GUIDE 2024

Proposal Writer Job Description Examples

Are you looking for proposal writer job description examples? Then you came to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the proposal writer’s requirements and responsibilities in different industries.

We’ll also discuss some of the key skills and attributes that make successful proposal writers stand out from the crowd. So if you’re curious about what goes into this exciting career field, read on.

Proposal writing is an art as it helps a specific company get the funding.

The company must have a stellar proposal as it can improve or break their business. Small businesses especially are on a constant lookout for government grants that help them kickstart their project.

As such, proposal writers are precious, but the job also requires refined writing skills. Furthermore, it’s not enough to create informative copies, you need skills that go outside of your comfort zone. Proposal writers work with clients and companies to understand their requirements.

For starters, our proposal writer job description will explain everything you need to know. You also get a good understanding of a grant writer’s job description after going through our detailed guide.

Proposal Writer Job Description Example 1 – IT

A proposal writer in the IT industry is responsible for creating and writing proposals for potential clients and employers. The job involves researching the needs, understanding the products and services, and creating a proposal that outlines how the company can meet the client’s needs.

Proposal writers must communicate the company’s strengths and capabilities and answer any questions that the client may have. In addition, proposal writers must work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Job responsibilities of a proposal writer:

  • Research companies, non-profits, RFPs, and grants
  • Write documents that help with business development
  • Edit written documents in a professional and credible manner
  • Conduct interviews
  • Help with reviewing products, services, and project ideas
  • Help create strategies that help with the proposal development
  • Rewrite proposals according to feedback
  • Do presentations
  • Create project schedules
  • Write copies with a consistent tone
  • Presentation skills
  • Have an understanding of Microsoft Word and Powerpoint
  • Previous experience in conducting interviews and creating strategies
  • Organizational skills
  • Work with coworkers such as graphic designers
  • Create graphics and presentations
  • Meet deadlines

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science or other related disciplines.
  • 6+ years of proven experience in writing proposals.
  • Understand and explain complex technical concepts.
  • Write clear and concise proposals.
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Work to tight deadlines.
  • An understanding of the IT sales process.
  • experience in the IT industry proposal writing software, such as MS Word, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, or Adobe Photoshop.
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office or Google Docs.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • A positive attitude

proposal writing certification

Proposal Writer Job Description Example 2 – Pharmaceuticals

A proposal writer is responsible for creating compelling scientific proposals and contracts that can win over potential clients and partners in the pharmaceutical industry. Proposal writers must have a deep understanding of the ICHQ10 processes, as well as the needs of potential customers. Most employers in this industry demand someone who has a background in science or engineering to convert complex topics into a well-organized document.

Job responsibilities of a proposal writer:

  • Develop and write proposals for new scientific contracts and programs
  • Work with internal teams to gather information and develop concepts
  • Conduct research on potential customers and competitors
  • Have a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Develop clear and concise arguments
  • Have excellent time management skills
  • Work with therapeutic and operational experts to develop the core strategy for trial success across all clinical phases of drug development.
  • Convey this strategy in concise and compelling narrative text
  • Write quality proposals outlining a well-written and clear strategy
  • Serve as the storyteller in clinical trial solutions or scientific contracts
  • Be a part of a supportive team of writers who share knowledge and expertise to ensure quality, consistency, and professional growth
  • Translate complex scientific concepts into layman’s terms and skilled at building consensus among diverse stakeholders

Requirements

  • At least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, social sciences, or equivalent
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English
  • 4 years of proposal writing work experience within an international or local NGO
  • Conceptualize, design, and plan to prepare reports and proposals
  • Plan the work in a convincing manner and meet demanding deadlines
  • Establish working relationships with the government and non-government organizations
  • Build close working relationships and trust with the program team
  • Bild strong lines of communication with the stakeholders and within the team

Proposal Writer Job Description Example 3 – Consulting

A proposal writer job description for consulting companies is researching and writing proposals that aim to win new contracts for their employers. Think about writing business proposals for digital marketing agencies, software development companies, and legal consulting companies.

Proposal writers must have a strong understanding of the consulting industry to articulate the unique value proposition of their company. They must also be adept at writing persuasive and compelling copy that speaks to the needs of the client.

Proposal writers must be able to work independently and manage multiple deadlines. As a result, proposal writers for consulting companies are high in demand.

Here are the proposal writer’s responsibilities in the consulting industry.

Job responsibilities of a proposal writer:

  • Write clear, persuasive, and articulate proposal sections
  • Translate technical and other ideas into understandable text
  • Rewrite and review proposal sections and related proposal documents
  • Research, write, and organize information in a professional and credible manner
  • Review products, services, and/or business ideas
  • Attend meetings with the client to translate requirements into proposals
  • Prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines
  • Make edits and revisions as per the requirements
  • Maintain consistency by following company policies
  • Work with the design team to create compelling visuals
  • Give presentations to the executive board

Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field
  • 3+ years of previous proposal writing experience
  • Strong knowledge and experience of Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other word processing documents
  • Excellent computer and organizational skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills

Where do proposal writers work

Proposal Writer Job Description Example 4 – NGO

Proposal writers for NGOs must wear many hats. A proposal writer for an NGO conveys the organization’s mission and goals in a concise manner.

As a proposal writer, you also need to capture the attention of potential donors and articulate why their support is essential.

Proposal writers must have a keen understanding of the needs of the NGO and identify how potential donors can help meet those needs.

They should also develop relationships with potential donors and cultivate a sense of trust. The goal of a proposal writer is to secure funding for the NGO so that it can continue its important work.

Job responsibilities of a proposal writer:

  • Read and analyze solicitation, proposal documents, and develop proposals
  • Work with the technical lead and other team members to understand proposal planning
  • Conduct meetings and identify opportunities
  • Develop technical solutions in design meetings
  • Draft accurate, responsive, compelling text for proposals, including background/context, executive summary, technical approach overview, activity components, and technical annexes
  • Work with the proposal team and designers to develop visually compelling graphics
  • Collaborate with the team to improve and streamline the proposal development process
  • Support the development and maintenance of the proposal content library including capability statements, research papers, past performances, management plans, and other related proposal content

Requirements

  • A post-graduate university degree in journalism, or a relevant field
  • 5 years of proposal writing or grant writing experience
  • A proven experience by proposal win rate and donor amount
  • A proven ability to multitask, flexible and responsive to prioritizing responsibilities
  • Proven experience conducting in-depth interviews with subject matter specialists or groups (in a business arrangement) and converting information into meaningful proposals
  • Ability in gathering information
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office programs
  • Strong grip over the English language
  • Team player and aware of different cultures to work in an international setting

 


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 writer and how to write winning proposals.

Josh Fechter
Josh is the founder of Technical Writer HQ and Squibler, a writing software. He had his first job in technical writing for a video editing software company in 2014. Since then, he has written several books on software documentation, personal branding, and computer hacking. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.