How to apply for Senior Proposals Writer

About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is a global leader in redefining public transit through cutting-edge software, partnering with cities to create efficient, affordable, and sustainable mobility networks. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that directly impacts urban transportation systems worldwide, blending technology with social good.

About the role

As a Senior Proposals Writer, you will lead the development of high-stakes competitive bids, collaborating with Partnerships, Expansion, and Finance teams to craft winning strategies. Your writing will translate complex technical capabilities into compelling narratives that secure partnerships and expand Via's impact on urban transit.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with the Partnerships team to strategize for an upcoming bid, interviewing a product expert to understand technical details, and drafting sections of a proposal while incorporating feedback from Finance. You'll balance deep writing time with collaborative sessions, all aimed at crafting a winning submission that aligns with Via's mission.

Who Via Transporation is looking for

• A strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail, able to balance big-picture goals with precise execution in proposal writing.
• An exceptional writer and communicator who instinctively adapts tone and structure to diverse audiences, with a portfolio demonstrating long-form persuasive writing.
• Passionate about urbanism and public transit, with a social-minded, action-oriented approach to solving transportation challenges.
• An academic high-achiever (humanities, social sciences, or similar) who thrives in fast-paced, competitive environments and can absorb complex product specifications quickly.

Tips for this application

• Highlight experience with end-to-end proposal management, especially in competitive procurements or bids for public sector or transit clients.
• Showcase your ability to distill technical concepts into clear prose by including writing samples that explain complex ideas simply.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Via's technology and partnerships by referencing specific cities or projects in your cover letter.
• Emphasize your passion for urbanism and public transit through volunteer work, coursework, or personal projects related to sustainable mobility.
• Use your application to prove you can coordinate cross-functionally—mention times you worked with finance, legal, or operations teams to win a bid.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your strategic approach to proposal development: how you assess partner needs and tailor content to win competitive bids.', 'Concrete examples of translating complex technical or operational details into persuasive, accessible narratives.', "Your alignment with Via's mission to transform public transit, showing genuine understanding of urban mobility challenges.", 'Your ability to lead proposals from start to finish, including coordinating with multiple teams and meeting tight deadlines.']

Research before applying

• Explore Via's partnerships and projects in New York City and other major markets to understand their transit solutions.
• Read Via's blog, press releases, and case studies to grasp their technology and operational model.
• Research recent competitive procurements in public transit to understand the landscape and key players.
• Familiarize yourself with urban mobility trends and challenges, especially in New York, to speak knowledgeably about the context.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a proposal you led from start to finish—what was your strategy and how did you ensure it stood out?
• How do you approach writing for different audiences, such as city officials versus private partners, while maintaining a consistent brand voice?
• Describe a time you had to quickly learn a complex product or service to write about it effectively. How did you ensure accuracy?
• What interests you about Via's approach to public transit, and how would you communicate that value in a proposal?
• How do you handle feedback from multiple stakeholders while keeping the proposal compelling and cohesive?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting generic writing samples that don't demonstrate your ability to explain technical or complex topics clearly.
• Failing to show any interest or knowledge about public transit and urbanism—this role requires genuine passion for the mission.
• Not illustrating your ability to work cross-functionally; proposals require coordination with finance, legal, and operations.