ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Proposal Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Descents

Communications Director

Denver, CO · On-site

Provide messaging, stories and impact language for foundation proposals. * Develop communications ... Manage relationships with graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and P ...

STI

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nashville, TN · On-site

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Adobe creative suite experience desired ... freelance, or contract experience desired. * Experience in web design, web content management ...

Propio Language Services

Translation Project Manager

The Project Manager will work closely with clients, internal teams, and freelance translators to ... Negotiate, scope, and prepare proposals and quotations for potential new business * Maintain day-to ...

Propio

Translation Project Manager

Leawood, KS · On-site

The Project Manager will work closely with clients, internal teams, and freelance translators to ... Negotiate, scope, and prepare proposals and quotations for potential new business * Maintain day-to ...

adidas

Senior Apparel Graphics Designer - MLS

Portland, OR · On-site

$108K - $115K/yr

Direct variety of creative resources (agencies, freelancers, writers, photographers, etc) on ... Identify opportunities of improvement and change, and initiate own proposals/projects * Seek out ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsProposal Writer JobsFreelance Proposal Writer Jobs

Freelance Proposal Writer information

See salary details

$7

$23

$32

How much do freelance proposal writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance proposal writer in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance proposal writer?

A Freelance Proposal Writer creates compelling proposals to help businesses, nonprofits, or individuals secure contracts, grants, or new clients. They research requirements, draft persuasive content, and tailor proposals to meet the needs of potential funders or partners. This role often involves working independently on a project basis, collaborating with clients to develop winning proposals. Strong writing, research, and communication skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance proposal writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Proposal Writer, you need excellent research, writing, and editing skills, a strong grasp of persuasive communication, and often a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal management tools (such as RFPIO or Qvidian), Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes certifications like the APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) can be advantageous. Outstanding organization, adaptability, and client communication skills help you manage multiple projects and deliver client-focused content on tight deadlines. These abilities ensure you can craft compelling, compliant proposals that increase clients' chances of winning new business.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance proposal writers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance proposal writers often face challenges such as tight deadlines, coordinating with remote clients, and quickly understanding diverse industries or project requirements. Successfully managing these challenges involves establishing clear communication with clients, maintaining an organized workflow, and quickly adapting your writing style to meet varying expectations. Utilizing project management tools and setting realistic timelines can help balance multiple assignments and avoid burnout. Staying updated with industry trends and continuously expanding your writing portfolio can also make you more competitive in the freelance marketplace. Overall, proactive planning and effective client communication are key to successfully navigating the freelance workflow.

Are freelance proposal writers in demand?

Freelance proposal writers are in demand as organizations seek skilled professionals to craft compelling project proposals for funding, contracts, and grants. Success in this field often depends on strong writing skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to meet deadlines in a competitive freelance market.

How do you become a freelance proposal writer?

To become a freelance proposal writer, develop strong writing and research skills, gain experience by creating sample proposals or working on freelance platforms, and build a portfolio to showcase your work. Familiarity with proposal formats, industry standards, and deadlines is essential, and some writers pursue certifications in proposal development or related fields to enhance credibility.

How much do freelance proposal writers get paid?

Freelance proposal writers typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, industry, and project complexity. Many also charge per project, with rates ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for comprehensive proposals. Earnings can vary based on skill level, reputation, and the ability to secure high-value contracts.
More about Freelance Proposal Writer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Proposal Writer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Proposal Writer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Writer jobs?

The most popular types of Proposal Writer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Proposal Writer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Proposal Writer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Proposal Writer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Proposal Writer jobs are:

Freelance Proposal Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Proposal Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Communications Director

