Your Ultimate Proposal Writing Career Guide
Have you ever wondered how a company asks for funding or begins the exchange of goods and services?
Well, that is where a proposal writer comes in.
Companies need effective communicators who use written and verbal communication to explain the parameters of what their organization is asking for or offering.
A proposal is an essential catalyst for enticing customers to work with a business, consume a product, or get grant funding.
Proposal Writer Information Table
| Official Job Title | Proposal Writer |
| Average Salary | $64,257 (PayScale) |
| Stress Level | High (WinningTheBusiness) |
| Work/ Life | High Work Priority (PayScale) |
| Job Satisfaction | High (PayScale) |
| Career Advancement | Average to Low (PayScale) |
Proposal Writer Job Description
What Is A Proposal Writer?
A proposal writer is someone hired by a business, non-profit, or other organization to handle the complete process of creating and presenting proposals for projects or funding.
Often in charge of gathering information, analyzing costs and benefits, and determining the correct language, a proposal writer is integral to the business model.
If you work in proposal writing, you are likely highly ambitious and motivated by quickly approaching deadlines.
What Does A Proposal Writer Do On A Daily Basis?
As a proposal writer, you will most likely encounter Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and Requests for Quotations (RFQs) daily.
Such jargon may seem intimidating, with no prior knowledge of proposal writing, but individuals in the field frequently work with the abovementioned documents.
According to Payscale, your day may include thoroughly analyzing your company and your client’s requests for proposals or edits and gathering other pertinent information like costs, deadlines, and research.
Most proposal writers spend their day crafting concise and enticing proposals to eventually present to their audience.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Proposal Writer
Proposal writers are expert communicators, a pertinent part of this role in any organization.
Tasked with many responsibilities and duties, a proposal writer tends to wear many hats.
These duties almost always include communicating in a professional and trustworthy manner.
Expect to exercise your idea-organizing, researching, and writing skills frequently.
Occasionally, proposal writers may also create strategies, work with graphic designers and other team members, or review products and services, says Study.com.
Proposal Writer Salary
Average Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for a proposal writer in 2021 is $64,257.
The BLS reports a median of $78,060 for general writers, authors, and other writing professionals in 2021.
Starting Salary
Payscale also reports that starting salaries for proposal writers with one year or less experience are still above average in 2021, at $52,421.
This number can fluctuate based on your level of hands-on experience, internships, and certificates.
Senior Salary
Senior proposal writers with many experiences make an average of $65-$78,000 this year.
They tend to receive ample benefits and time spent in the position.
Benefits could range from unique retirement plans to vacation time, bonuses, and project commissions.
How To Become A Proposal Writer
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most working writers, whether freelance or technical, have obtained bachelor’s degrees in English, communication, technical writing, journalism, or editing.
Getting this degree is a significant first step toward becoming a proposal writer.
It will give you much-needed experience with various communication styles–including the RFPs and RFIs mentioned above.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
In addition to the education mentioned, it will help to have experience in strategy development, project management, a history with RFP creation, or business development, according to Payscale.
Additional marketing, communications, and business certifications are critical factors in increased salaries and can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream proposal writing gig.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Proposal Writer?
Considering the necessity of a bachelor’s degree in your desired proposal writing career, it will take around 2 to 4 years for most to get started.
According to Learn.org, certificates in proposal writing are widely accessible if you’ve already received a bachelor’s degree.
Getting an internship for more hands-on experience may be a good idea if you’re in or near the education process.
Payscale reports that real-world experience could substitute formal education for this position.
Is It Hard To Become A Proposal Writer?
Because of the essential nature of business and funding proposals, a proposal writer must be highly professional and skilled.
While becoming one may take some time, the process is not considered difficult.
With a suitable starting skill set and good hands-on experience, fulfilling your proposal writing career dreams is wildly attainable.
Proposal Writer Career Paths
The Proposal Writer Roadmap
The path to a career in proposal writing starts with education, and from there, aspiring proposal writers jump into the field via internship, certificate, or employment.
Payscale reports that those in the area typically start as proposal managers and eventually enter senior and management positions.
