What is the Proposal Writer Career Path?
There are multiple roads in a proposal writer’s career path. The article provides a detailed explanation of the proposal writer’s career path so you don’t stray from the most optimal road for you.
We start with responsibilities and finish with opportunities that will arise as you progress to higher positions, such as proposal specialist, coordinator, or proposal manager. If you’re interested in learning more via video, then watch the video below. Otherwise, skip ahead.
What is the Proposal Writer Career Path?
Being a proposal writer is a unique career route, even as an entry-level position. Unlike other entry-level jobs, such as a technical writer, proposal writers get a comprehensive overview of a company win strategy, its products, and services.
The process requires that you know the ins and outs of the industry, build relationships, and work with different teams inside the company, such as product and creative teams. This is also why companies are on a constant lookout for proposal writers with strong proposal development skills.
If you’re jumpstarting your career, here are the basic requirements for a proposal writer.
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, English, or related field.
- Preferred experience in proposal writing.
- Advanced knowledge of content creation software.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
- Credible proposal writing certification.
Although not strictly necessary, you’ll want to check and possibly get one of the APMP certifications.
After you become a proposal writer, you’ll gain additional skills that will make it easier for you to determine where you want to take your career. These additional skills can lead to significant career growth and advancement opportunities.
One of the first is that you’ll write different proposal types. Depending on which you specialize, you’ll need to learn additional skills.
Proposal Types
In your career, you’ll get a lot of job opportunities. While it’s tempting for writers to take on as many projects as possible, it is better to specialize first. Otherwise, you’ll end up overdoing yourself, which often results in average work.
Specialization can come organically while working for different companies or making a conscious decision. Here are general proposal types that can help you better understand where you want to go as a proposal writer. Understanding these different types can also aid in developing an effective proposal strategy.
1. Internal Proposal
An internal proposal is designed for company use, aiming to suggest changes within the organization. It typically addresses improvements like new management processes. This type of proposal ensures that the company’s operations evolve efficiently and remain aligned with internal goals.
2. External Proposal
External proposals are the most common and encompass various business relationships, including grants, sales, or project bids. These documents are crucial for forming new partnerships and securing business opportunities, driving the company’s growth and expansion.
3. Solicited Proposal
Solicited proposals fall under the category of external proposals and are specifically crafted in response to a request for proposal (RFP) from another organization. Companies submit these proposals to meet the explicit needs and requirements outlined in the RFP, aiming to win contracts or partnerships.
4. Unsolicited Proposal
Unsolicited business proposals that, in contrast to solicited ones, are sent to organizations without an initial request. These propositions are proactive efforts by companies to introduce new ideas or opportunities, hoping to spark interest and initiate business engagements.
Once you start writing different proposals, you’ll get promotion opportunities for the next step in your proposal writing career. Developing a solid proposal strategy will be crucial for your proposal career success.
Different Proposal Writing Jobs
Depending on your past performance, there are several roads you can take. Different roles offer various opportunities for career growth and career advancement, allowing you to advance and develop new skills.
Some proposal professionals stick to technical writing, while some become proposal management professionals. Here’s a list of different roles:
- Senior proposal writer
- Proposal coordinator
- Proposal manager
- Proposal director
Senior Proposal Writer
Many proposal writers want a better salary but prefer keeping current duties. These writers focus on becoming senior proposal writers. Although similar, you gain more responsibilities as a senior proposal writer inside the proposal team.
Here are the main duties if you move to the senior position.
- Write clear and engaging proposal sections.
- Review and rewrite proposal sections.
- Interview subject matter experts and collect data.
- Stay on top of the latest proposal trends.
- Work (and lead) other proposal team members.
The senior position is the most similar to the starting position of a proposal writer. The main difference is that other proposal writers will come to you for advice. Although you’re not a proposal manager, you can still expect tasks where you help less-experienced writers, and your leadership skills will be crucial in guiding and mentoring them.
Proposal Coordinator
You can become a proposal coordinator if you feel like you have a great job outlook and oversee the proposal process. Instead of writing, you’ll focus on project management, which is crucial for ensuring a streamlined process.
