Proposal Writer

I'm hiring a proposal writer for my team. I'm looking for a good editor who loves to craft compelling writing and is great at shaping technical content from subject matter experts into an easy-to-read format. Ideally, we'd be hiring someone to work out of our Northeast Minneapolis office 1-2 days a week, but we're flexible. This is a cool opportunity to put writing skills to work in the service of expanding energy efficiency, combating climate change, and growing an impact-oriented company.

Posted by: Carl Samuelson, Associate Director of Strategy

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Who is Michaels Energy?

Michaels Energy is a veteran-owned energy consulting firm that exists to help businesses minimize waste and maximize value. Our energy and engineering gurus are obsessed with optimizing buildings and processes to maximize energy savings and profits, minimize utility grid stress and carbon footprints, and keep this big, beautiful planet in tip-top shape. Our passion is developing long-term client relationships with energy users, utilities, consultants, and partners. This passion, combined with our core values of proactive and responsive service, intuitive analysis, collaborative partnerships, and fanatical execution, forms the foundation of our corporate culture.

We’re proud to share that Michaels Energy is one of Inc’s Best Workplaces of 2024 and 2025. This award is given to workplaces that foster an environment where employees willingly go above and beyond in their work, advocate for the organization and intend to stay in the future.

What is the role? 

Michaels Energy is seeking a Proposal Writer to develop compelling content that supports new business opportunities and partnerships. This position will collaborate cross-functionally to draft, edit, and maintain high-quality proposals while also providing coordination for the proposal team. This position offers the opportunity to transform technical information into clear, persuasive narratives that showcase Michaels Energy’s expertise. We are looking for someone who is a strong writer and editor, enjoys collaborating with others, and produces polished work under a deadline.

Content Repository Management

• Maintain the proposal repository in our proposal management software, QorusDocs, to ensure the content is up to date, incorporates proof points and case studies, and is reviewed and refreshed on a regular cycle.
• Identify content needs through a regular review of current content and through a post-submission review of proposals.
• Draft new general content as needed to fill holes in repository content.
• Review content with Subject Matter Experts to improve accuracy and quality of the content.
• Update regularly needed content like resumes, bios, and quals on an established cadence.

Proposal Content Drafting

• Review Requests for Proposals to identify content needs.
• Work in a collaborative team to develop proposal content.
• Draft proposal content by interviewing subject matter experts and incorporating their feedback into proposal-ready content.
• Create graphs and tables to summarize information in the proposal.
• Coordinate with Marketing to develop proposal graphics.

Proposal Editing

• Edit proposals for cohesive voice, consistent use of win themes, readability, structure, and compliance
• Edit all documents for readability, consistency, grammar, and styling
• Carefully use AI tools to improve writing quality and readability

Proposal Coordination

• Assist with maintaining the proposal software functionality for the team.
• Set up new proposals in our systems following documented procedures.
• Develop proposal production schedules and coordinate tasks of proposal team members.
• Submit intent to bid and questions via the bid portals.
• Complete Requests for Information.

Sales Enablement Support

• Provide content writing and editing support for sales staff.
• Support the sales team in developing client-specific qualifications and content.

How do you contribute?

After 3 months, you will have….

• Familiarity with Michaels products, brand, proposal style, and team.
• Onboarded to using QorusDocs to manage the proposal repository
• Drafting and editing content for proposals.

After 6 months, you will have….

• Independently reviewing proposal content for gaps and needed revisions.
• Supporting the team on large bids and meeting key deadlines.
• Producing excellent writing and editing for our proposal team.

What are the metrics for this role? 

• Qorus Docs and Content utilization
• Regularly updated Proposal Content Repository

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Technical Writing, or related field.
• Two+ years’ experience with proposal writing or technical writing.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative with an advanced level of proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to create clear, client-focused messaging that differentiates the company.

Where can you work? 

• The Minneapolis office is preferred
• Work from home, in the office, or a hybrid

Why work for Michaels Energy?

The top reasons Michaels Energy is an awesome place to work, besides helping the world save energy.

• We Never Stop Learning
• Flexible Work Hours
• Collaborative
• Career Development
• Beer Fridays
• Fresh Fruit Daily
• Wellness Rewards
• Fun Company Outings

Michaels Energy EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We strive to build and nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees. We know diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation, a strong work environment, and exceptional results. This fits well with our culture that celebrates the unique, the different, and the individual. For us, this is who we are and what we do, not just words in a policy.