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Proposal Writer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

We need a Proposal Writer. Are you a storyteller, a compliance whisperer, and a collaborative powerhouse? Do you blend creativity with compliance, turn requirements into narratives and RFPs into real ...

Proposal Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$110/hr

You will write technical and non-technical explanations of our product offerings and deliver compelling proposals to win new business. We are looking for mission-driven teammates who can jump into ...

... proposal approaches Direct writing/editing/rewriting efforts, as needed Work with the Volume Leaders to ensure inter-volume compatibility is achieved Develop a Red Team plan for the final review and ...

We need a Proposal Writer. Are you a storyteller, a compliance whisperer, and a collaborative powerhouse? Do you blend creativity with compliance, turn requirements into narratives and RFPs into real ...

Proposal Writer Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

What You'll Do The Proposal Writer we seek is a principal-level proposal professional and is a key member of the Proposal Development Center (PDC). You will provide full lifecycle, Federal proposal ...

Technical Proposal Writer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Technical Proposal Writer Astor & Sanders Corporation (Astor) is an award-winning IT solutions provider headquartered in McLean, VA seeking a Technical Proposal Writer. This is a full-time and hybrid ...

Proposal Writer Principal

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

What You'll Do The Proposal Writer we seek is a principal-level proposal professional and is a key member of the Proposal Development Center (PDC). You will provide full lifecycle, Federal proposal ...

Proposal Writer Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

What You'll Do The Proposal Writer we seek is a principal-level proposal professional and is a key member of the Proposal Development Center (PDC). You will provide full lifecycle, Federal proposal ...

Senior Proposal Writer Location: Hybrid - Reston, VA Terms: Full Time Clearance: None Travel: 0-10% RESULTS. INNOVATION. VALUES. ACCOUNTABILITY. That's RIVA. We're a mission-driven IT services ...

New

Senior Proposal Writer

Washington, DC · Remote

$80K - $100K/yr

Senior Proposal Writer Position Type: Full-Time Remote L ocation : Washington, DC Duties and Responsibilities: * Proposal Development and Writing * Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitation ...

Federal Proposal Writer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$88K - $147K/yr

We're looking for a Federal Proposal Writer who can turn sophisticated IT solutions, program management models, and company capabilities into clear, persuasive narratives for government customers.

Federal Proposal Writer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$88K - $147K/yr

We are currently seeking a Federal Proposal Writer to join our team in Herndon, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). Job Summary: At NTT DATA, proposals aren't just responses--they are how we ...

We're looking for a Federal Proposal Writer who can turn sophisticated IT solutions, program management models, and company capabilities into clear, persuasive narratives for government customers.

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Showing results 1-20

Proposal Writer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$84.5K

$139.4K

How much do proposal writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal writer in Reston, VA is $84,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Proposal Writer typically collaborate with subject matter experts and other team members during the proposal development process?

A Proposal Writer often works closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), project managers, and business development teams to gather the technical, financial, and strategic information required for compelling proposals. This collaboration usually involves conducting interviews, facilitating content reviews, and coordinating input from various stakeholders to ensure the proposal is accurate and tailored to client needs. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to managing multiple contributors, meeting tight deadlines, and producing high-quality submissions. This teamwork helps ensure that the proposal aligns with both client expectations and company objectives.

What does a Proposal Writer do?

A Proposal Writer is responsible for creating documents that outline a company's products, services, or solutions in response to requests from clients or potential customers. Their main goal is to craft persuasive and clear proposals that showcase the value and benefits of their organization’s offerings, usually to secure new business or funding. Proposal Writers work closely with sales, marketing, and subject matter experts to gather information and tailor proposals to specific client needs. They must ensure proposals are compliant with client requirements and deadlines, and often manage multiple projects at once.

How much do proposal writers get paid?

Proposal writers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior proposal writers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, and freelance proposal writers may charge hourly or project-based rates. Compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for professional development.

How do you become a proposal writer?

To become a proposal writer, you typically need strong writing and research skills, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as communications, business, or marketing, and experience with proposal development or grant writing. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and the ability to meet deadlines are also important for success in this role.

What is the difference between a bid writer and a proposal writer?

A proposal writer creates detailed documents to secure business opportunities by responding to RFPs, while a bid writer focuses specifically on preparing competitive bids for tenders. Both roles require strong writing skills, but proposal writers often handle broader strategic content, whereas bid writers concentrate on meeting specific tender requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Proposal Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and organizational skills, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal management tools (such as RFPIO or Loopio), content management systems, and sometimes APMP certification is valuable. Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to work under deadlines are critical soft skills. These skills ensure persuasive, compliant proposals that meet client requirements and increase win rates in competitive bidding environments.

What is the work of a proposal writer?

A proposal writer creates detailed documents to outline a company's plans, solutions, and costs in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from clients or organizations. They research requirements, organize information clearly, and ensure the proposal meets all guidelines, often using tools like Microsoft Word or specialized proposal software. Strong writing, research, and editing skills are essential for this role.

What Is a Proposal Writer?

