Proposal Writer, Senior

MediSolution; Utah; On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris is seeking a seasoned Proposal Lead to drive end-to-end responses for library system procurements across academic, public, and consortia segments. You will translate complex library tech into compelling narratives, manage cross-functional inputs, and ensure strict compliance with RFP requirements.

The role emphasizes accessibility, equity, and digital access, with a focus on open architecture, APIs, and integration with campus or municipal systems.

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 or EdTech SaaS for public/education sectors.
• Strong understanding of library operations, metadata standards, interoperability, and cloud-based enterprise software.
• 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 procurements (ILS/LSP, discovery, DAM, analytics).
• Analyze RFP requirements from libraries, consortia, and government entities for compliance.
• Develop proposal strategies aligned to procurement criteria including functionality, interoperability, accessibility, and TCO.
• Collaborate with product managers, solution consultants, and library SMEs.
• Generate clear, persuasive responses on Circulation, Cataloging, Acquisitions, and ERM functionality.
• Ensure compliance with procurement forms, matrices, and pricing structures.
• Maintain reusable content library and templates for library procurement formats.

Skills

Clear communication

Project management

Librarian persona understanding

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

MLIS preferred

Tools

Loopio

RFPIO

Qvidian

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Proposal Leadership & Execution 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.

2. Library & Technical Content Development 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.

3. Strategic Messaging & Value Positioning

   • 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.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration 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.

5. Compliance & Quality Assurance

   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.

6. Knowledge & Content Management

   • 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.

7. Competitive Positioning & Insights

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

Company Overview

Harris fournit des solutions logicielles essentielles pour le secteur public, les soins de santé, les services publics et le secteur privé en Amérique du Nord, en Europe, en Asie et en Australie. Travailler pour Harris est l'occasion idéale de réaliser vos objectifs professionnels ainsi que vos rêves personnels ! Nos employés bénéficient d'un environnement de travail décontracté qui offre un confort tout en fournissant un service de qualité supérieure à nos clients. Nous offrons un ensemble complet d'avantages sociaux ainsi que d'autres "avantages" supplémentaires ! Nous donnons à nos employés les moyens de faire la différence Nous avons une culture d'entreprise riche Nous offrons la possibilité d'apprendre Nous sommes financièrement solides et nous appartenons à la plus grande société de logiciels du Canada (CSI) On s'amuse beaucoup ! Suivez-nous sur les médias sociaux pour en savoir plus sur les valeurs, la culture et les initiatives de notre entreprise !

Harris est un employeur à égalité de chances et d'action positive. Nous considérons les candidats sans considération de race, couleur, religion, âge, origine nationale, ascendance, origine ethnique, sexe, identité de genre, expression de genre, orientation sexuelle, statut matrimonial, statut de vétéran, handicap, information génétique, statut de citoyen ou autre groupe protégé par la loi fédérale, provinciale ou locale. Si vous souhaitez nous contacter concernant l'accessibilité de notre site Web ou si vous avez besoin d'aide pour remplir le formulaire de demande d'emploi, veuillez nous contacter au (1)-613-226-5611 ou à [e-mail]. Ces informations de contact sont uniquement destinées aux demandes d'accommodement raisonnable et ne peuvent être utilisées pour se renseigner sur le statut des candidatures.

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