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, over 50 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 currently seeking a Proposal Writer to join our team. In this role, you will play a key role in developing compelling proposals that win contracts and support the company’s growth. You will help develop and refine the proposal materials that support our most complex bids. Your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines will be essential in refining proposal drafts, working through stakeholder input, and producing clear, persuasive responses. The ideal candidate brings strong writing and collaboration skills, along with experience supporting complex proposal efforts. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Thoroughly reviewing and interpreting bid requirements to develop customized responses that align with client needs and organizational capabilities 
• Partnering with a range of stakeholders across sales, subject matter experts and creative to gather input and turn it into tailored proposal responses that win 
• Scheduling and leading discovery sessions with sales and subject matter experts to draft new content and refine existing content in support of the sales strategy for a specified customer 
• Writing new content and rewriting existing content to reflect the win strategy for a specific proposal, adhering to established writing standards 
• Crafting and refining sophisticated proposal responses and other communications that are compliant, persuasive and engaging 
• Editing final responses for spelling, grammar, style, formatting, consistency, voice and overall clarity 
• Consolidating information from multiple sources to ensure complete, accurate and cohesive bid responses 
• Conveying complex ideas in a clear, logical sequence that is easily understood by multiple audiences 
• Partnering with stakeholders across departments to incorporate feedback and technical input into bid responses 
• Managing multiple proposals at the same time, including kickoffs, deadlines and stakeholder check-ins 
• Collaborating with the design team to create graphics and visuals for bid responses that can be templatized to enhance presentation and impact 
• Maintaining the templates and content library that the broader Bid team uses, and contributing new content as new opportunities come in 
• Tailoring writing to effectively reach the intended audience 

Qualifications

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

• Strong understanding of the proposal development process with an ability to identify and apply strategic approaches 
• Exceptional writing, editing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive and well-structured narratives 
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail 
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively, with a thoughtful and creative approach to problem solving 
• Proficiency in research methods, including effective use of digital research tools 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules as needed to meet proposal deadlines, including occasional off-hours work 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro and TechSmith Snagit, with willingness to learn additional tools as required 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 2 years of experience in a related field 
• 2 years of experience in proposal writing, capture management or a similar role 
• 2 years of experience supporting or coordinating complex projects 

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree 
• 4 years of experience in a related field 
• 4 years of experience in proposal writing or a similar role 
• 4 years of experience supporting or coordinating complex projects 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at an hourly rate between $33.89-$45.91 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• 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.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1