Proposal writers compose documents to gain support for a project, enter into a business agreement, or convince clients to buy products and services. To complete the proposal, they usually work with a team to research a specific issue, conduct interviews, collect information, and organize the data before submitting the application or sending the contract to a client. Proposal writers may work for non-profit organizations or private companies, or they may be freelancers who work for many different businesses. Some proposal writers specialize in a specific industry, such as grant writing for non-profit organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Writer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Proposal Writer jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What job categories do people searching Proposal Writer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Writer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Proposal Writer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Proposal Writer job openings:
Proposal Writer

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

We are Skyward.
 
That is, a love for people, for improvement, for human advancement through information technology. We are a people-centered business with a desire to serve others. We are diverse and unified; creative and collaborative; a collection of complementary, not competing talents. And though on the surface we remain relaxed, beneath, a torrent of energy links us to our civic tech mission.
 
We stand by our values, and we won’t compromise on any of them.
 
Integrity: We’re conscientious, intentional, and empathetic. Our words and actions align. That’s our character. Please don’t ask us to play another part, we’re poor actors.   
Compassionate: If we may borrow a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” Because our team is thoughtful and supportive, caring deeply for each other, our clients, and our work, this comes naturally. 
Inquisitive: We remain students by failing openly and turning lessons into solutions.
Unconventional: For us, life isn’t what happens outside of work. Work happens inside of life and our culture erases the line often dividing the two.   
Authentic: Made possible only because we embody the values listed above. We’re relaxed and fun yet intensely curious and driven. Team members are placed with thought, care, and precision to ensure that Trust, Truth, and Transparency continue to represent our brand.
 
Because of that, we continue Onward, Upward, and Skyward.

We need a Proposal Writer. 
Are you a storyteller, a compliance whisperer, and a collaborative powerhouse? Do you blend creativity with compliance, turn requirements into narratives and RFPs into real-world impact? If you’re someone who thrives in the fast lane, embraces smart tech (hello, AI tools), and believes storytelling can win hearts and contracts, then you’re exactly who we are looking for.

Come join us if you're motivated to learn from others, to learn from mistakes, to be part of a future-looking and growth-oriented team.

Let's go Skyward together. 

What you'll do:
  • Write to win. Author clear, compliant, and compelling proposals (RFPs, RFQs) and generate RFI and Sources Sought responses which demonstrate an understanding of the customers’ mission for a range of federal agencies with primary focus on DHS.
  • Team up. Collaborate with capture managers, BD pros, solution architects, and SMEs to weave together win themes, discriminators, and evidence-backed stories that resonate.
  • Bring the narrative. Craft pricing narratives, management approaches, technical solutions, past performance, and executive summaries that don’t just check boxes – they tell a persuasive story.
  • Work smarter with AI. Use GenAI tools like Grok, Claude, VisibleThread, Grammarly Pro, and Skyward’s custom AI stack to speed up content creation, while keeping that authentic human touch.
  • Keep it Shipley. Build compliance matrices, run Pink/Red/Gold reviews like a pro, and enforce best practices throughout the proposal lifecycle.
  • Stay sharp. Monitor FAR, DFARS, GSAR, HSAR, and all the other acronyms that matter. Track compliance with Section 508, CMMC, TAA, and more. 
What we'd like you to have:
  • A bachelor’s in English, Communications, Journalism, Business, or related field (or the equivalent in lived experience and great writing).
  • 5+ years writing and coordinating federal proposals, with strong experience supporting DHS agencies (USCIS, CBP, FEMA, TSA, etc.) and managing multiple requirements against competing deadlines.
  • APMP Practitioner or higher (or Shipley-equivalent mastery).
  • Experience contributing to pricing volumes – you get how cost realism, labor categories, and basis of estimate play out.
  • Developing proposal schedules and facilitating kick-off, partnership, strategy, and solutions sessions.
  • A track record of winning $25M+ opportunities preferably with DHS and other Law enforcement agencies.
  • Fluency in tools like GovWin, sam.gov, VisibleThread, Loopio, ProposalTech, Qvidian, or Privia. 
  • Experience working alongside or inside AI tools – and knowing when to trust, edit, or rewrite that generated content.
  • A calm, collaborative energy – even when timelines are tight and stakes are high. 
What would blow us away:
  • You have prior experience with DHS-specific vehicles like Alliant 2, OASIS+, or GSA 8(a) STARS III.
  • You have spoken or written about proposals, AI in federal contracting, or best practices at events, blogs, or webinars.
Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. At Skyward, we’re focused on hiring individuals with the right skills and passion to grow, not just checking off every box. 
And now the important part. What we offer you:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance (fully paid for employees)
  • 15 days of paid leave
  • 7 days of sick leave
  • 2 days bereavement leave
  • 11 paid Federal holidays 
  • Up to 40 hours for jury duty
  • 401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)
  • Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave
  • Company provided laptop
  • $5,000 per year for professional development
  • $600 per year for technical supplies and equipment
  • $2,000 referral bonus
  • Life and disability insurance
  • HSA and FSA
  • Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits
  • Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Who says government work can't be exciting! 

We believe great work deserves great pay. That’s why we ensure our compensation is not only competitive but also fair and transparent, as required by Maryland law. Expect a salary that matches your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the table — because you’re worth it! 

At Skyward, we support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
 
Offers of employment with Skyward are contingent upon acceptable results of a background investigation.
 
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance due to the nature of our work as a government contractor.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.