.
Familiarity with ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
CRM experience, with HubSpot preferred.
SharePoint experience.

Responsibilities

Write and design customized sales proposals, presentations, and supporting materials in close coordination with the Executive Team.
Participate in sales meetings to understand client needs and inform proposal strategy.
Develop tailored content based on the specific needs, scope, and interests of each prospective client.
Partner with Team Executives to define proposal elements, including scope of work, pricing, and service structure.
Establish and manage internal timelines to guide daily work and ensure on-time delivery of materials.
Collaborate with the Executive Team to identify strategic next steps for active leads in the sales pipeline.
Support final editing, formatting, and distribution of proposals and other materials.
Print and ship sales materials when needed or requested.
Draft and send emails with sales materials on behalf of Executives when needed or requested.
Research potential leads and prepare other sales materials in advance of meetings so Team Executives are prepared in a timely manner.
Anticipate Executive needs, communicate responsively, and take ownership of deliverables to produce high-quality materials under tight deadlines.
Maintain and update proposal templates, customizing them for proposals, decks, one-pagers, and other materials as needed.
Assist other proposal writers in securing client case studies and references for proposals.
Draft thank-you and follow-up correspondence for Team Executives.
Work with the team database coordinator and make direct database updates, as applicable, to keep lead information current.
Liaise with proposal writers across the team and firm to understand trends and continually enhance materials.
Use AI tools, as appropriate, for research, content development, and workflow efficiency while maintaining editorial judgment, accuracy, and quality.
Participate in Proposal Team strategic planning and lead assigned strategic projects, as appropriate.
Support the sales process through additional tasks, including maintaining organized records of proposal drafts, final submissions, and supporting documentation for future reference and compliance.