ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Proposal Writing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel Inc.

Proposal Manager

Portland, OR

$85K - $105K/yr

Professional development and tuition reimbursement The Proposal Manager supports the BD Services ... Strong written and verbal communication. * Excellent organizational skills to manage timelines ...

Quanta Services

Proposal Manager II

Vancouver, WA · On-site

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional organizational, leadership, writing, and communication skills, along with extensive experience managing multiple concurrent federal proposals in a fast-paced ...

Haley & Aldrich

Proposal Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

Excellent writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce concise, technically ... AEC proposal leadership experience and the ability to quickly learn Haley & Aldrich's markets ...

Haley & Aldrich, Inc

Proposal Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

Excellent writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce concise, technically ... AEC proposal leadership experience and the ability to quickly learn Haley & Aldrich's markets ...

ECOnorthwest

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

Develop proposal schedules and compliance matrices. * Coordinate kickoff meetings and ... Excellent written, verbal, and facilitation skills. * Ability to communicate clearly with staff at ...

ECOnorthwest

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

Develop proposal schedules and compliance matrices. * Coordinate kickoff meetings and ... Excellent written, verbal, and facilitation skills. * Ability to communicate clearly with staff at ...

Haley & Aldrich

Proposal Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

Excellent writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce concise, technically ... AEC proposal leadership experience and the ability to quickly learn Haley & Aldrich's markets ...

Ballard

Sr Proposal Specialist

Washougal, WA · On-site

... writing, editing, proofreading, formatting, graphic layout, and document production skills • ... proposal workflows and production efficiency • Graphic design, SharePoint, and proposal ...

ABB

Commercial Proposal Engineer

Portland, OR · Remote

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing complex proposals by analyzing RFP ... Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal-with the ability to build relationships and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProposal Writing JobsProposal Writing Jobs in Portland, OR

Proposal Writing information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$86.2K

$142.1K

How much do proposal writing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal writing in Portland, OR is $86,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,300.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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, you typically need strong writing and research skills, a good understanding of the industry or sector you want to work in, and experience with proposal development processes. Many proposal writers have a background in communications, business, or related fields, and some pursue certifications such as the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help build the necessary skills for a proposal writing career.

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 are popular job titles related to Proposal Writing jobs in Portland, OR?

For Proposal Writing jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Proposal Writing jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Proposal Writing jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Proposal Writing jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Proposal Writing job openings:

Proposal Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Writing job openings in Portland, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,164 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Proposal Writer/Proposal Developer

Portland, OR • On-site

Hufford Services Group
See more jobs at Hufford Services Groupexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a part-time proposal writer/proposal developer. You will act as a trusted advisor to our clients while managing all aspects of proposal development. We focus on federal and state proposals, including helping our clients identify opportunities with strong pwin. This is a part-time on-demand role, ideal for an experienced proposal writer or proposal manager looking for interesting and challenging additional opportunities.
You will have direct accountability for all aspects of the proposal development and management process. Your proposals will often be technical in nature, but may also be non-technical or focused on administrative support. You may be the sole proposal expert working on an opportunity, or you may be part of a larger proposal team.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Minimum of five (5) years in Federal and/or State Government proposal management, proposal development, and the direct management of proposal operational organizations
  • Approximately 7-10 years of work experience
  • Diversity of experience in large corporate organizations and small business concerns
  • Bachelor’s degree (Masters desirable) with preferred concentration in Business, English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications, or comparable work experience
  • Excellent communicator – both written and oral
  • Experience leading teams in strategic and tactical discussions to increase probability of win (PWin)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future
Preferred:
  • Training in formal capture/proposal methodologies
  • Industry-wide best practices in proposal management
  • Knowledge and understanding of Federal / State procurement regulations and practices (including FAR and DFAR)
  • Project management and Capture management
  • Editorial practice and standards