Proposal Writer, Senior

Role Summary

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.

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Competitive Positioning & Insights

Integrate knowledge of competing library platforms (e.g., Alma, WorldShare, Sierra, Polaris, Koha).

Highlight differentiators such as

1. Open architecture and APIs
2. User experience innovation
3. Analytics and reporting capabilities

Support win/loss reviews specific to library procurements.

5–10+ years of proposal writing experience, preferably in

1. Library technology
2. EdTech
3. SaaS platforms serving public sector or education

Strong understanding of

1. Library operations and workflows
2. Metadata standards and interoperability
3. Cloud-based enterprise software solutions

Demonstrated experience responding to formal RFPs for public or academic institutions.

Exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills.

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.

1. Library & Technical Content Development

• 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.

Requirements

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

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
• 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.

About the Company

What we can offer

Remote work and more!

About Systems & Software

Systems & Software, a subsidiary of Harris Computer and part of Constellation Software, has been serving utilities and municipalities since 1973. Headquartered in Vermont, the company provides the enQuesta CIS platform to manage billing and utility operations for electric, water, gas, wastewater, solid waste, and property taxes. Our solutions enable utilities to manage complex rate structures, streamline operations, and enhance customer service, all without the need for custom code or disconnected systems. With cloud-based deployment, SOC 2 Type II certification, and interoperability with meter data systems, GIS, and financial tools, Systems & Software delivers stability, security, and flexibility that utilities can trust. Our commitment to ongoing investment ensures continuous innovation and a strong partnership with our customers across North America.

About Harris