Creating a proposal includes many moving parts, so proposal coordinators need to set up and maintain a productive work environment.
Here are the main proposal coordinator responsibilities.
- Coordinate the proposal team and the RFP flow.
- Understand proposal requirements and ensure the proposals meet the requirements.
- Create proposal templates and provide feedback.
- Communicate across different teams and with other organizations (such as government agencies).
Although a proposal coordinator is responsible for coordinating the project, they aren’t product managers. Although they oversee team members, they focus on ensuring an optimal working field.
Proposal Manager
If you’re more for managing other writing, becoming a proposal manager is a natural choice. It’s arguably the most fast-paced job. You work with teams outside the core proposal team, such as marketing and graphic designers. Furthermore, you’re involved in every step of the process.
Unlike writers and proposal coordinators, proposal managers work from step one, meaning primarily deciding to bid or not to bid. Primary proposal manager responsibilities are.
- Discuss and decide to engage with a proposal or not.
- Identify the client’s needs, strengths, and weaknesses by managing client relationships.
- Create proposal plans.
- Oversee proposal writing team, marketing, and competition research.
- Submit completed proposals.
- Report to the executive team.
The proposal manager job is the furthest job from what you initially start in entry-level positions. As such, it often has more extensive requirements. For example, instead of a bachelor’s degree, it’s better to have a master’s degree.
Proposal Director
Although confused, a proposal director and proposals manager isn’t the same job. While proposal managers work exclusively on proposals, it’s possible for a proposal director not even to manage specific projects.
A proposal director oversees all projects on a company level. Through strategic planning, they set the most optimal standards, define proposal structures, and are crucial for quality assurance.
Although the director’s responsibilities depend on the company, here are the main duties.
- Lead proposals on the company level.
- Oversee leadership with proposal managers.
- Create and maintain an optimal proposal strategy.
- Manage meetings.
Directors have different duties across different companies. In some examples, the role is between a proposal manager and an executive, while in other instances, a director never works on a specific project.
How to Ask for a Promotion?
As you grow, you’ll take on more duties. Taking on additional responsibilities also contributes to your professional development, helping you grow in your career. The more work you do, the bigger the impact you’ll leave on the company. But when to ask for a promotion and how to ask?
You should consider moving up in your career when you take on more tasks. Check your original job description. Do you have duties that aren’t part of your job description? A significant bump is if you currently have management or leadership duties.
But just because you feel like you should get a promotion doesn’t mean you’ll get one. Here are tips for asking for a promotion.
First, express interest. This sets up the field and plants the idea in your manager’s ear. Depending on your relationship, you should approach it informally without demands.
The next step that you can do is inform yourself about possible coworkers leaving their position. Depending on the company’s size, you’ll have to ask directly.
Finally, you should simply ask. The essential element to remember is that you shouldn’t expect your boss to come with the promotion to you. Although possible, being proactive is a better action.
If you are taking on more duties and benefiting the company, there should be no discussion about the promotion.
Average Proposal Writer Salary
If you’re starting as a proposal writer, you can expect an average salary of $51,134 per year. Industry standards play a significant role in determining salary expectations, influencing what you can earn as you gain experience.
As you move up the ranks, your salary will go up as well. An average proposal coordinator salary is around $65,000. However, not a significant bump, the proposal coordinator role does open doors to new responsibilities and is an excellent segue towards more senior positions.
Although the average salary for a proposal manager is $75,000 per year, according to Zippia, it can go as high as $116,000.
Finally, the average proposal director’s salary is $135,831 per year.
Developing Essential Skills for Proposal Writing
To excel in a proposal writing career, it’s crucial to develop both hard and soft skills. Here are some essential skills:
Research Skills
Proposal writers must conduct thorough research to understand the client’s needs, the market, and the competition. This helps in crafting compelling proposals that stand out.
Writing and Technical Editing
Excellent writing and editing skills are fundamental. A proposal writer must be able to convey ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
Project Management
Managing multiple proposals simultaneously requires strong organizational and project management skills to ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration with various teams and stakeholders are essential for gathering necessary information and ensuring that proposals align with the company’s objectives.
