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If you’ve Googled “proposal writer job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of cookie-cutter templates. The problem? Most of them don’t actually help you attract a great proposal writer—they just give you generic filler text.
Think about it: top candidates don’t get excited by lifeless checklists like “Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.” Those posts don’t sell the opportunity, they don’t reflect your company values, and they certainly don’t connect with the people you really want to hire.
But here’s the truth: proposal writers are storytellers. They’re the ones turning your company’s ideas, services, and solutions into winning bids. If your job post can’t tell a compelling story about your company, why should they believe you can win competitive proposals?
The good news? You don’t need to be a marketing genius to write a strong job description—you just need the right format and a bit of intention.
👉 Before we dive into the details, if you want a full breakdown of what makes a job post effective, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It explains why most generic posts fail to convert quality applicants, and how to transform yours into a powerful recruiting tool.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What the Proposal Writer Role Actually Is
A Proposal Writer is more than just someone who drafts documents—they are the bridge between your company’s expertise and a client’s needs. At their core, proposal writers research, organize, and craft persuasive proposals that help your business win contracts, funding, or partnerships.
In plain English: a proposal writer tells your company’s story in a way that convinces others to say “yes.”
That means they:
- Translate complex technical or business information into clear, compelling narratives.
- Work closely with subject matter experts, sales teams, and leadership to understand what makes your company unique.
- Ensure proposals are not only accurate but also persuasive, polished, and on-brand.
And here’s the key: proposal writers aren’t just administrators—they’re strategists and storytellers. Their success lies as much in strong writing, attention to detail, and deadline management as it does in understanding people, motivations, and business goals.
Done right, they can be the difference between your company winning—or losing—a million-dollar opportunity.
Two Great Proposal Writer Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Proposal Writer
📌 Job Title: Senior Proposal Writer – Helios Renewables
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (Austin, TX) or Remote (US) | Salary: $72,000–$92,000 + performance bonus
📍 Location: Austin, TX (HQ) | Remote-friendly (US)
🎥 A quick word from our Head of Business Development
(Insert Loom/YouTube link: e.g., insert link here)
About Helios Renewables
Helios Renewables designs and delivers utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects across the American Southwest. Over the last 10 years, we’ve helped municipal utilities and Fortune 100 enterprises add more than 2GW of clean energy to the grid. Our proposals are a core growth engine—translating complex engineering into compelling, customer-centric narratives that win competitive bids.
What You’ll Do
- Own end-to-end development of high-quality proposals, RFP/RFI responses, and capability statements for solar + BESS projects.
- Collaborate with engineering, finance, legal, and project development to source inputs and align win themes.
- Translate technical content (one-line diagrams, performance models, EPC scopes) into clear, persuasive language.
- Build compliance matrices, manage schedules, and drive color-team reviews to hit immovable deadlines.
- Maintain a proposal content library and implement version control and brand standards.
- Track results and continuously improve win rates using data from debriefs and competitive analysis.
What We’re Looking For
- 3–5+ years of proposal/grants/RFP writing in energy, infrastructure, engineering, or similar complex industries.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storyboarding skills; strong grasp of compliance and evaluation criteria.
- Rock-solid project management under tight deadlines; comfortable leading cross-functional teams.
- Ability to transform technical input into customer-focused value propositions and win themes.
- Bonus: APMP certification; familiarity with InDesign; knowledge of IRA incentives or interconnection processes.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + HSA with employer contribution
- 401(k) with 4% match
- 20 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + paid volunteer day
- Home office stipend (remote) + professional development budget
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Annual performance bonus eligibility
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- High visibility: your work directly influences multi-million-dollar awards.
- Real ownership: lead proposals end-to-end, not just “wordsmith.”
- Mission + momentum: help accelerate the clean-energy transition at scale.
- Growth: build playbooks, optimize the content library, and shape our win strategy.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application within 7–10 days. Shortlisted candidates complete a brief timed writing exercise in WorkScreen, followed by two interviews (BD + Engineering). Finalists complete a collaborative storyboard session.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a short, role-relevant exercise so we can understand your approach beyond the résumé. We’ll keep you updated at every step.
✅ Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Proposal Writer
📌 Job Title: Junior Proposal & Grants Writer (Training Provided) – CivicBridge Nonprofit Alliance
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (Phoenix, AZ) | Salary: $45,000–$55,000
📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ (2–3 days in office)
🎥 A quick word from our Programs Director
(Insert Loom/YouTube link: e.g., insert link here
About CivicBridge
CivicBridge Nonprofit Alliance funds and operates community health and youth development initiatives across Maricopa County. Since 1971, we’ve partnered with schools, clinics, and local governments to expand access to mental health services, nutrition, and after-school support. We win grants by telling the real stories of our communities—and we’ll teach you how to do that with clarity and heart.
