Proposal Writer

The Garland Company, Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Garland Company, Inc. is seeking a Proposal Writer to support government contract bids. You will evaluate RFPs, draft and edit proposal content, and ensure submissions are persuasive, compliant, and aligned with the company’s value proposition.

Collaborating with SMEs, sales, and technical teams, you will translate technical and business offerings into client-focused win themes while meeting strict formatting and deadlines. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of proposal writing and development experience, preferably in federal contracting.
• Post-secondary degree in English, Communications, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Certification in proper contract proposal writing skills is preferred; equivalent combination considered.
• Solid understanding of RFPs, RFQs, FAR clauses and federal procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops persuasive proposal content to demonstrate value proposition to government agencies.
• Evaluates RFPs, solicitations, and scopes of work to extract objectives and evaluation factors.
• Writes, edits, and reviews proposal sections under guidance of Proposal Manager.
• Architects comprehensive proposal strategy and aligns content to win themes and client needs.
• Determines structure, narrative flow, and content prioritization across volumes.

Skills

Proposal writing

Federal contracts process

Written communication

MS Office & Google Workspace

Deltek GovWin

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/Communications/Business

Tools

Deltek GovWin

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Proposal Writer is responsible for supporting the acquisition of new government contracts by

evaluating, developing, writing, and editing proposal content. This position plays a critical role in

the proposal lifecycle, ensuring that all submissions are highly persuasive, high-quality, compliant,

and clearly articulate the company's value proposition.

CORE & ESSENTIAL:

TASKS:

• Develops compelling and persuasive proposal content that clearly demonstrates the company's value proposition and capabilities to meet the specific needs of government agencies
• Evaluates complex Requests for Proposals (RFPs), solicitations, and scopes of work to extract underlying client objectives, operational risks, and critical evaluation factors
• Writes, edits, and reviews proposal sections, supporting the overall proposal development process managed by the Proposal Manager
• Independently conceives and architects comprehensive proposal strategy, converting raw technical data and business offerings into persuasive, client-centric value propositions and win themes
• Determines the structural narrative, logical flow, and content priority across multi-volume technical, management, past performance, and compliance sections
• Conducts thorough risk, compliance, and viability analyses of prospective solicitations, identifying contractual ambiguities, resource constraints, and competitive vulnerabilities
• Interviews and collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs), sales, marketing, and technical teams to gather necessary information and ensure proposal content accuracy
• Assists in conducting market research to identify and qualify new federal government contracting opportunities using resources like SAM.gov, Deltek GovWin IQ, and other industry tools
• Incorporates competitive intelligence and win strategies into proposal content to ensure competitiveness
• Ensures all assigned proposal sections adhere to strict government formatting, compliance requirements, and submission deadlines
• Supports CRM activities related to federal business development, including data entry, lead qualification, and opportunity tracking
• Supports the development and maintenance of the company's proposal templates, libraries, and best practices
• Participates in proposal presentations and debriefings as needed
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Must possess 3+ years of proposal writing and development experience with previous experience in the federal government contracting sector preferred. Possession of at least a post-secondary degree in English, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. Certification in proper contract proposal writing skills is preferred. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered. Must possess a strong understanding of the federal government contracting process, including RFPs, RFQs, and FAR clauses. Demonstrated aptitude for problem-solving; ability to determine solutions. Must be results-orientated and able to work both independently and within a team environment. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace applications is required. Experience using government contracting databases and proposal management software (e.g., Deltek GovWin) is a plus. Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g. use of protective gear). Driving is a requirement for this position. Therefore, must have the ability to travel domestically via operating a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver license and driving record which is acceptable to our insurance provider. Must have a vehicle in good working condition and ensure it meets all safety, insurance, and legal requirements. The ability to travel by plane and/or overnight travel may also be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to communicate orally in a clear, concise and effective manner with the customers, account representatives, company representatives, management, staff, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one and group settings. Ability to use a telephone for communication. Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance at the facility and other designated locations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Use office equipment such as a personal computer, copier and facsimile machines. Ability to communicate in writing in a clear,

concise and effective manner. Sit, walk, and/or stand for extended time periods. Hearing and vision

required to be within normal ranges. Read at, above, and below shoulder height. Occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch. Sufficient manual dexterity required to operate equipment. Tolerate inclement weather, including heat and cold. Normal range of tolerance to household and other types of typical industrial/ construction chemicals and solvents. Must have the ability to travel by plane, operate a motor vehicle, maintain a valid state motor vehicle driver license, and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle driving record. Overnight travel may be required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for

employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status,

protected veteran status, marital status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable law.

The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals

with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to

search and apply for a career opportunity with The Company, please send an e-mail to

[e-mail] to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact