Senior Proposal Writer, New Business, Washington, D.C.

Position Description

About PADF 

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.

Position Overview 

The PADF New Business Development (NBD) unit facilitates collaboration and strategy development between field and HQ teams, partners, and donors to win projects that support the PADF mission. PADF NBD is looking for a full-time senior proposal writer. Incumbent will be responsible for lead writing assigned sections of proposals primarily for submission to the U.S. Government, particularly the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other bi-lateral funders. The senior writer will evaluate bid documents including RFAs and RFPs and provide written questions and comments to proposal design teams. The senior writer will work collaboratively with technical teams in design sessions and will outline, draft, and edit proposal packages that respond to funder solicitations. The senior writer will draft major proposal sections as needed, primarily the technical approach section, but also lead or support drafting of management approach, personnel and other sections as required. The senior writer is expected to support the NBD process in accordance with PADF’s policies, systems, and protocols, drawing on and working collaboratively with PADF staff in the field and HQ. Position is located in Washington DC.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct capture research efforts to collect data and technical information that will inform proposal writing, allowing an understanding of the local technical context, strengths and weaknesses of competitors, the donor landscape, and client preferences.
• Work collaboratively with staff in country offices to ensure local context is fully reflected and proposals reflect country-based staff expertise and knowledge.
• Become and remain knowledgeable about PADF programs and specifically those in the subject areas that respond to funding opportunities.
• Review bid documents, identifying win themes, differentiators and value propositions specific to PADF.
• Analyze solicitation documents and provide recommendations for effective messaging.
• In collaboration with the PADF BO team, country staff and technical directors, co-facilitate technical and management design sessions; develop annotated outlines; story boards; and technical narrative outlines.
• Lead the writing of select proposal sections, integrating technical input from internal and external stakeholders including staff, consultants and partners.
• Participate in technical reviews to ensure narrative alignment and compliance with bid requirements.
• Copy-edit select proposal sections provided from staff, consultants and partners, provide white glove editing support to final bid documents.
• Contribute to new business development strategy based on PADF Strategic Plan and opportunities identified.
• Participate in organizational learning activities to increase bid win rate.
• Mentor and train other section writers and other proposal team members and support them to design and produce high quality proposals.

Competencies

• Writing skills – Excellent skills in proposal writing, editing, and Demonstrated ability to create or refine systems, tools, and trainings that support the crafting of high-quality proposal sections. Demonstrated track record mentoring and training other professionals to write high quality proposal sections.
• Attention to detail – Meticulous and able to work with deadlines, ability to work with minimum supervision, proven ability to conduct extensive research and analysis to ensure proposals have country and technical relevance and context.
• Organizational skills – Strong skills in prioritization and organization of work assignments.
• Collaboration – Superior interpersonal skills and ability to interact with staff in Washington D.C. and in the field, as well PADF partners. Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team.

Personal Characteristics

• Flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn from others.
• Independent yet fully collaborative.
• Commitment to program excellence and to confidentiality.
• Respectful.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field required, master’s degree preferred.
• Superior English language writing Fluency in Spanish or French a plus.
• Proposal writing experience for USAID and other U.S. government agencies required.
• Seven (7) + years of professional experience required with a USAID contractor, non-profit organization, or similar focused on federal bid and proposal writing.
• Ability to collaborate successfully in a remote working environment.
• Knowledge of primary donors, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Department of State.
• Excellent understanding of proposal development processes and proposal components.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and Adobe programs, including online file management, word processing, and formatting.

Salary Range: $150,000 – $170,000.

A candidate’s salary is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal organizational equity.

More About PADF

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety. 

PADF is an equal opportunity employer.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements