Senior Proposal Specialist & Strategic Customer Engagement Lead – FOLIO Library Services & SaaS Solutions Expert – Championing Innovation, Growth, and Customer Success for Global Library Institutions at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is the world’s leading catalyst for library transformation. With a presence in more than 70 countries, we empower academic, public, and research libraries to deliver seamless, future‑proof services to their patrons. Our foundation is built on open‑source brilliance—most notably the FOLIO ecosystem—and a suite of cloud‑based SaaS solutions that streamline cataloging, acquisitions, user experience, and analytics. Founded by librarians, technologists, and educators, brighthush thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We believe that every library, regardless of size or budget, deserves access to cutting‑edge tools that enhance learning and discovery. Our culture is rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to making information accessible to everyone.

Why Join brighthush?

• Impact at Scale: Your work will shape the way thousands of libraries worldwide respond to procurement requests, directly influencing the adoption of innovative research tools.
• Career Growth: We invest in your professional development through mentorship, training, and opportunities to lead cross‑functional initiatives.
• Flexible Work Environment: Choose a hybrid or fully remote schedule that fits your lifestyle while staying connected to a vibrant team.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive package that includes health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement savings, paid parental leave, holidays, PTO, and more.
• Diverse & Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diverse perspectives and foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Role Overview

As a Senior Proposal Specialist & Strategic Customer Engagement Lead at brighthush, you will be the linchpin in translating complex customer requirements into compelling, technically accurate proposals for our FOLIO Library Services Platform and related SaaS solutions. You will collaborate with sales, product, implementation, and technical teams to craft responses that resonate with librarians, administrators, and decision‑makers worldwide. Your expertise will help shape the narrative that positions brighthush as the partner of choice for modern library institutions.

What You’ll Do Every Day

• Lead the end‑to‑end proposal lifecycle, from kickoff meetings to final submission.
• Translate customer needs into clear, persuasive language that highlights brighthush’s unique value proposition.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional stakeholders to gather technical details, pricing, and implementation timelines.
• Maintain a living repository of proposal content, ensuring it reflects the latest product features and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior proposal writers and contribute to the development of internal training programs.
• Represent brighthush at industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay ahead of emerging trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Proposal Development: Create clear, customer‑focused responses to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and other procurement documents, ensuring alignment with client needs and brighthush’s value proposition.
• Requirements Analysis: Review customer requests to identify gaps, clarify ambiguities, and determine where subject‑matter expertise is required.
• Research & Knowledge Management: Stay current on FOLIO capabilities, library workflows, integration points, and implementation strategies to inform proposal content.
• Project Coordination: Lead proposal projects from kickoff to submission, managing timelines, stakeholder communication, document preparation, and quality assurance.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Product Management, Implementation, Technical Support, Information Security, Legal, and other experts to address functional and technical requirements.
• Content Governance: Maintain a living repository of FOLIO and library systems content, updating responses as products evolve.
• Quality Assurance: Review proposals for accuracy, consistency, compliance, grammar, and overall quality before final submission.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the development of best‑practice frameworks, proposal templates, and knowledge‑sharing resources across the organization.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a sales or corporate environment with a proven track record in communication and writing.
• At least 2 years of professional writing, research, project coordination, or proposal development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while coordinating across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong research skills and the capacity to translate complex technical information into clear, concise language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency with office productivity suite, cloud collaboration tools, and proposal management platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Library Science, Library and Information Science, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience implementing or migrating to an integrated library system or library services platform.
• Professional experience as a systems librarian, technical services librarian, electronic resources librarian, implementation librarian, or in a comparable library technology role.
• Direct experience responding to RFPs, RFIs, technical questionnaires, or other formal procurement documents.
• Familiarity with the FOLIO ecosystem and its integration landscape.
• Experience with agile project management methodologies and collaborative tools such as Jira or Trello.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Technical Writing: Ability to produce high‑quality, customer‑centric documentation that balances technical depth with accessibility.
• Project Management: Proficiency in planning, scheduling, and executing proposal projects on time and within scope.
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled at building relationships with internal teams and external clients to gather requirements and secure buy‑in.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem‑solving skills to identify gaps and propose actionable solutions.
• Collaboration: Comfortable working in cross‑functional teams and facilitating knowledge sharing.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to align proposal content with broader business objectives and market positioning.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, learning is a lifelong journey. As a Senior Proposal Specialist, you will:

• Lead high‑impact projects that shape the future of library technology.
• Mentor junior proposal writers and contribute to the development of internal training programs.
• Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay ahead of emerging trends.
• Explore opportunities to transition into product management, sales engineering, or strategic partnership roles.
• Access a robust learning platform that offers courses in technical writing, project management, and library science.
• Engage in cross‑departmental initiatives that broaden your skill set and expand your professional network.

Work Environment & Culture at brighthush

Our team is distributed across the United States, with hubs in Ipswich, MA; Birmingham, AL; and Contoocook, NH. While we embrace remote work, we also value in‑person collaboration. Employees within a 30‑mile radius of a hub are required to attend a designated on‑site day each month for team syncs and collaboration. Those living outside this radius enjoy fully remote flexibility.

We foster a culture of transparency, innovation, and mutual respect. Our values—curiosity, collaboration, integrity, and impact—guide every decision we make. Whether you’re brainstorming a new proposal strategy or troubleshooting a technical challenge, you’ll find a supportive environment that encourages growth and celebrates success.

Compensation & Benefits

Our competitive salary range for this role is USD $60,240.00 – $86,060.00 per year, with adjustments based on experience, qualifications, and location. In addition to base pay, you’ll receive:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid parental leave and generous PTO.
• Paid holidays and a flexible work schedule.
• Professional development stipend and access to industry conferences.
• Employee wellness programs, including mental health resources.
• Mentorship and coaching initiatives.
• Equity opportunities for high‑performing team members.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about library technology, enjoy crafting compelling narratives, and thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment, we want to hear from you. Submit your application through our careers portal and join a team that is shaping the future of research and discovery.

Equal Opportunity Employer

brighthush is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.