[Hiring] Senior Proposal Writer @Harris Computer

Role Description

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

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