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Proposal Writing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

EisnerAmper

Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Strong Business Writing/AP style preferred * Professional services experience a plus * Extensive ... Prior proposal experience preferred. Experience responding to Government proposals a plus. * Good ...

Eisneramper Llp

Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Strong Business Writing/AP style preferred * Professional services experience a plus * Extensive ... Prior proposal experience preferred. Experience responding to Government proposals a plus. * Good ...

Lindsay & Brownell

Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Strong Business Writing/AP style preferred * Professional services experience a plus * Extensive ... Prior proposal experience preferred. Experience responding to Government proposals a plus. * Good ...

Transdev

Proposal Director

Lombard, IL · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

As the leader of a fast-paced proposal team, the Proposal Director ensures proposals reflect project strategy, are well written, compliant to the RFP, and reflect the Transdev brand. This position is ...

Transdev

Proposal Director

Lombard, IL

$117K - $146K/yr

As the leader of a fast-paced proposal team, the Proposal Director ensures proposals reflect project strategy, are well written, compliant to the RFP, and reflect the Transdev brand. This position is ...

New

The LaSalle Group

Proposal & RFP Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Develop, write, edit and assemble polished, customer-focused proposal responses while ensuring compliance with all requirements * Coordinate proposal timelines and deliverables across Sales ...

Saint Anthony Hospital

Development Writer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Grant/Proposal Writing and Submission * Prepare compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, applications, and supporting documentation; ability to translate complex information into clear ...

Federal Signal

Proposal Coordinator

Crete, IL

$43K - $63K/yr

The appropriate candidate for this role will provide comprehensive support to the Proposal ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Organized, professional, and self-motivated.

Federal Signal

Proposal Coordinator

University Park, IL · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

The appropriate candidate for this role will provide comprehensive support to the Proposal ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Organized, professional, and self-motivated.

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All JobsProposal Writing JobsProposal Writing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Proposal Writing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$83.8K

$138.1K

How much do proposal writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal writing in Chicago, IL is $83,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 written communication, research, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal management software (like RFPIO or Qvidian), Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes knowledge of compliance standards or certifications (such as APMP) is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to work under tight deadlines help set outstanding proposal writers apart. These skills ensure that proposals are compelling, compliant, and delivered on time, increasing the chances of winning business opportunities.

How much does a proposal writer earn?

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. Strong writing, research, and familiarity with proposal management tools are important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Proposal Writing vs Grant Writing?

AspectProposal WritingGrant Writing
Primary FocusCreating proposals for various projects, services, or business opportunitiesDeveloping grant applications to secure funding from organizations or government agencies
Required CredentialsWriting skills, understanding of client needs, industry knowledgeWriting skills, knowledge of grant processes, often familiarity with specific funding agencies
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, corporate departments, freelanceNonprofits, research institutions, government agencies

Proposal Writing involves crafting proposals for a variety of projects or business opportunities, while Grant Writing specifically focuses on securing funding through grant applications. Both roles require strong writing skills, but Grant Writing often demands knowledge of funding sources and grant guidelines. Understanding these differences helps organizations find the right expertise for their needs.

How do you become a proposal writer?

To become a proposal writer, develop strong writing, research, and organizational skills, often through a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business, communications, or English. Gaining experience with proposal development, understanding funding requirements, and becoming familiar with tools like Microsoft Office or proposal management software can improve job prospects; certifications in proposal management are also beneficial.

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

Proposal writers often face tight deadlines, managing input from multiple stakeholders, and ensuring proposals align with client requirements. Balancing thorough research with clear, persuasive writing can also be challenging, especially when dealing with complex or technical subjects. Effective organization, strong communication skills, and the use of proposal management tools can help streamline the process and improve collaboration, making it easier to produce high-quality, competitive proposals.

How much can proposal writers make?

Proposal writers' salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Senior proposal writers or those with specialized skills can earn over $100,000, especially in competitive or high-demand sectors. Freelance proposal writers may charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $25 to $100 or more per hour.

What is proposal writing?

