Senior Customer Proposals Specialist & Digital Library Transformation Lead – FOLIO & SaaS Expert Driving AI‑Powered Knowledge Access and Customer Success at brighthush
Welcome to brighthush – Pioneering the Future of Library Technology
At brighthush, we are more than a technology vendor; we are a catalyst for knowledge democratization. With a global footprint that spans universities, public libraries, research institutions, and cultural heritage organizations, we empower every library to deliver seamless, intuitive, and scalable services. Our flagship platform, FOLIO, is an open‑source, modular library services system that redefines how collections, patrons, and workflows are managed. By marrying robust SaaS solutions with a vibrant ecosystem of partners, brighthush delivers a fully integrated research experience that is both seamless and future‑proof.
In a world where information is the most valuable asset, brighthush sits at the forefront of innovation, harnessing AI, data analytics, and cloud computing to help libraries worldwide unlock new possibilities. Our mission is simple yet profound: to transform lives by providing reliable, relevant information—when, where, and how people need it. We achieve this by building tools that are intuitive, interoperable, and future‑proof, and by fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
Why This Role Matters at brighthush
As a Senior Customer Proposals Specialist, you become the bridge between our technical teams and the libraries that rely on our solutions. Your voice shapes how institutions perceive brighthush, and your expertise directly influences the success of our sales and implementation efforts. This role offers:
- Hands‑on interaction with librarians, vendors, and cross‑functional teams.
- Opportunity to translate complex technical concepts into clear, customer‑centric narratives.
- Exposure to the full lifecycle of proposal development—from initial RFP receipt to final submission.
- Continuous learning through mentorship, training, and real‑world project experience.
- Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
Impactful Work That Drives Innovation
Every proposal you craft has the potential to shape the future of library services. By articulating the value of FOLIO and our SaaS offerings, you help libraries unlock efficiencies, enhance user experiences, and accelerate research outcomes. Your work directly supports the mission of brighthush to democratize access to knowledge worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Develop Accurate, Compelling Responses: Craft technically sound, customer‑focused answers to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and other procurement documents for FOLIO and related SaaS offerings.
- Analyze Customer Requirements: Identify gaps, clarify ambiguities, and determine when subject‑matter expertise is needed.
- Research and Synthesize: Deep‑dive into FOLIO capabilities, library workflows, integration points, and implementation strategies to build comprehensive responses.
- Coordinate Proposal Projects: Manage the end‑to‑end process—requirements analysis, task assignments, timeline tracking, stakeholder communication, document preparation, and final quality review.
- Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with Sales, Product Management, Implementation, Technical Support, Information Security, Legal, and other experts to address complex functional and technical requirements.
- Translate Technical Language: Convert product details and library system concepts into clear, concise language that resonates with librarians and decision‑makers.
- Maintain Content Repository: Keep the RFP response library up‑to‑date by adding new information and revising existing content as products evolve.
- Ensure Quality and Compliance: Review proposals for accuracy, consistency, completeness, compliance with client guidelines, grammar, and overall quality.
- Mentor Junior Team Members: Share best practices, provide constructive feedback, and help develop the next generation of proposal specialists.
- Track Market Trends: Stay informed about emerging library technologies, funding landscapes, and competitive offerings to keep brighthush proposals ahead of the curve.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a sales or corporate environment with a proven record of effective communication and writing.
- 2+ years of professional writing, research, project coordination, or proposal development, interpreting and communicating detailed information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or deadlines while coordinating information and deliverables across stakeholders.
- Strong research skills and a meticulous eye for detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with proposal management tools.
- Experience with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira).
- Basic understanding of library operations, cataloging, and discovery services.
Preferred Qualifications (What Sets You Apart)
- Graduate degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field (M.L.S., M.L.I.S., etc.).
- Hands‑on experience implementing or migrating to an integrated library system or library services platform.
- Background as a systems librarian, technical services librarian, electronic resources librarian, implementation librarian, or similar library technology role.
- Direct experience responding to RFPs, RFIs, technical questionnaires, or other formal procurement documents.
- Knowledge of library workflows, discovery platforms, and the challenges faced by academic and public libraries.
- Experience with SaaS solutions and cloud‑based library services.
- Familiarity with open‑source licensing and community‑driven development models.
Skills & Competencies for Success
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex requirements and translate them into actionable proposal components.
- Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with a track record of meeting deadlines and coordinating cross‑functional teams.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Deep empathy for library users and decision‑makers, ensuring proposals address real‑world needs.
- Technical Fluency: Comfortable navigating library systems, APIs, and integration scenarios.
- Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to work with diverse stakeholders, from sales to legal, to craft cohesive responses.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑moving environment where priorities shift and new information emerges.
- Attention to Detail: Commitment to producing error‑free, polished documents that reflect brighthush’s quality standards.
- Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and align proposal content with long‑term business goals.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At brighthush, we believe in nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As a Senior Customer Proposals Specialist, you will:
- Gain exposure to the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing, enhancing your understanding of business strategy.
- Develop expertise in library technology, positioning you as a subject‑matter authority within the industry.
- Participate in cross‑functional projects that broaden your skill set and expand your professional network.
- Access ongoing training programs, certifications, and mentorship initiatives designed to accelerate your career.
- Be considered for leadership roles in proposal management, product strategy, or client success teams.
- Contribute to thought leadership by authoring white papers, case studies, and industry insights that showcase brighthush’s expertise.
Work Environment & Culture at brighthush
brighthush champions a hybrid work model that balances remote flexibility with in‑person collaboration. Our culture is built on:
- Innovation: Encouraging experimentation, data‑driven decision‑making, and continuous improvement.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Celebrating diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.
- Collaboration: Cross‑functional teamwork that breaks down silos and drives collective success.
- Transparency: Open communication channels and clear expectations at all levels.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, and support for personal and professional commitments.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to volunteer, participate in library advocacy, and contribute to open‑source projects.
- Learning & Development: Regular hackathons, knowledge‑sharing sessions, and access to industry conferences.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range of $60,240 – $86,060 per year, commensurate with experience, skills, and location. In addition, brighthush provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Life and Disability insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
- Paid parental leave and family‑friendly policies.
- Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
- Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.
- Mentoring and coaching programs to support career development.
- Access to learning platforms, conferences, and industry events.
- Equity or stock‑option opportunities for eligible employees.
- Remote work stipend and ergonomic support.
Location & Remote Work Policy
This is a fully remote position. However, if you reside within a 30‑mile radius of one of our hub offices—Ipswich, MA; Birmingham, AL; or Contoocook, NH—you will be required to attend an on‑site day each month for collaboration and team syncs. All other candidates may work remotely from anywhere in the United States.
How to Apply
Ready to make a tangible impact on the future of library technology? Join brighthush and help shape the next generation of research solutions. Submit your application today and become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and customer success.