Less common career paths could include technical writing, grant management, proposal coordinating, or project managing and oversight.
Projections For Growth In Proposal Writer Jobs
According to BLS, there is a projected growth of 6% through 2031 for technical writers, as fast as the average.
In Summary: Is Proposal Writer A Good Career?
Overall, proposal writing can be an excellent career for those passionate about communicating business and community needs.
If you often find yourself fundraising for your local organizations or helping those around you communicate business ideas to donors, becoming a proposal writer could be a suitable career.
The skill sets needed to work in this position are also versatile.
They could lead to other opportunities, considering many jobs in related fields and industries.
Working Conditions
Can A Proposal Writer Work Remotely From Home?
Zip Recruiter, Glassdoor, and several other online hiring companies list an array of remote proposal writing jobs.
According to Payscale, a proposal writer’s task list consists of research and data analysis, cost analysis, writing, editing, and formatting; working from home is highly plausible with the right equipment.
How Many Hours Does A Proposal Writer Work?
As a proposal writer, you can expect to work full-time during regular business hours.
Remember that the ability to meet deadlines is crucial within the position and often requires overtime hours.
According to Proposable, though, not all proposal writers work eight-hour days.
Freelancers can also work in proposal writing careers.
Can A Proposal Writer Work Part-Time?
Proposal writers can work part-time, but their daily tasks may differ slightly from those of salaried employees.
Plenty of open part-time positions in proposal writing exist across hiring sites.
Between sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and others, proposal writing gigs in the freelance form are available across the web.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Proposal Writer?
Paid time off is standard for salaried proposal writers and the typical range of benefits.
Winning the Business reports industry burnout across proposal writing professionals due to their essential role in driving revenue to their organization.
Still, Payscale reports that job satisfaction amongst proposal writers is high.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Proposal Writer
- Screenwriter
- Video Game Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Copy Editor
- Research Assistant
- Marketing Coordinator
- Content Marketing Manager
- Communications Director
- Grant Writer
Proposal Writer Resume Tips
When crafting your proposal writing resume, it’s imperative to include a skills section and various keywords according to Jobscan.
Pay close attention to the words in the job description and integrate them into your resume.
Consistency with keywords can also help your resume stand out for search engines and help demonstrate your written communication skills.
Some keywords are fundraising, sales, written communication, data-driven, mission-driven, collaboration, and time-management.
Jobscan also mentions the importance of including a solid objective, showing previous financing results, and demonstrating your leadership capacity.
Don’t shy away from any experience you’ve had with problem-solving under pressure.
Proposal Writer Interview Questions
Better Team provides a list of potential interview questions for positions in proposal writing.
Here are a few questions and why they work for hirers:
What are your methods for precise and consistent writing?
Why it works: Your answer to this question will demonstrate your writing and editing skills and ability to communicate a process.
Experienced writers tend to stick to favored methods.
How do you ensure you meet deadlines?
Why it works: Time management is an essential skill for proposal writers.
Future employers want to know they can count on your speed and consistency.
Name a time your presentation didn’t go as planned. What did you do?
Why it works: Proposal writer hirers are looking for individuals who can solve problems and think on their feet.
Your answer can also demonstrate how you communicate under pressure, handle stress, and demonstrate integrity, wit, and experience.
Jobs Related To Proposal Writer
Below you’ll find a short bullet point list of related professions with similar average salaries, according to Talent.com:
- Technical Consultant
- Tech Writer
- Technical Writer
- Pricing Analysis
- Editor
- Document Specialist
- Consultant
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Proposal Writer
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Proposal Writer
If you’re looking to hire a proposal writer, Washington Technology recommends looking for prior management and proposal expertise or experience.
A great proposal writer should also be committed professionally to the proposal writing community, with existing knowledge of contracts, budgeting, and domains.
Proposals can be complex, so look for those who demonstrate excellent leadership and multi-tasking abilities.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
Most proposal writers in the industry have a bachelor’s degree in English, editing, communications, journalism, technical writing, or related fields and completed at least one internship.
Extra attention might be given to candidates with certifications, years of experience, and competitive attitudes.