Proposal writing is the process of creating documents that outline plans, solutions, or offerings for a specific project, grant, or business opportunity. These documents are typically submitted to organizations, clients, or funding bodies to persuade them to approve, fund, or support a particular idea or service. Effective proposal writing involves understanding the audience's needs, clearly presenting objectives and methods, and demonstrating value or potential impact. Proposal writers often follow specific formats or guidelines set by the recipient, ensuring all requirements are met and the proposal stands out among competitors.
What are popular job titles related to Proposal Writing jobs in Chicago, IL? For Proposal Writing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Proposal Writing jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Writing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Proposal Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Writing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,764 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Senior Proposal and Investment Writer

Heitman

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Company: Heitman

Founded in 1966, Heitman LLC is a global real estate investment management firm with over $36 billion in assets under management. Heitman's real estate investment strategies include direct investments in the equity or debt capitalization of a property or in the securities of listed and publicly traded real estate companies. Heitman serves a global client base with clients from North American, European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific institutions, pension plans, foundations and corporations and individual investors. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Los Angeles, London, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Munich, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Heitman's over 300 employees offer specialized expertise - from a specific discipline to local insight.

Job Description

Our Chicago office is seeking a Senior Proposal Writer who will develop responses to requests for proposals and due diligence questionnaires from consultants and prospective clients. This position will also handle updating the PMAPs content library, develop marketing collateral for the firm's funds and strategies, and will edit client communications, including quarterly and annual reports. The Senior Proposal Writer will work across Heitman's three complementary business units and will support the firm globally.  This position will interact regularly with sales & client service, investment team members, and senior management. As the position will handle a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment, ideal candidates will exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage time and prioritize assignments.

Primary Duties - May include, but not limited to the following:

  • RFPs

    • Write, organize, edit and format responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) across all of Heitman's products and geographic regions

    • Analyze RFP requirements in order to write, answer, organize and edit proposal content

    • Coordinate sales and investment teams to establish RFP timelines and determine content ownership

    • Add new, update and maintain existing content within the firm's RFP database

    • Work with investment team members to develop and write new content

    • Ensure timely deliverable of quarterly updates, including documents in RFP library and updates to proposal database

    • Responsible for updating consultant databases on a regular basis

    • Provide feedback and recommendations to improve processes

    • Responsible for tracking, analysis and/or reporting on trends and RFP process effectiveness

  • Thought leadership development

    • Write, and coordinate development of various thought leadership pieces that can be leveraged across multiple platforms and present the firm's investment capabilities in the context of global secular and cyclical macroeconomic developments and client investment
      challenges and objectives

    • Collaborate with resident experts and author articles to be published in target industry and other publications

    • Review and edit client communications, including quarterly and annual reports

    • Responsible for tracking, analysis and/or reporting on effectiveness

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Excellent academic qualifications; Bachelor's degree required. Degrees in Journalism, English, Political Science, Marketing or Communications preferred.

EXPERIENCE

  • 7 years of direct job-related experience required

  • Financial services, real estate, or professional services industry experience a must

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

  • Strong writing, editing, proofreading skills are essential

  • Direct experience leading, writing, editing and preparing RFPs

  • Direct experience leading, writing, editing and preparing thought leadership, content programs

  • Superior project management skills

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

  • High level of professionalism, client service skills and an enthusiastic team player

  • Ability to work efficiently and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

  • Must be a results-oriented self-starter with strong attention to detail

  • Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint

  • Experience working in PMAPS or Qvidian preferred

Additional Information

Interested professionals should apply via our website at www.heitman.com. Please make sure to select "careers" under the About tab to submit your cover letter and resume. If you are a Heitman employee, please make sure to apply using your Heitman email address.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Equal Employment Opportunity: Heitman is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, medical or mental disability or condition (including, without limitation, HIV and AIDS), developmental disability, handicap, denial of family and medical care leave, denial of pregnancy leave, domestic partner status, status as a victim of sexual or domestic violence (or familial relationship to such victim), veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, arrest records, citizenship status, criminal history that has been expunged, unfavorable discharge from the military, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

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