Senior Proposal Specialist

Just Right Reader is a forward-thinking curriculum provider committed to advancing literacy for students from Birth through 12th Grade. Our comprehensive resources are designed to support all learners, including upper-grade students requiring additional intervention to develop foundational skills. Grounded in the Science of Reading, our high-quality materials and tools equip educators with the support they need to accelerate achievement and foster lifelong readers.Position Overview:Just Right Reader is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Senior Proposal Specialist to join our team in developing high-quality, competitive proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs), bids (RFBs), and other procurement solicitations. This role is ideal for a seasoned proposal writer with extensive experience managing the RFx process to secure new business opportunities and funding. This role requires excellent writing skills, a deep understanding of the education sector, and the ability to work under tight and sometimes simultaneous deadlines.The Senior Proposal Specialist will work cross-functionally with product, sales, implementation, and executive teams to craft compelling, persuasive narratives that position Just Right Reader's offerings as best-in-class solutions grounded in the Science of Reading.Key Responsibilities:Proposal Development & Writing:Collaborate with the Business Development team to source and capture open opportunities.Lead end-to-end proposal development for RFPs, RFIs, and other solicitations from federal, state, and local education agencies.Collaborate with various departments to gather necessary information and align proposal content with strategic objectives.Write, edit, and format technical, instructional, and narrative content with clarity and precision to meet company standards and proposal guidelines.Tailor proposal responses to align with the specific needs, goals, and terminology of each district or agencyStrategic Positioning & Customization:Analyze RFP requirements to ensure a thorough understanding and compliance with all directives.Collaborate with cross-teams to develop a proposal strategy that outlines themes, discriminators, and key messages tailored to each opportunity.Translate product strengths, data, and case studies into persuasive language aligned with solicitation scoring rubrics.Ensure responses highlight differentiation, district alignment, impact, and instructional rigor.Project & Deadline Management:Utilize the project management system workflowStrictly adhere to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and proposal management best practicesCoordinate with team members across departments to ensure contributions are accurate and timely.Adhere to the detailed proposal calendar, assigned timeline and tasks, coordinate deliverables, and ensure on-time submission of complete, compliant proposals.Content Development:Partner closely with business development, implementation, and product teams to ensure accurate and up-to-date representation of services and capabilities.Collaborate with the RFx team to update a repository of proposal content, templates, and standard responses.Collaborate with the product and RFx team to develop and refine boilerplate content, ensuring it is current, compelling, and technically accurate.Review and Quality Assurance:Conduct thorough reviews and revisions of proposal drafts to ensure clarity, compliance, and competitiveness.Guarantee all proposals meet internal standards and client expectations following the SOP guidelines.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Education, English, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.Minimum of 5 years of experience in RFP writing and proposal management, preferably in education, curriculum development, or nonprofit sectors.Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to tone, grammar, and structure, with a proven ability to produce precise, persuasive, and concise documents.Proven track record in managing complex proposals and meeting tight deadlines.Strong understanding of the K–12 educational procurement processes and priorities.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, PDF tools, and project management platforms.Preferred: Experience in educational publishing, curriculum solutions, or edtech, and passionate about expanding literacy access and accelerating student achievement. Familiarity with the Science of Reading and literacy-focused instructional models..Preferred Traits:Organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.Collaborative, coachable, and enthusiastic about mission-driven work.Adept at interpreting complex RFP documents and translating requirements into clear checklists and action plans.Creative thinker who enjoys storytelling, data-informed persuasion, and strategy.Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail.Why Join Us:At Just Right Reader, we're transforming how children learn to read. You'll be part of a passionate, growing team committed to educational equity, literacy innovation, and joyful learning. Mission-driven company focused on improving literacy and education outcomes.Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.Competitive salary and benefits package.