Proposal Writer (Hybrid) Job at Barr Engineering Co. in Minneapolis

Overview

The role – what you’ll do

Barr is seeking a Proposal Writer to join our Corporate Communications team. In this hybrid role, you will support the Corporate Communications group and use your writing and editing skills to develop strategic and persuasive proposals and presentations in collaboration with engineers, scientists, and fellow business development and communications specialists. You’ll also work on other projects, such as project examples, marketing brochures, website content, blog posts, social media updates, news stories, newsletter features, and internal communications.

A successful person in this role will be detail- and deadline-oriented and passionate about serving as a strategic communications advisor. They enjoy working independently and collaboratively as part of a team, using their project management expertise and technical writing skills to help differentiate Barr’s message, advance understanding of Barr’s services and value proposition, and deliver high-caliber proposals on time. They are flexible in working with project teams and are willing to occasionally modify schedules to meet project deadlines and/or client needs.

Your impact—key responsibilities

• Proposal development and strategy: Lead the creation of compelling proposals and presentations by collaborating with technical teams to craft persuasive messaging that highlights Barr’s services and value. Develop proposal strategies and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Content writing and editing: Write, edit, and design a variety of content—from proposals to feature articles—focusing on clarity, engagement, and impact.
• Maintain a consistent tone and message across materials to strengthen Barr’s brand.
• Marketing and communications initiatives support: Contribute to marketing campaigns by developing blog posts, social media content, news stories, and thought-leadership pieces that raise Barr’s visibility and credibility in the market.
• Event and media coordination: Support the planning and execution of webinars, videos, and conference presentations, as well as the development of promotional and informational materials to extend Barr’s outreach and client engagement.

About the opportunity

• Compensation: Anticipated range of $68,000–$85,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• A hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota; Bismarck, North Dakota; or Ann Arbor, Michigan, offices.

About you—required core competencies

• Education: Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, writing, or a related field.
• Experience: Five or more years of relevant experience:
• Writing proposals or other forms of persuasive communications, including technical or complex information.
• Managing proposals or other complex projects to meet strict deadlines with the proven ability to lead through influence.
• Developing and employing exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Serving as a strategic communications advisor.
• Developing content in multiple formats with working knowledge of graphic- and document-design principles.
• Software: Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software.
• Communication: Superb interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different people.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; Microsoft Office 365 platforms, including Outlook, SharePoint, and MS Teams; Prezi.
• Deltek Vantagepoint or other client and project management systems; Open Asset; and/or MS Project software.
• Content management system experience.
• Digital marketing experience.
• Technical editing experience.
• Photography experience.
• Ability and willingness to occasionally travel (1–2 times per year) to other Barr offices is preferred.