Application Guide

How to Apply for Part-time Contractor: Proposal Coordinator

at Forthright Advising

🏢 About Forthright Advising

Forthright Advising is a mission-driven startup that focuses on improving the lives of children through strategic advising and marketing. As a small but mighty team, you'll have the opportunity to directly impact how the company serves its clients and grows its impact, all while working remotely with a flexible schedule.

About This Role

As a Proposal Coordinator, you'll be the driving force behind winning new business—leading the entire proposal lifecycle from RFP analysis to submission. Your work ensures that every proposal is compliant, compelling, and aligned with client needs, directly contributing to the company's growth and ability to help more kids.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by checking the new business tracker for upcoming deadlines and prioritizing tasks. You'll spend time analyzing an RFP, collaborating with the team to gather insights, and then drafting a proposal using AI tools. Later, you'll design the document in Canva, review for compliance, and prepare the final submission package.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Forthright Advising Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of experience drafting winning proposals and leading new business processes, ideally in a consulting or marketing environment.
  • Possesses impeccable writing and copy editing skills, with a track record of maintaining brand voice across documents.
  • Excels at dissecting complex RFPs and ensuring 100% compliance, with strong attention to detail.
  • Is tech-savvy and comfortable using AI tools like Gemini for drafting and design tools like Canva or Google Slides for layout.

📝 Tips for Applying to Forthright Advising

1

In your resume and cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with AI tools like Gemini and design tools like Canva or Google Slides, as these are key requirements.

2

Provide a concrete example of a successful proposal you led from start to finish, including how you ensured RFP compliance and aligned with client needs.

3

Tailor your application to highlight your ability to work independently in a remote, startup environment—mention your self-motivation and time management skills.

4

If possible, include a link to a portfolio or sample of your proposal writing that demonstrates clean layout and persuasive writing.

5

Address the company's mission directly—explain why you care about making the world better for kids and how your skills align with that goal.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with end-to-end proposal management, including drafting, compliance checks, and submission.', "Highlight your proficiency with AI and design tools, and give an example of how you've used them to streamline the proposal process.", 'Show your understanding of the startup environment—mention your adaptability and comfort with wearing multiple hats.', "Express genuine enthusiasm for the company's mission to improve children's lives, and connect your personal values to that mission."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Forthright Advising's website and blog to understand their tone, services, and client work—especially any case studies involving children's advocacy.
  • → Look up the company's social media presence to get a sense of their culture and recent projects.
  • → Research the types of RFPs they typically respond to—are they government, nonprofit, or corporate? This will help you tailor your examples.
  • → Read about the founders or team members on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and the company's origins.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you managed a complex RFP from start to finish. How did you ensure compliance and a compelling narrative?
2 How do you use AI tools like Gemini in your proposal writing process? Can you give a specific example?
3 Describe a time you had to collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information for a proposal. How did you handle conflicting input?
4 This role involves maintaining a new business submission tracker. How do you prioritize and manage multiple deadlines?
5 Why are you interested in working for a startup focused on kids? How do you align with our mission?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—make sure it references the company's mission and the specific requirements of this role.
  • Avoid overstating your experience with AI tools if you're not comfortable with them; instead, show willingness to learn.
  • Don't ignore the design aspect—proposals need to be visually clean. If you lack design skills, mention your ability to use templates effectively.

📅 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 Forthright Advising!

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