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
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.
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.