Manager, Proposal Writing

Position Overview:

The Manager Operations (Proposal Writing) will be responsible for leading the development of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and donor communication materials while also managing organizational communication needs. This role is critical to securing funding, ensuring donor satisfaction, and strengthening Room to Read’s positioning as a thought leader in education.

The role requires excellent writing, research, and communication skills combined with the ability to coordinate across multiple teams (programs, fundraising, operations, and state offices). The Manager will report to Program Operations Director and will work closely with state teams and country office leadership

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the complete proposal development lifecycle — from opportunity scanning, research, and scoping to drafting, review, quality assurance, and final submission — ensuring high-quality, competitive proposals are delivered within deadlines.
• Draft, edit, and refine compelling proposals, concept notes, technical narratives, and presentations that effectively articulate Room to Read’s value proposition, programmatic strengths, and alignment with donor priorities.
• Collaborate extensively with internal teams (Programs, RM&E, Finance, and Operations) to ensure proposals are evidence-based, financially sound, and strategically aligned with organizational and country priorities.
• Ensure compliance and consistency with donor guidelines, organizational standards, and budgetary frameworks; proactively identify risks and strengthen the credibility of submissions.
• Build and maintain a knowledge repository of templates, program data, impact evidence, case studies, and success stories that can be leveraged for donor proposals, reports, and communications.
• Track and monitor the proposal pipeline, capturing submission timelines, outcomes, and donor feedback, and analyze lessons learned to continually improve proposal quality and success rates.
• Drive innovation in fundraising collateral by conceptualizing and drafting new pitches, concept notes, and program ideas, particularly for emerging donor priorities and custom projects.
• Develop high-quality donor communication materials including reports, briefs, updates, and presentations, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and impact-focused storytelling.
• Provide capacity-building support to staff engaged in proposal writing and donor reporting, strengthening organizational capability in business development and communication.
• Coordinate and facilitate proposal and donor communication processes, ensuring timely reviews, feedback, approvals, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Represent the organization in internal and external forums, including program reviews, planning workshops, consultations, and donor-facing events, to share insights and strengthen visibility.
• Undertake field visits to capture program evidence, success stories, and operational progress that enrich proposals and donor engagement materials.
• Contribute to fostering team morale and constructive communication, ensuring a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor to further the objectives of the organization.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, English, Communication, Management, or related field.
• 8 - 12 years of relevant experience in proposal writing, donor communication, and development/nonprofit communications.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English – clear, concise, persuasive, and tailored to different audiences.
• Strong research and analytical skills with demonstrated ability to synthesize program information into compelling narratives.
• Familiarity with donor requirements (CSR, foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies).
• Proven experience in communications, branding, and stakeholder engagement in the development sector.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Experience in education or child development programs.
• Ability to use design and communication tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe, PowerPoint).
• Comfort in working across diverse teams and geographies.

Compensation:

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. Benefits include a thirteenth-month bonus, health insurance, and a retirement plan. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing and transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries on literacy and gender equality in education.

Room to Read is a child-safe organization.

Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and continually developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.