Strategic Communications Services

The vendor is required to provide strategic communications partner with dynamic, full-service, and leading-edge capabilities in the following areas:
•    account management
•    event planning and execution
•    media relations
•    material development
•    crisis communication
•    development and utilization of social and digital media
1. Account and project management
•    Assign a dedicated account manager to serve as the primary liaison with office of external affairs. 
•    Develop a detailed communications plan and timeline within 30 days of contract execution.
•    Attend regular status meetings and provide monthly progress reports.
2. Media relations
•    Develop media lists and cultivate relationships with state and regional journalists. 
•    create, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, and earned media plans with a strategic approach to amplify brand awareness and thought leadership.
•    Pitch media stories, secure interviews, and place articles that highlight office initiatives, case successes, and policy positions across local, statewide, and diverse outlets. 
•    Monitor news coverage and provide media analysis and reputation management recommendations.
3. Strategic messaging and material development
•    Develop core messaging documents including fact sheets, talking points, executive bios, case studies, and impact summaries. 
•    Translate complex legal and systemic issues into compelling, plain language materials for non-legal audiences.
•    Target messaging for: first person of color as public defender, office pay and fiscal disparities, youth issue legislation, and emerging legislative priorities. 
•    Ensure all messaging aligns with office mission and values, including client-centered advocacy and racial justice.
4. Digital and social media
•    Provide guidance and content development for office social media platforms, including twitter/x, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
•    Create branded templates and graphics to promote events, campaigns, and announcements. 
•    Develop and execute digital campaigns aligned with key office initiatives.
5. Event support and public engagement
•    Provide communications support for community events, listening sessions, advocacy days, and press conferences. 
•    Prepare briefing materials and media kits for public-facing appearances by office leadership. 
•    design signage, banners, or digital presentations as needed.
6. Crisis communications
•    Develop a crisis communications plan in consultation with office leadership. 
•    Provide real-time support for responding to media inquiries, reputation risks, and controversial cases or incidents. 
•    Execute rapid response for breaking news on racial disparities and criminal justice reform, while positioning office leadership for timely commentary. 
•    Prepare and coach office spokespeople for media appearances or legislative testimony (phone, video, in-person), ensuring consistent messaging across engagements.
- Budget of roughly $163 million.

- Contract Period/Term: 1 year
- Pre-Proposal Conference Date: August 25, 2025
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: August 29, 2025