Application Guide

How to Apply for Proposal Manager

at D2L

🏢 About D2L

D2L is a global leader in learning technology, dedicated to transforming education and the future of work. With a mission to improve human potential, D2L offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of educational innovation, impacting learners worldwide. Their commitment to a personalized, student-centric approach and their 25-year legacy make them a purpose-driven, forward-thinking company.

About This Role

As a Proposal Manager at D2L, you will be a key player in the sales process, crafting compelling proposals and custom collateral that showcase D2L's innovative learning platform. Your work will directly influence business growth and help educational institutions and companies embrace modern learning. This role is perfect for a strategic writer who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and wants to contribute to a meaningful mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by reviewing a new RFP and coordinating with sales and product teams to gather technical details. You'll spend time drafting and editing sections of the proposal, ensuring compliance with requirements, and using tools like RFPIO to streamline the process. By the afternoon, you might be finalizing a submission for a deadline or collaborating with marketing to create supporting collateral, always with a focus on crafting a compelling and accurate story for D2L.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who D2L Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in proposal management or bid writing, ideally within a SaaS or EdTech company, with a track record of winning deals.
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, persuasive, and customer-focused content.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple proposals simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
  • A collaborative team player who can work effectively with sales, product, and legal teams to gather information and ensure compliance.
  • Familiarity with proposal management tools (e.g., RFPIO, Loopio) and a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

📝 Tips for Applying to D2L

1

Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with RFP responses and proposal writing in the SaaS/EdTech space, quantifying wins (e.g., 'increased win rate by X%').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention D2L's mission and how your work has contributed to educational or technological advancement, showing genuine passion for their purpose.

3

Research D2L's products (Brightspace, Creator+) and recent news to demonstrate your understanding of their platform and market position in your application.

4

Submit a writing sample or proposal excerpt that showcases your ability to simplify complex ideas and align with a customer's needs, not just a technical spec.

5

Since D2L emphasizes human review, ensure your application is error-free and formatted clearly, but also let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with D2L's mission to transform learning and your interest in the future of education.", "Specific examples of how you have managed the full proposal lifecycle, from qualification to submission, and the impact you've had on win rates.", 'Your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and your experience in a remote, deadline-driven environment.', "Your familiarity with the EdTech landscape and a specific insight into how D2L's platform stands out."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Familiarize yourself with D2L's flagship product, Brightspace, and its unique features like personalized learning paths and analytics.
  • → Read recent D2L news, such as partnerships, awards, or product launches, to understand their market focus and competitive advantages.
  • → Explore D2L's blog or resources to learn about their perspective on trends in education and learning technology, such as AI and skills-based learning.
  • → Check out D2L's careers page and employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to understand their culture and values.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize and manage multiple proposal deadlines when working with different sales teams?
2 Describe a time you had to handle a difficult or incomplete RFP. What steps did you take to ensure a successful submission?
3 How do you tailor your writing style to different audiences, such as K-12 schools versus higher education or corporate clients?
4 What experience do you have with proposal automation tools, and how do you leverage them to increase efficiency?
5 How would you approach a proposal for a customer who is hesitant about adopting a new learning platform? What key value points would you emphasize?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't reference D2L or the proposal manager role specifically.
  • Focusing only on your writing skills without demonstrating strategic thinking and project management capabilities.
  • Ignoring the job requirements – ensure your application clearly shows you have experience with RFP processes and can handle deadlines.
  • Failing to showcase your ability to work independently in a remote setting, which is crucial for this role.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to D2L!

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