Proposal Writer (Hybrid)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth

Job Description

We are seeking a Proposal Writer to play a pivotal role in crafting captivating proposals that win contracts and drive our company’s success. The position requires creating innovative solutions and strategies that set Lakeshore apart from the competition. Your creativity and strategic thinking will be key in refining proposal drafts, ensuring compliance with requirements, and crafting winning themes and risk-mitigation strategies. Applicants should have exceptional writing, editing and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce compelling narratives. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the proposal development process and a knack for identifying and leveraging strategic opportunities. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Thoroughly review and interpret bid requirements to develop customized target bid responses that align with client needs and organizational capabilities 
• Partner with stakeholders across various departments to create a winning strategy for specific opportunities 
• Schedule and lead discovery sessions with Sales and subject matter experts to draft new content and refine content according to the sales strategy for a specified customer 
• Write new content and rewrite existing content to reflect the winning strategy for a specific proposal, adhering to writing standards 
• Craft and refine sophisticated proposal responses and other communications that are not only compliant but also distinctly persuasive and engaging 
• Edit final responses for spelling, grammar, style, formatting, consistency, voice and overall clarity 
• Consolidate conversations and information from multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate bid response 
• Convey complex ideas in a logical sequence that others can understand 
• Partner with all stakeholders across various departments to weave their input into the bid response 
• Work with the Design team to guide graphic design creation and visuals for bid responses that can be templatized, enhancing the overall presentation and impact of bids
• Regularly update and curate proposal content, ensuring high-quality reusable and templatized materials 
• Tailor writing to effectively reach the intended audience 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred 
• Two years of experience in a similar position required; four years of experience preferred 
• Adept at managing complex projects, showcasing strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail 
• Highly skilled in both independent work and team collaboration, with a creative approach to problem-solving 
• Proficiency in advanced research techniques, with a strong command of digital research tools 
• Ability to thrive under pressure, effectively balancing multiple priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Willingness to adopt flexible work schedules, including off-hours, to meet critical project milestones 
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro, TechSmith Snagit, Photoshop, and other similar software design uses with an openness to learning new software as required

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Hourly: $39-$43 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.
We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. INDRLL11