First Descents

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

First Descents (FD) is a nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. We believe in the healing power of adventure to build courage, foster belonging and inspire wellbeing.
The Communications Director leads an integrated communications strategy that strengthens the First Descents brand, expands national awareness and advances fundraising and organizational growth. Positioned within the Advancement team and reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Communications Director partners across the organization to ensure that communications support donor engagement, participant recruitment, alumni connection, corporate partnerships and mission delivery.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for brand strategy, organizational storytelling, public relations, digital engagement, executive communications and the management of communications staff and creative partners. The Communications Director translates participant experiences, program outcomes and organizational learning into authentic and compelling stories that move people to act.
Primary Responsibilities:
Summary
  • Serve as steward of the First Descents brand, voice, and messaging across all channels and units.
  • Develop and execute an annual integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational and Advancement priorities.
  • Establish messaging frameworks for donors, participants, alumni, partners, media and other key audiences.
  • Maintain brand standards and support staff in applying them consistently.
Storytelling and Content
  • Lead an organization-wide storytelling and editorial strategy.
  • Build a consistent pipeline of participant, alumni, donor, staff and partner stories
  • Produce and oversee written, visual and multimedia content
  • Translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and emotionally resonant communications
  • Ensure stories are gathered and shared ethically, with appropriate consent and sensitivity.
Fundraising and Partnership Activations
  • Partner with the Advancement team to develop communications and decks for major gifts, annual giving, year-end giving, planned giving, capital initiatives, stewardship and donor impact reporting.
  • Create communications strategies and materials that support fundraising and cultivation events.
  • Provide messaging, stories and impact language for foundation proposals.
  • Develop communications materials that support corporate prospecting, sponsorship activation, cause-marketing campaigns, product collaborations and employee engagement.
  • Support online fundraising campaigns in collaboration with Advancement colleagues.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact and activator for marquee fundraising events.
Digital Communications
  • Lead the strategy, content and performance of First Descents' website, email, social media and other owned digital channels.
  • Oversee the editorial calendar and coordinate digital campaigns across organizational priorities.
  • Use audience insights, analytics and testing to improve engagement and conversion.
  • Partner with internal staff, vendors and technology providers to maintain and improve digital platforms.

Secondary Responsibilities:
Executive Communications
  • Support communications for board meetings and major organizational announcements.
  • Develop executive communications, including talking points, presentations, speeches, opinion pieces and social-media content.
  • Partner with organizational leaders on internal communications that strengthen alignment and staff understanding.
  • Maintain crisis communications protocols and serve as a communications lead during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.
Team Leadership
  • Supervision of Marketing and Events Coordinator.
  • Manage relationships with graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and PR agencies.
Other
  • Manage budget and performance plans for all marketing and communications functions with oversight from the VP of Advancement.
  • Utilize emerging AI technologies to improve output and productivity.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required
  • Six or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
  • Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies.
  • Experience producing donor-centered or mission-centered communications.
  • Experience managing staff, agencies, freelancers and creative vendors.
  • Strong understanding of digital communications, audience engagement and performance analytics.
  • Understands donor audiences and the role communications plays in building trust, engagement and long-term philanthropic relationships.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
Preferred
  • Experience in a nonprofit, oncology healthcare, outdoor recreation or mission-driven organization.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce, Account Engagement/Pardot, GA4 and WordPress.
  • Experience with crisis and executive communications.
  • Competence with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
  • Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.
  • Understanding of AI impacts and activating appropriate usage.
  • Experience communicating research, health information or program impact.

Desired Characteristics:
  • Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable setting direction and executing high-quality work.
  • Collaborative relationship builder who can align varied perspectives.
  • Creative and curious communicator who approaches participant stories with humility and care.
  • Calm and thoughtful leader in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
  • Data-informed practitioner committed to learning and continuous improvement.
  • Genuine connection to outdoor recreation, health, healing or mission-driven work.

Inside Details:
This is a full-time, exempt position based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. The position will be a hybrid of office/remote work with the expectation of being in the office at least two days per week. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel are required.
We offer competitive health benefits, 4% employer retirement matching, 25 days of PTO annually, paid parental leave, an annual professional development stipend, monthly health and wellness stipend, staff retreats and outings and trips to our programs to experience FD's work first-hand.
First Descents prides itself on being an inclusive community with an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). We know that cancer and other serious health conditions do not discriminate, and we are dedicated to serving all categories of identity. Our programs use the healing power of adventure to build supportive networks and ignite the Out Living It spirit.
The salary range for this position is $73,000-$83,000.
Apply:
If you're passionate about contributing your skills and enthusiasm to help us serve countless more young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions in the years to come, we want to hear from you!
Applications received by August 17th will be given priority.
First Descents is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, caregiver status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Apply