Strategic Communication Services

The Vendor is required to provide a strategic communications partner to elevate its visibility, shape public understanding, and strengthen trust in the mission, impact, and value of public defense throughout the state.
- Position office as an essential and expert voice in statewide conversations around public safety, justice reform, and racial equity;
- Build awareness and public appreciation for the work and outcomes of office specialized divisions and district offices;
- Amplify the strategic communications and thought leadership of the state office as a prominent voice on criminal justice policy, systemic reform initiatives, and advocacy for adequate public defense funding;
- Assist in the recruitment and retention of attorneys, social workers, and core staff by promoting office as a mission-driven employer;
- Support proactive and crisis communications strategies that defend office reputation, respond to emerging news, and ensure transparency.
- The Office seeks a highly qualified 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
- 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.
•    Create professional, compelling press materials that generate coverage, advance organizational goals, and position office favorably in the state media landscape.
- 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/fiscal disparities, and youth issue legislation, and emerging legislative priorities.
•    Ensure all messaging aligns with office mission and values, including client-centered advocacy and racial justice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
•    Provide immediate media response capability for high-profile cases, controversial decisions, and organizational crises affecting office reputation and mission.
•    Prepare and coach office spokespeople for media appearances or legislative testimony (phone, video, in-person), ensuring consistent messaging across engagements.

- Contract Period/Term: 1 year
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: November 7, 2025