Proposal Writer, Senior

MediSolution; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris, part of Constellation Software Inc., seeks a Senior Proposal Writer to lead bids for ILS/LSP, discovery tools, and related library technology. You will coordinate with Sales, R&D, and Support to craft compliant, persuasive responses to RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs from academic, public, and special libraries.

You’ll translate complex library capabilities into tangible outcomes for librarians and patrons while maintaining a reusable content library and ensuring accessibility and procurement

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end proposal development for library system procurements (ILS/LSP, discovery, digital resource management, analytics).
• Write clear and persuasive responses describing library functionality and interoperability.
• Develop win themes focused on patron access, operational efficiency, and digital transformation.
• Partner with Sales, Product, and Implementation teams to align strategy and accuracy.
• Ensure full compliance with procurement requirements including pricing structures and WCAG.
• Maintain a reusable content library with standard responses, case studies, and training approaches.

Skills

Proposal writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Editing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Library Science, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Loopio

RFPIO

Qvidian

Job description

This posting is for SirsiDynix, Harris company. It is a full-time fully remote position in the US or Canada. The Senior Proposal Writer is responsible for leading the development of compelling, compliant, and strategic proposals for integrated library systems (ILS), library services platforms (LSP), discovery tools, and related technology and services. This role bridges technical, functional, and library-domain expertise to clearly articulate how solutions support libraries in improving access, operations, and patron experience. This individual partners closely with Sales, Research & Development, Professional Services, Support, Security, and other teams to produce high-quality responses to RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs from academic, public, and special libraries.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

About Harris Culture

At Harris, we believe great people build great software. We offer an environment where employees are empowered to make a real impact, grow their skills, and shape their careers. Our teams enjoy a supportive, award‑winning culture, a casual and collaborative workplace, and opportunities to learn from a diverse group of businesses and industries. We are financially strong and proudly part of Constellation Software Inc. (CSI), the largest software company in Canada, providing long‑term stability alongside entrepreneurial autonomy.

In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, we offer meaningful perks, flexibility, and—most importantly—a culture that values people, curiosity, and having fun while doing great work.

Follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about our culture, values, and career opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability may contact us by email at [e-mail]. Accommodation requests may be made at any time. This email address is dedicated solely to accommodation requests and cannot be used to inquire about application status.

Know Your Rights Poster EO 13496: Notification of Employee Rights under Federal Labor Laws

Our commitment to fair and equitable hiring. As part of our recruitment process, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the initial screening phase to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely align with the requirements of the role. This technology supports efficiency and consistency in the early stages, but it never replaces human judgement. All subsequent evaluations and final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment professionals. AI does not make final hiring decisions.