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Proposal Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Greentek, Inc.

PROPOSAL COORDINATOR

Oroville, CA · On-site

$27 - $73/hr

Description The Proposal Coordinator supports the planning, development, and submission of competitive bid responses for utility, infrastructure, and vegetation management clients. This role is ...

Divergent

Proposal & Capture Analyst

Torrance, CA · On-site

Working closely with Engineering, Program Management, Business Development, Finance, Legal, Executive Leadership, and the broader Capture, Proposal, and Analytics Team, you will translate complex ...

Fluor

Proposal Specialist

Aliso Viejo, CA

The position also leads development of internal and external marketing collateral and meetings to support the business lines. This is an excellent opportunity for a proposal and marketing ...

HDR

Water Proposal Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Support client development efforts by aligning proposal execution and messaging with established client strategies * Maintain accurate pursuit information in HDR business development systems (Oracle ...

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All JobsProposal Development JobsProposal Development Jobs in California

Proposal Development information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$91.1K

$126.8K

How much do proposal development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal development in California is $91,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do proposal writers get paid?

Proposal writers typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start around $40,000, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn over $100,000. Compensation often includes skills in research, writing, and familiarity with proposal management tools.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule in proposal development refers to the guideline that proposals should be developed and submitted within three months of the opportunity's release to ensure relevance and competitiveness. It emphasizes timely planning, review, and submission to meet funding agency deadlines and maximize chances of success.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Proposal Development?

A typical day in Proposal Development involves coordinating with subject matter experts to gather necessary information, drafting and editing proposal documents, and managing timelines to ensure submissions meet all requirements. You may also participate in strategy meetings, review requests for proposals (RFPs), and ensure that submissions comply with client or grant guidelines. Collaboration with sales, finance, and technical teams is common, as is juggling multiple projects simultaneously. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to develop strong communication and organizational skills while directly contributing to business growth.

What is a proposal developer?

A proposal developer is a professional responsible for preparing and writing proposals to secure funding or contracts for organizations. They analyze requirements, gather necessary information, and create compelling documents often using tools like Microsoft Word or proposal management software. Strong writing, research, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Proposal Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Proposal Development, you need strong written communication, project management abilities, and an understanding of procurement or grant processes, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and proposal management platforms like Salesforce or RFPIO is often expected. Key soft skills include attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to manage tight deadlines under pressure. These skills ensure that proposals are accurate, compelling, and submitted on time, directly impacting an organization's chances of securing new business or funding.

What is a Proposal Development job?

A Proposal Development job involves managing and coordinating the creation of proposals for business opportunities, grants, or contracts. Professionals in this role gather information, write content, and ensure the proposal meets client or funding requirements. They collaborate with subject matter experts, designers, and leadership to develop compelling and competitive proposals. Strong project management, writing, and communication skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Proposal Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Proposal Development jobs in California? For Proposal Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Proposal Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Proposal Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Proposal Development job openings:
Proposal Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,081 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Program Development Proposal Writer

Alternative Family Services

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Program Development Proposal Writer – San Francisco Bay Area
The Program Development Proposal Writer plays a critical role in advancing Alternative Family Services' mission by identifying, developing, and securing government funding opportunities that support strategic organizational growth. This position leads the agency's response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), develops compelling grant narratives, coordinates proposal development across departments, and advises executive leadership on funding opportunities, compliance requirements, and long-term funding strategies.
This role serves as a strategic partner to agency leadership by monitoring government funding trends, cultivating relationships with county and public agency partners, coordinating proposal development, and ensuring grant compliance throughout the funding lifecycle. The Program Development Proposal Writer exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment in evaluating funding opportunities, interpreting procurement requirements, and recommending strategies that strengthen and diversify the agency's funding portfolio.
This role will report to the CPO and candidates should be based in northern California, with ability to travel between the various Alternative Family Services (AFS) offices.

About Alternative Family Services:

Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and Mental Health Agency that has been serving abused and neglected children in our community since 1973. Our mission is to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety, and well-being in communities. We provide a wide range of foster, adoption, mental health and transition-aged youth services in English and Spanish. We have eight locations throughout the Bay Area and 200 employees. We celebrate diversity, equal opportunity, and excellence.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit grant writing and management
  • Exceptional writing skills with the ability to translate program impact into compelling narratives for a variety of audiences
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple deadlines and complex proposal and reporting schedules
  • Experienced with counties’ procurement processes including preparation of agency’s response to requests for proposals (RFPs)
  • Committed to serving diverse children, youth and families with cultural humility focusing on the provision of culturally relevant interventions for children of color
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Possess high level of integrity, organization, follow-through and sound judgement
  • Able to represent AFS with public agency partners, funders, provider community, Board of Directors and with all AFS stakeholders
  • Meet required screening and criminal record clearances
  • Required to drive personal vehicle for AFS business and thus possesses a California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, with current auto insurance coverage and current vehicle registration.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities of Program Development Proposal Writer:
  • Monitor various county websites for program development opportunities and identifies upcoming requests for proposals (RFPs) that meet strategic objectives
  • Advise leadership regarding funding opportunities, risks, compliance requirements, and strategic considerations
  • In collaboration with program leadership, participate in strategic meetings with county partners to review program outcomes, areas of improvement and opportunities to provide additional services that meet county needs and support AFS strategic objective to diversify funding
  • Track grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting deadlines
  • Assign tasks to internal staff to meet grant and RFP requirements
  • Interpret grant requirements, regulations, and funding guidelines
  • Develop processes to ensure compliance with grant obligations and reporting requirements
  • Monitor awarded grants and advise leadership regarding performance outcomes and funding sustainability
  • Coordinate RFP process for new programs and existing program renewals; Prepares all narratives that articulate AFS program outcomes and evaluation
  • Serve as a resource to CEO and CPO to research program development and funding opportunities
  • Stay current in industry developments and trends by actively participating in state association
  • May participate in contract administration to ensure spending is in accordance with funding requirements
Driving Requirements:
This role involves working directly in the community throughout Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Therefore, it is essential that candidates possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain valid automobile insurance that includes their name as an insured driver on the policy at all times.
We Offer:
AFS makes substantial monthly contributions on your behalf to keep out of pocket premiums at an all-time low!
  • Pay range: $75,000 - $85,000/annually
  • A professional, supportive and culturally diverse work environment
  • IRS standard mileage reimbursement
  • Benefits package which includes:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Chiropractic amp; Acupuncture
    • Flex-spending options
    • Life and disability insurance
    • 403(b) option
  • Over 8 weeks time off annually! (11 vacation days the first year – accruals starting on your 1st day and progress up to 20 days a year! 12 paid holidays including your birthday off amp; 12 sick days annually!)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of Ancestry, Age, Color, Disability, Genetic Information, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender expression, Marital status, Medical condition, Military or veteran status, National origin, Race, Religion, Sex and Sexual orientation #now hiring #fostercare #now hiring #grant writer #program development #hiring alert

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