Proposal Writer Senior

**Key Responsibilities** ------------------------ ### **1\. Proposal Leadership & Execution** * 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. ### **2\. Library & Technical Content Development** * 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) * 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. ### **3\. Strategic Messaging & Value Positioning** * Develop win themes focused on: * Improved patron access and engagement * Operational efficiency for library staff * Support for digital transformation and open access * Integration with campus or municipal systems * Tailor messaging by segment (academic, public, consortia, K–12). * Craft compelling executive summaries and value narratives. ### **4\. Cross-Functional Collaboration** * Partner with: * Sales and Account Teams to align on opportunity strategy * Product and Engineering to validate technical accuracy * 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. ### **5\. Compliance & Quality Assurance** * 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. ### **6\. Knowledge & Content Management** * 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. ### **7\. Competitive Positioning & Insights** * Integrate knowledge of competing library platforms (e.g., Alma, WorldShare, Sierra, Polaris, Koha). * Highlight differentiators such as: * Open architecture and APIs * User experience innovation * Analytics and reporting capabilities * Support win/loss reviews specific to library procurements. **Core Duties** --------------- * 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. **Required Qualifications** --------------------------- * 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 * SaaS platforms serving public sector or education * Strong understanding of: * Library operations and workflows * Metadata standards and interoperability * Cloud-based enterprise software solutions * Demonstrated experience responding to formal RFPs for public or academic institutions. * Exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills. **Preferred Qualifications** ---------------------------- * 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. **Key Competencies** -------------------- * Ability to communicate complex library technologies in clear, customer-focused language * Strong understanding of librarian personas and institutional decision-making processes * Strategic thinking with a focus on winning competitive procurements * High attention to detail and compliance rigor * Ability to manage multiple large-scale proposals simultaneously **Typical Tools & Technologies** -------------------------------- * Proposal tools: Loopio, RFPIO, Qvidian * Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint * Authoring: Microsoft Word, Excel (for compliance matrices), PowerPoint * CRM: Salesforce or equivalent * Knowledge of library systems and standards documentation * AI tools for searching, creating, editing of content **Key Success Factors** ----------------------- * Delivering high-quality, compliant proposals that resonate with library stakeholders * Effectively translating technical capabilities into library-specific outcomes * Increasing win rates in competitive library procurements * Building a strong, reusable library-focused content base Establishing credibility with internal teams and external library audiences **Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.**