What You’ll Do
- Draft, edit, and format sections of grants, proposals, and letters of intent under senior guidance.
- Research program data, community needs, and evidence-based outcomes to support narratives.
- Interview program managers to turn impact metrics into compelling stories.
- Build checklists and track deadlines for multi-funder calendars.
- Learn compliance, budget alignment, and funder requirements; grow into owning full proposals.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong writing fundamentals (journalism, English, communications, public policy, or similar).
- Curiosity, organization, and comfort working to hard deadlines.
- Empathy and a mission-driven mindset; eagerness to learn grants craft.
- No direct proposal experience required—training and mentorship provided.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + Employee Assistance Program
- 15 days PTO + 12 paid holidays + office closed last week of December
- $800 annual learning stipend + paid writing workshops
- Transit pass or parking stipend
- Two paid volunteer days per year
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Learn a career craft: hands-on training in grants and proposals with real impact.
- Purpose-driven work: your words help fund mental health, nutrition, and youth programs.
- Clear progression: defined milestones to advance to Proposal Writer within 12–18 months.
- Supportive team: editors, mentors, and repeatable frameworks to help you grow.
Our Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed weekly. Shortlisted candidates complete a short WorkScreen writing exercise, then meet the Hiring Manager (30 mins) and Programs Director (30 mins). Finalists complete a paid take-home (2–3 hours).
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a brief exercise so we can understand your potential—not just your past experience.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Proposal Writer Posts Work
Both the Helios Renewables (experienced) and CivicBridge (entry-level) job descriptions go beyond generic checklists. Here’s why they stand out and will attract stronger applicants:
1. Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of vague labels like “Proposal Writer”, both posts use precise, descriptive titles:
- Senior Proposal Writer – Helios Renewables
- Junior Proposal & Grants Writer (Training Provided) – CivicBridge Nonprofit Alliance
This signals seniority, context, and intent. Candidates instantly know who the role is for and what level of experience is expected.
2. Video Element Adds a Human Touch
By linking to a short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager, the post instantly feels personal and authentic. Top candidates want to see who they’ll be working with and whether leadership is approachable. This makes your company stand out in a sea of faceless listings.
3. Authentic Company Story
Both companies have concrete, memorable descriptions:
- Helios Renewables highlights 2GW of clean energy delivered and its role in the solar transition.
- CivicBridge emphasizes its 50+ years of nonprofit impact in health and youth development.
This transforms the “About Us” section from boilerplate filler into a mission-driven pitch that resonates emotionally with applicants.
4. Responsibilities That Show Impact
Rather than listing dry tasks like “write proposals,” the descriptions highlight how the role drives results:
- Helios: “your work directly influences multi-million-dollar awards.”
- CivicBridge: “your words help fund mental health, nutrition, and youth programs.”
This creates purpose and gives candidates a reason to feel motivated.
5. Transparency in Salary & Perks
Both roles include salary ranges, PTO, benefits, stipends, and leave policies. This builds trust and filters in serious applicants. Transparency also signals respect for candidates’ time.
6. Perks & Benefits vs. Why This Role Is a Great Fit
Instead of cramming everything into one section, perks/benefits and role value are separated clearly. This ensures candidates see both the tangible benefits (insurance, PTO, stipends) and the intangibles (growth opportunities, purpose-driven work).
7. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
Both posts explain what happens after you apply:
- Review timelines.
- Use of WorkScreen for fair skill-based evaluations.
- Clear next steps (interviews, exercises, finals).
This sets realistic expectations and combats the common frustration of “apply and never hear back.”
8. Human Tone That Connects
Instead of stiff corporate jargon, the tone is warm, plain-English, and inviting. Lines like “We’ll teach you how to do that with clarity and heart” (CivicBridge) or “A culture that respects deadlines without burning you out” (Helios) make the company feel approachable and genuine.
👉 Together, these elements make the job descriptions educational, transparent, and human. They don’t just attract more candidates—they attract the right ones who are mission-driven, aligned with your values, and excited to apply.
Example of a Bad Proposal Writer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Proposal Writer
Company: Global Solutions Inc.
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Global Solutions Inc. is seeking a Proposal Writer to prepare, edit, and submit proposals. The Proposal Writer will be responsible for coordinating with departments and ensuring documents are complete.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft and edit proposals.
- Collect information from departments.
- Ensure timely submissions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or related field.
