Proposal Writer

CCS Fundraising; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

CCS Fundraising is seeking a Director, Proposal Writer who produces high-quality proposals, presentations, and sales materials that directly support CCS executives in cultivating and securing new business.

Working collaboratively with selling executives and cross-functional partners, the Proposal Writer plays a critical role in transforming strategic ideas into persuasive, polished materials that reflect CCS’s value and expertise.

Qualifications

• 5+ years professional experience with proven writing and project management track record.
• Excellent writing and visualization skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Thorough proofreading skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities; capable of independently structuring time and tasks to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in problem-solving and adapting to changing needs.
• Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Creative presentation design experience - InDesign, Photoshop, Publisher, Canva, and other graphic design programs a plus.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Write, design, and edit tailored proposals, presentations, and related sales materials in partnership with selling executives.
• Join select lead or client calls to gather key insights and inform proposal structure, tone, and messaging.
• Collaborate with executives to define proposal scope, structure, and content that align with client needs and firm standards.
• Develop and adapt language that effectively conveys CCS’s approach, services, and differentiators.
• Establish and maintain internal timelines and deadlines to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of all materials.
• Provide direct support to selling executives by helping prepare for upcoming sales and lead meetings, including drafting background notes or assembling key materials.
• Draft and send thank-you or follow-up emails after lead or proposal meetings, maintaining consistent and professional communication.
• Directly manage and drive proposal progress, ensuring next steps and materials remain on track.
• Partner closely with the Executive Partnerships team to coordinate review time and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Ensure all communications and materials reflect the highest professional standards and strengthen executive relationships.
• Incorporate feedback from executives and proposal leadership to continuously improve quality and efficiency.
• Maintain organized, well-labeled proposal and lead folders in SharePoint for easy access and consistency.

Skills

Project management

Writing

Editing/Proofreading

Time management

Detail orientation

Communication

Independent work

Collaboration

Canva (design sense)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

InDesign

Photoshop

Publisher

Canva

Job description

Title

Proposal Writer

Location

Candidates in the Eastern and Central Time Zones are preferred. This role requires working primarily during standard Eastern Time business hours.

Reports To

Proposal Department Lead

Type

Full-Time, Remote. Candidates based near CCS offices in New York, NY, or Boston, MA will be expected occasionally to work in the office one to two days per week in a hybrid capacity.

Eligibility

CCS is unable to sponsor work visas for this position, including H-1B. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

Who We Are

CCS Fundraising is an international strategic fundraising firm that partners with nonprofits for transformational change. Since 1947, CCS has empowered many of the world’s greatest organizations across sectors to advance some of the most important causes in history. We plan, manage, and implement programs and initiatives that achieve fundraising goals and mission impact. CCS provides tailored support to more than 700 nonprofit organizations annually. Headquartered in New York, the firm has over 600 professionals and 18 offices throughout the United States and Europe. Our people are our greatest strength. At CCS, you will join a diverse team of smart, passionate, and resourceful professionals who are driven by purpose and committed to performance.

Understanding the Role

We are seeking a Director, Proposal Writer who produces high-quality, customized proposals, presentations, and sales materials that directly support CCS executives in cultivating and securing new business. Working collaboratively with selling executives and cross-functional partners, the Proposal Writer plays a critical role in transforming strategic ideas into persuasive, polished materials that reflect CCS’s value and expertise. This role requires exceptional writing, organization, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Writing

• Write, design, and edit tailored proposals, presentations, and related sales materials in partnership with selling executives.
• Join select lead or client calls to gather key insights and inform proposal structure, tone, and messaging.
• Collaborate with executives to define proposal scope, structure, and content that align with client needs and firm standards.
• Develop and adapt language that effectively conveys CCS’s approach, services, and differentiators.
• Establish and maintain internal timelines and deadlines to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of all materials.

Sales Enablement Support

• Provide direct support to selling executives by helping prepare for upcoming sales and lead meetings, including drafting background notes or assembling key materials.
• Draft and send thank-you or follow-up emails after lead or proposal meetings, maintaining consistent and professional communication.
• Directly manage and drive proposal progress, ensuring next steps and materials remain on track.
• Partner closely with the Executive Partnerships team to coordinate review time and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Ensure all communications and materials reflect the highest professional standards and strengthen executive relationships.

Collaboration & Quality Assurance

• Work collaboratively with the Proposal Department Lead and other proposal writers to share ideas, resources, and best practices.
• Incorporate feedback from executives and proposal leadership to continuously improve quality and efficiency.
• Ensure alignment of messaging and tone across all materials.
• Proofread and edit other team materials, presentations, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

Content Management & Tools

• Maintain organized, well-labeled proposal and lead folders in SharePoint for easy access and consistency.
• Use approved templates and ensure brand, style, and tone alignment across all materials.
• Work with team database coordinators to ensure our information is up-to-date.
• Leverage writing and design tools (e.g., Grammarly, Canva) to enhance presentation and quality.
• Identify opportunities to repurpose or improve existing proposal content and share with team leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years professional experience with proven writing and project management track record
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent writing and visualization skills, with a keen eye for detail
• Thorough proofreading skills
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities; capable of independently structuring time and tasks to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in problem-solving and adapting to changing needs
• Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Creative presentation design experience - experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Publisher, Canva, and other graphic design programs a plus but not required
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a team setting

CCS offers competitive benefits, a dynamic training program, resources, career advancement, mentoring, and networking opportunities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply.

Salary Range

$70,000 - $115,000

The exact salary varies within range based on years of relevant experience and education.