What Does a Proposal Writer Do?
A proposal writer is responsible for creating persuasive and compliant documents that secure business opportunities, funding, or contracts. They develop proposals in response to RFPs, RFQs, or grant opportunities, tailoring content to meet client or funder requirements. Proposal writers research organizational strengths, analyze requirements, and craft compelling narratives that highlight solutions, qualifications, and value.
In addition to writing, a proposal writer collaborates with subject matter experts, project managers, and executives to gather technical, financial, and operational details. They ensure proposals meet deadlines, follow strict formatting and compliance guidelines, and effectively convey complex information in a clear and professional manner. Their role requires balancing creativity with precision to produce winning submissions.
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Proposal Writer Core Responsibilities
- Research and analyze RFPs, RFQs, or grant opportunities
- Develop written proposals that align with requirements and objectives
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather technical and business input
- Edit, format, and proofread proposals to ensure compliance and clarity
- Maintain proposal templates, content libraries, and style guides
- Track proposal deadlines and manage submission schedules
- Support post-submission follow-ups, revisions, or clarifications
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe, and proposal management tools
- Familiarity with compliance requirements for RFPs, grants, or government bids
- Ability to research and synthesize technical or business information
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Persuasive and strategic writing style
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, business, or related field required
Certifications
- Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience writing proposals, grants, or business development documents
- Experience with government, nonprofit, or corporate proposal processes
- Familiarity with CRM or proposal automation software
National Average Salary
Proposal writer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Proposal Writer is:
$67,757
Sample Job Description Templates for Proposal Writers
Entry-Level Proposal Writer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level proposal writer to support the creation of proposals, grants, and business development documents. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals who are detail-oriented and eager to build expertise in persuasive business writing.
Responsibilities
- Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting proposal content
- Research organizational capabilities and collect supporting materials
- Maintain proposal templates, style guides, and document libraries
- Proofread proposals for accuracy, grammar, and compliance
- Track deadlines and help ensure timely submissions
- Collaborate with team members to gather input and prepare supporting documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document formatting
- Strong writing and proofreading abilities
- Familiarity with research and information gathering techniques
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Ability to take direction and learn quickly
- Good teamwork and communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or business required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or academic experience in writing, research, or communications
- Exposure to grant writing, RFPs, or business proposals
Junior Proposal Writer
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior proposal writer to develop proposal content and contribute to competitive business development efforts. This role requires foundational writing experience and the ability to manage smaller assignments under supervision.
Responsibilities
- Draft and edit proposal sections tailored to client or funding requirements
- Review RFPs and summarize key requirements for the proposal team
- Support proposal compliance checks and quality reviews
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to collect input for technical or financial content
- Assist in coordinating deadlines and proposal submission logistics
- Maintain version control of documents throughout the proposal process
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of proposal writing and compliance standards
- Ability to organize and present technical or business information
- Proficiency with document management and collaboration tools
Soft skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Detail-oriented and adaptable in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of professional writing or proposal support experience
- APMP Foundation certification recommended
Mid-Level Proposal Writer
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level proposal writer to take ownership of proposal development, ensuring high-quality, persuasive, and compliant submissions. This role requires experience coordinating proposals across departments and the ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of proposal narratives and supporting documentation
- Analyze RFPs, grants, or bid requests and create compliance checklists
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather technical and pricing information
- Ensure proposals are accurate, well-structured, and aligned with client requirements
- Edit and refine content for clarity, tone, and persuasiveness
- Contribute to process improvements in proposal development practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong proposal writing and editing experience
- Ability to manage compliance requirements for RFPs and bids
- Proficiency with content libraries, CRM tools, and proposal automation software
Soft skills
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, English, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of proposal or grant writing experience
- APMP Practitioner certification recommended
Senior Proposal Writer
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior proposal writer to lead high-value and complex proposal submissions while mentoring junior writers. This role requires advanced writing expertise, strong compliance knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with executives and subject matter experts.
Responsibilities
- Lead proposal strategy sessions and outline content plans
- Write, edit, and refine complex proposal sections with a focus on persuasiveness
- Supervise compliance reviews and ensure adherence to requirements
- Mentor and support junior proposal writers and coordinators
- Work with leadership to develop win themes, strategies, and value propositions
- Represent the proposal function in executive reviews and client meetings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of proposal and grant writing methodologies
- Strong knowledge of government and corporate RFP processes
- Ability to manage large, multi-volume submissions
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in business, communications, or related field preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of proposal writing experience
- APMP Professional certification or equivalent advanced credential
Lead Proposal Writer
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead proposal writer to oversee proposal development across multiple projects and ensure consistent quality and compliance. This role blends advanced writing with leadership, requiring the ability to guide strategy and supervise proposal teams.
Responsibilities
- Oversee proposal development from planning through submission
- Establish proposal standards, templates, and best practices
- Assign writing responsibilities and review completed sections for quality
- Collaborate with executives and business development leaders on strategy
- Ensure consistency and compliance across all proposal deliverables
- Train and mentor writers to build organizational proposal expertise
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in proposal development, editing, and compliance
- Strong knowledge of proposal management tools and CRM systems
- Ability to manage multiple high-value proposals simultaneously
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching abilities
- Strong communication and collaboration with executives and teams
- Strategic thinking and ability to deliver under tight deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of proposal writing and leadership experience
- APMP Professional or similar executive-level certification
Proposal Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a proposal manager to lead the proposal function across the organization, ensuring competitive, high-quality submissions that drive business growth. This executive-level role requires leadership, strategy, and accountability for proposal success.
Responsibilities
- Manage the proposal team and oversee development across all submissions
- Establish proposal strategy, processes, and content standards
- Collaborate with executives, business development, and subject matter experts
- Allocate resources and assign staff to proposals based on priorities
- Ensure compliance with government, nonprofit, or corporate requirements
- Track performance metrics and continuously improve proposal outcomes
- Represent the organization in client or funder meetings as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of proposal management frameworks and compliance standards
- Strong financial and operational management skills
- Proficiency with enterprise-level CRM and proposal automation software
Soft skills
- Executive leadership and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Ability to inspire and build high-performing teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree in communications, business, or related field strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12–15 years of proposal writing and management experience
- APMP certification at Professional or Fellow level highly desirable