- 2–3 years of experience.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their résumé and cover letter to hr@globalsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Proposal Writer” doesn’t tell candidates if this is entry-level or senior, what industry it’s in, or why the role matters. - The Introduction Feels Cold
The “Job Summary” is bland and robotic. There’s no story, no mission, no context. It could describe almost any company. - Responsibilities Are Vague
“Draft proposals” or “collect information” are meaningless without impact. There’s no picture of how the work connects to bigger goals. - No Salary or Benefits Transparency
Leaving out compensation, perks, and growth opportunities makes this job less attractive. Candidates are left guessing—and often move on. - No Culture or Values
Nothing about the team, workplace, or company values. A proposal writer’s success depends heavily on collaboration—yet that’s invisible here. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and outdated. It suggests the company doesn’t respect applicants’ time. - Zero Personality in the CTA
The “apply by email” line is uninspiring. There’s no energy, no encouragement—just a formality.
👉 This is exactly the kind of cookie-cutter, lifeless job description that fails to inspire. Strong candidates—the ones you actually want—scroll past posts like this every day.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Proposal Writer Job Post Stand Out
If you want your Proposal Writer job description to go from “good” to “irresistible,” here are a few advanced touches that top employers are adding to their posts:
🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Candidates are increasingly cautious about scams. Adding a short statement shows professionalism and builds trust:
“We take applicant privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, personal banking details, or confidential financial information during any stage of the hiring process.”
This simple line instantly reassures applicants and protects your employer brand.
🌴 2. Highlight Leave & Flex Time
Top talent values time off just as much as pay. If you offer flex days or additional PTO, call it out:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid days off annually, plus 10 public holidays, so you can recharge and come back stronger.”
Transparency here signals that you respect work-life balance.
📈 3. Mention Training & Growth Opportunities
Proposal writing is a career path, not just a job. Make growth part of your pitch:
“We invest in our writers. From APMP certification support to ongoing training in persuasive writing and project management, you’ll have real opportunities to sharpen your skills and grow into senior roles.”
This appeals to both ambitious juniors and experienced professionals looking for long-term career moves.
🎥 4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video
Include a short video message from the hiring manager or team lead. Even 60–90 seconds of authentic, unscripted talk about why the role matters can make a big difference.
Job seekers trust people, not just job boards. Seeing a real human face makes your company more relatable—and your role more appealing.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🌍 5. Emphasize Diversity & Inclusion (Optional but Recommended)
Strong candidates pay attention to culture. A short line can make your post more welcoming:
“We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those historically underrepresented in proposal and business development roles.”
This signals openness and inclusivity.
👉 These small additions help your job description stand out in crowded job boards—showing that you value candidates as people, not just as résumé submissions.
Should You Use AI to Write a Proposal Writer Job Description?
With AI tools everywhere, it’s tempting to just type “Write me a proposal writer job description” into ChatGPT or an ATS and copy-paste the output. It feels fast and efficient. But here’s the catch: if you rely on AI alone, you’ll likely end up with a bland, cookie-cutter post that attracts the wrong candidates.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic language. AI-generated posts often read like templates—lifeless, repetitive, and uninspiring.
- Wrong audience. Instead of attracting skilled proposal writers, you’ll draw in low-effort applicants who mass-apply to anything.
- Brand damage. A job post is often the first impression of your company. If it feels artificial or lazy, candidates assume your workplace is too.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is a tool, not a substitute for your input. To get the most out of it, feed it real details about your company, role, and culture. For example, instead of saying:
“Write me a job post for a Proposal Writer.”
Try prompting it with something like:
“Help me write a job post for a Proposal Writer at Helios Renewables. We develop solar + battery projects and want to attract candidates who are deadline-driven, collaborative, and skilled in turning technical content into persuasive writing. Salary range is $72K–$92K, and we offer growth paths into senior BD roles. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please include sections on responsibilities, required skills, perks/benefits, our hiring process, and add a warm, human tone.”
This way, AI acts as a polisher and organizer—helping you refine your message, not write it blindly from scratch.
💡 Pro Tip
You can even share good job post examples (like the ones above) and ask AI to model the tone and structure. The more “raw ingredients” you provide (company story, mission, benefits, values), the stronger the output will be.
👉 Bottom line: AI is like having a junior assistant. It can save you time, but it still needs direction from you if you want a job post that inspires the kind of proposal writers who can actually help your company win big.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
Sometimes you don’t have time to build a job post from scratch. If that’s the case, here are two ready-to-use Proposal Writer job description templates you can copy, paste, and tailor for your company.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
Job Title: Proposal Writer – Shape Winning Narratives at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
🎥 A quick word from your Hiring Manager
Insert Loom/YouTube link: [https://loom.com/share/your-video]
Who We Are
[Company Name] helps [target customers/industries] achieve [outcome/mission] through [products/services]. Our growth depends on proposals that turn complex solutions into clear, compelling stories—so we’re looking for a Proposal Writer who can help us win with substance and style.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with sales, delivery, and subject-matter experts to build persuasive RFP/RFI responses and capability statements.
