Business Development & Proposal Specialist

Eri Design is seeking a part-time to potential full-time Business Development and Proposal Specialist to own the RFP and RFI process and lead the development of proposals aimed at winning new business. This remote, contract role offers the potential to grow into a full leadership position as the pipeline expands. The engagement pays an hourly rate of USD 23 - 30.

Overview

The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end proposal lifecycle, acting as the central quarterback for opportunities from initial identification through submission. You will engage with prospective clients to uncover genuine needs and shape responses that align with our capabilities in higher education and mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Own the full proposal process from opportunity spotting to final submission, coordinating cross-functionally as the primary lead.
• Field inbound inquiries and conduct discovery conversations to understand client needs beyond surface requirements.
• Ask targeted questions during Q&A periods to capture intelligence and clarify requirements, with guidance provided on what to look for.
• Monitor and track opportunities within higher education and mission-driven sectors.
• Ensure strict adherence to all requirements, protocols, and deadlines.
• Craft tailored proposals that address each institution’s unique challenges, avoiding cookie-cutter responses.
• Write, edit, and proofread proposal content with precision and clarity.
• During slower RFP periods, contribute to growth initiatives such as market research, lead generation, and outreach.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities that align with our expertise and growth objectives.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of higher education and mission-driven organizations, including their challenges, decision-making processes, and drivers.
• Strong understanding of digital strategy, design, and development; experience with agencies or closely related environments is highly valued.
• Self-starter who can operate independently and take initiative without supervision.
• Ability to lead as the point person and drive the process forward, not merely manage it.
• Strategically curious with the ability to ask questions that reveal true client needs.
• Exceptional writing skills, capable of translating complex services into compelling narratives.
• Detail-oriented with the capacity to juggle multiple deadlines without error.
• Fast learner who can quickly assimilate our business model and articulate it convincingly.
• Experience with RFP and proposal management, ideally within professional services, digital, or education sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape business development for a 20-year-old agency with a strong reputation in higher education.
• Meaningful work that supports institutions in advancing their missions.
• Real autonomy with ownership of the process rather than following a preset playbook.
• Performance-based bonuses tied to new business wins.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• Professional development allowance for courses, workshops, and conferences, plus invitations to leading higher education industry events we attend.
• Clear path to a full-time role for the right candidate, with significant growth potential for entrepreneurial and results-driven individuals.
• Competitive hourly rate.

To Apply

Please provide the following to be considered:

• Your experience with proposal management or business development
• Your background in higher education and digital strategy, design, or development
• Why you are the right person to lead the process rather than merely manage it
• What you would focus on in your first 30 days to improve our proposal or business development efforts
• What growth into a full-time role would mean for you