Proposal Writer Entry Level Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The appropriate candidate for this role will provide comprehensive support to the Proposal Management process across all University Park groups, including contract vehicle coordination, vendor questionnaire management, and enterprise tracking of key activities. Serve as the lead for Starbridge support across all divisions, ensuring consistent processes and visibility into meetings, RFPs, and purchasing workflows. This role is critical to maintaining data integrity, improving cross-functional coordination, and enhancing efficiency, reporting, and compliance across proposal development and business operations.

Key Activities/Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain proposal support materials and proposal content libraries, including reference sheets, case studies, sole source letters, and other marketing and compliance documentation to support business development efforts.
• Coordinate and facilitate proposal review meetings, including communicating requirements, capturing action items, and tracking follow-up items to completion.
• Review and interpret solicitation documents and contractual requirements to identity deliverables and support compliant proposal submissions.
• Proofread and format proposals to align with organizational branding and compliance guidelines.
• Coordinate and track proposal deadlines, ensuring all submissions meet requirements and timelines.
• Generate and maintain weekly/monthly reports on proposal success rates.
• Update compliance metrics related to certifications like ISNetworld and Avetta.
• Complete and manage vendor forms and questionnaires across all University Park operations, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Oversee contract vehicle reporting and pricing updates for the University Park location, including Sourcewell, TIPS, HGAC, PCA, NASPO, and other cooperative purchasing programs, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance.
• Serve as the primary lead for Starbridge support across all divisions, ensuring consistent processes and visibility into key activities including meetings, RFPs, and purchasing workflows.
• Assist with tracking and reviewing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Manage dealer and representative insurance documentation, including requests, reviews, and ongoing maintenance to ensure compliance with company and contractual requirements.
• Assist in securing pricing from reps for future Commander1renewals.
• Act as the central point of contact for cross-department collaboration.
• Assist with other duties as required.

Skills Required:

• Associates degree recommended
• Entry-level position, 1-2 years RFP-related experience preferred
• Experience utilizing Smart Sheet, ISNetworld, and Avetta preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized, professional, and self-motivated.
• Strong planning and multi-tasking skills.
• Able to work well individually and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with MS Office software particularly Excel.
• High attention to detail.

Salary range: $43,311/yr - $63,302/yr

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.