Proposal Writer

“Create a Lasting Competitive Advantage”

Shipley Associates is a global professional services firm that focuses on helping companies win business. Founded in 1972, we provide a comprehensive suite of services including business development consulting, training programs, and AI enablement to improve clients' abilities to compete for and win contracts.

To learn more, visit Shipleywins.com.

Job Summary

The Proposal Writer is an integral member of the team and may be called on to complete any assignment, generally under the guidance of a Proposal Manager. They are to take direction from the Proposal Manager and elevate any issues or concerns to the Proposal Manager. They are responsible for collaborating with Microsoft authors and architects from the inception of the proposal. They develop narrative responses and other written materials for proposals as well as developing and maintaining boilerplate content as needed.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Technical and non-technical proposal writing focusing on high value proposals.
• Develop proposal content, which is compliant, compelling, client-focused, and persuasive in accordance with the solicitation and all referenced documents.
• Research proposal content available on Microsoft websites and in the Proposal Repository.
• Write strong, client-focused content that presents Microsoft's solution for the project and emphasizes key experience and selling points by capturing technical, operations, or sales input from internal proposal team members.
• Write non-technical portions of proposals in coordination with other departments or the Proposal Manager so that all proposal sections agree, use consistent language, and can be read as "one-voice" throughout all submitted documents.
• Follows Microsoft's Writing Style Guide and specific MSFT writing checklists and styles.
• Assist the Proposal Manager in copyediting draft and proposal responses and runs all checks including spelling, grammar, and clarity and consistency checks through Editor and Perfect It.
• Revise or improve proposal content prepared by other departments for readability and compliance without distorting original intent.
• Adheres to company format standards.
• Assist in tracking and monitoring the flow of all documents from inception to distribution of final copies.
• Ability to research and write about complex technical topics in a way that is understandable to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Assist the Proposal Manager in performing proposal production activities such as using Editor and PerfectIt, reviewing final copies for spelling and grammar errors, formatting, conversion to PDF as needed, and other final production requirements as the Proposal Manager assigns.
• Actively participate in quality programs designed to improve the deliverables that go to Microsoft customers.
• Participate in Teams meetings and color reviews.
• Participate in Win Theme, Executive summary, and Writer workshops (led by Proposal Manager), taking outputs and forms cohesive win theme statements, executive summary outlines, or technical outlines.
• Applies AI to improve writing activities from themselves and others, creating new and effective ways of working and producing outcomes- as relevant to proposal writing responsibilities.
• Raises concerns about compliance or proposal writing issues directly to the Proposal Manager outside of group Team meetings.
• Coordinates communication to people outside the proposal support team through the Proposal Manager and keeps the Proposal Manager informed about requests from the account team or other Microsoft personnel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Federal proposal writing experience with demonstrated ability in proposal, technical, or report writing, corporate communications, business development, or similar, required.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, writing, proofing, formatting, and editing skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Able to travel as needed, domestically, up to 25%

Contract End Date

July 31st, 2026 with possibility to renew