Attention to Detail
Paying close attention to detail ensures that proposals are accurate, free of errors, and meet all client requirements and guidelines.
Adaptability
The ability to adapt to different industries, proposal types, and client needs is crucial for a successful proposal writing career.
Networking and Professional Development
Building a strong professional network and continuously developing your skills are vital for career advancement. Here are some tips:
- Join Professional Associations
Organizations like the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) offer resources, certifications, and networking opportunities. - Attend Conferences and Workshops
Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in proposal writing. - Online Courses and Certifications
Enroll in online courses and obtain certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills. Many platforms offer specialized courses in proposal writing and related fields. - Mentorship
Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.
The Future of Proposal Writing
The proposal writing industry is evolving with advancements in technology and changing business landscapes. Here are some trends to watch for:
1. Technology Integration
Proposal software and AI-driven tools are increasing, helping writers automate routine tasks, analyze data, and improve efficiency.
2. Remote Work
With the rise of remote work, proposal writers can collaborate with teams and clients from anywhere, expanding job opportunities and flexibility. This makes it easier for a beginner to find a proposal writer job anywhere.
3. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Companies are increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility. Proposal writers must be able to address these topics effectively in their proposals.
4. Personalization and Customization
Clients expect more personalized and customized proposals. Tailoring proposals to meet specific client needs and preferences will become even more critical.
Final Note
The proposal writing career is full of bumps, just like any other profession. Unlike regular articles, creating proposal content requires a unique mixture of hard and soft skills. You need to know how to write, use software and be creative, but you also need to have great people skills to get the information you need even to start devising proposals.
No matter at what point in your career you are right now, there’s always room to grow. Career opportunities are available at different stages, allowing you to advance and develop new skills. As long as you don’t stagnate or give up, you’re in the game. In other words, you’re on the right career path. We wish you all the best.
FAQs
Read the most frequently asked questions for proposal writers.
A good proposal writer is someone who spends more time researching than writing. Understanding the job market is crucial for a proposal writer to tailor proposals effectively and meet client needs.
What does a proposal writer do?
A proposal writer is a professional who creates proposals that help companies and other organizations to reach their goals. The goal can be a grant that allows further business development, a professional partnership with another company, or landing a project when a business publishes a request for a proposal.
What makes a good proposal writer?
A good proposal writer is someone who spends more time researching than writing. They know the relevant questions they need to ask to get the information that makes developing a proposal simple. Often, clients don’t know what they need for a great proposal. It’s the writer’s job to get the information from them.
What are the primary responsibilities of a proposal writer?
A proposal writer is responsible for crafting comprehensive and persuasive proposals that help organizations secure business opportunities. Key tasks include researching client needs, writing proposals, collaborating with technical writers in various departments, and ensuring the proposal meets all requirements and deadlines.
How can I gain experience in proposal writing if I’m just starting?
To gain experience, consider internships, volunteer positions, or entry-level jobs where proposal writing is part of the role. Additionally, you can improve your skills by taking relevant courses, obtaining certifications like APMP, and writing practice proposals.
What skills are essential for a successful proposal writer?
Essential skills for a proposal writer include excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, proficiency with content creation software, the ability to meet deadlines, and strong research capabilities. Relationship-building and teamwork are also crucial for collaborating with different departments.
What are the career advancement opportunities for a proposal writer?
Career advancement opportunities for a proposal writer include roles such as senior proposal writer, proposal coordinator, proposal manager, and proposal director. Each position offers increasing responsibilities, from managing proposal teams to overseeing all proposal activities at a company level.
What types of proposals might a proposal writer be tasked with creating?
A proposal writer may create various types of proposals, including internal proposals (for internal company changes), external proposals (for business relationships like grants or sales), solicited proposals (in response to a request for proposal), and unsolicited proposals (sent to organizations without an initial request). Specializing in a specific type can lead to greater expertise and career advancement.
If you are new to proposal writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Proposal Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a proposal and how to write winning proposals.