- Translate technical input into client-focused narratives and win themes.
- Manage proposal schedules, compliance checklists, and reviews to meet tight deadlines.
- Maintain and improve our proposal content library and templates.
- Track outcomes and incorporate debrief learnings to improve win rates.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong writing/editing chops and a portfolio or samples.
- Proven ability to organize projects and hit immovable deadlines.
- Comfort collaborating with technical stakeholders and leadership.
- Bonus: experience with [your industry/market], APMP, InDesign, or grants.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] + [401(k) match/EAP/HSA]
- [X] PTO days + [Y] paid holidays + [flex days/mental health days]
- [Annual learning stipend/professional development]
- [Remote setup/home-office stipend]
- [Parental leave/commuter benefits/etc.]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Your words will directly impact [revenue/wins/funding].
- High visibility with [execs/BD leaders/SMEs] and real ownership end-to-end.
- Join a team that values clarity, collaboration, and sustainable pace—not burnout.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a short, role-relevant exercise so we can understand your approach—not just your résumé. We’ll keep you updated at every step.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements”
Job Title: Proposal Writer – Build Winning Responses at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] seeks a Proposal Writer to develop compliant, compelling responses to [RFPs/RFIs/grants]. You’ll collaborate across teams to shape clear, on-brand submissions that address buyer needs and evaluation criteria.
Responsibilities
- Draft, edit, and format proposals, bids, and [grants/RFIs].
- Build compliance matrices and ensure alignment with requirements.
- Coordinate inputs from SMEs; manage timelines, reviews, and versions.
- Maintain a repository of boilerplate, bios, case studies, and templates.
- Support continuous improvement with win-loss and debrief insights.
Requirements
- [Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience] in [English/Comms/Journalism/etc.]
- Excellent writing, editing, organization, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
- [Government/B2B/grants] experience preferred but not required.
- Bonus: [APMP/InDesign/CRM/proposal tools].
Perks & Benefits
- [Competitive base + performance bonus]
- [Health/Dental/Vision] + [401(k) match/HSA/EAP]
- [X] PTO days + [Y] company holidays
- [Tuition reimbursement/pro dev budget]
- [Remote stipend/commuter benefits]
📥 How to Apply
Please apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. WorkScreen evaluates job-relevant skills fairly and keeps you updated throughout the process.
Why Stop at Writing a Great Job Description? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a compelling job description is just the first half of the battle. Once applicants start rolling in, the real challenge begins: how do you separate top talent from low-effort applicants—without drowning in résumés?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🚀 Here’s How WorkScreen Helps You Hire Smarter
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Assess skills with one-click testing
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ The Result?
You save time, avoid costly hiring mistakes, and build stronger teams—faster.
→ Create your job post → Share the link → Hire smarter.
👉 After you publish your Proposal Writer job description, let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting.
FAQs - Proposal Writer Job Description
The best proposal writers combine hard skills and soft skills. On the hard skills side, look for strong writing, editing, and research ability; familiarity with RFP compliance; and project management skills to juggle deadlines. On the soft skills side, attention to detail, collaboration, critical thinking, and the ability to translate technical input into persuasive narratives are crucial. A great proposal writer is not just a wordsmith—they’re a communicator who can align your company’s strengths with a client’s needs.
In the United States, the average salary for a Proposal Writer typically ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level writers may start closer to $45,000, while experienced writers in industries like technology, government contracting, or energy can earn $80,000 or more. Senior proposal managers or those with APMP certification often command higher compensation.
Both roles involve persuasive writing, but their audiences and contexts differ. A proposal writer typically creates business proposals or RFP responses for companies seeking contracts. A grant writer focuses on crafting proposals for nonprofit organizations to secure funding from foundations, donors, or government agencies. The formats and compliance standards differ, but the core skill—persuasive storytelling—is shared.
The most obvious metric is win rate—the percentage of proposals that secure contracts or funding. But success is also measured by proposal quality (clarity, persuasiveness, compliance), team feedback, and efficiency in managing the process. Over time, a great proposal writer will improve both the quality and the speed of submissions.
Certifications aren’t mandatory, but they can boost credibility and career growth. The most recognized is the APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification, which demonstrates expertise in proposal best practices. Other valuable credentials include project management certifications (like PMP) or industry-specific compliance training.
