Request for Proposals (RFP): Forest Advocacy Campaigner

Overview

Climate Advisers Inc. is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to serve as a U.S. Forest Advocacy Campaigner. The contractor will supplement Climate Advisers’ internal campaign expertise by helping shape and test campaign models that are responsive to new research and strategic insights. The selected contractor will work with the Climate Advisers’ communications team to help develop and execute a high-impact advocacy campaign focused on domestic forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management by engaging strategically (Federally and/or locally) with influential opinion leaders, policy insiders, and other stakeholders who have direct or indirect sway over relevant policy.

Objective

The primary objective of this campaign is to influence U.S. forest-related policy by targeting and mobilizing individuals and networks with established relationships and trust among elected officials and high-level decision-makers. The campaigner will help co-design the most impactful advocacy strategy based on current research being conducted by Climate Advisers and partners, exploring typologies such as public-facing vs. insider, national vs. regional, and issue- vs. coalition-based approaches. We anticipate that this initiative prioritizes a grass-tops advocacy approach over traditional grassroots mobilization. The campaign will build on prior research showing that the best way to mobilize many target audiences may not involve messaging directly about forest protection, restoration and sustainable management, but instead focuses on issues such as clean water, wildfires, and/or jobs.

Scope of Work

a. Campaign Development & Execution

• Collaboratively design a high-impact advocacy campaign, informed by current research and analysis. This includes helping to assess which campaign models (e.g., public mobilization, campaign-of-campaigns, regional hubs, issue-based strategies) are most likely to drive action and impact.
• Develop compelling campaign materials tailored to relevant audiences (e.g., briefings, op-eds, policy memos).
• Organize high-level briefings, roundtables, or small group engagements between influencers and decision-makers.

b. Policy & Research Expertise

• Stay informed on relevant forest policy, land rights, indigenous rights, and deforestation trends.
• Use strong analytical and research skills to produce policy-oriented content that supports campaign objectives.

c. Collaboration & Representation

• Coordinate with internal team members and external partners to align messaging and strategy.
• Represent the campaign at relevant events, coalition meetings, and policy fora as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement campaign strategies focused on influencing forest-related decision-making.
• Monitor and respond to forest policy developments.
• Draft policy briefings, reports, and correspondence.
• Represent the campaign in coalitions and policy forums.
• Evaluate and report on campaign progress.

Deliverables and Timeline

Deliverable 1 (by July 31): Forest Congress Campaign Design Package

Purpose: In collaboration with the Climate Advisers team — which is already leading campaign research and design — co-develop a compelling, insight-driven package to explore and assess multiple campaign pathways at the 9th U.S. Forest Congress in July.

Key Elements:

• Presentation of completed research and campaign landscape insights
• Presentation of 2–3 campaign models (e.g., public mobilization, audience-specific activation, campaign-of-campaigns)
• High-level goals, target audiences, and strategic rationale for each pathway
• Narrative scaffolding and message themes
• Campaign preview materials (slide deck, messaging, one-pager)
• Stakeholder engagement prompts

Outcome: Enable public testing of campaign directions, build alignment, and gather input before final design.

Deliverable 2 (by September 30): Campaign Launch Blueprint for NY Climate Week

Purpose: In conjunction with the Climate Advisers’ team, translate feedback from the Forest Congress into a refined campaign plan for New York Climate Week in September.

Key Elements:

• Finalized campaign structure and objectives
• Refined messaging and narrative framing
• Audience-specific activation plans
• Partner engagement and coalition strategy
• Launch tactics: media, digital, and events
• Performance indicators and measurement plan

Outcome: Provide a go-to-market strategy for a strong and strategic launch.

Deliverable 3 (by November 30): Campaign Launch Execution Support

Purpose: In conjunction with the Climate Advisers’ team, provide hands-on support to ensure effective rollout of the launch plan.

Key Elements:

• Messaging toolkits and talking points
• Social media and content calendar
• Op-eds, press materials, media guidance
• Stakeholder briefings and scripts
• Internal FAQ and spokesperson guidance

Outcome: Ensure a cohesive, professional launch using NY Climate Week for visibility and momentum.

Deliverable 4 (by December 15): Learning & Strategy Adjustment Memo

Purpose: In conjunction with the Climate Advisers’ team, document lessons from early campaign phases and propose next steps.

Key Elements:

• Summary of launch activity outcomes
• Audience, media, and partner feedback
• Rapid-response performance assessment
• Strategic adjustments
• Recommendations for 2026 resource deployment and growth

Outcome: Ensure the campaign remains adaptive, effective, and responsive to feedback.

Qualifications

a. Experience and Expertise

• Proven experience in domestic U.S. policy campaigns.
• Familiarity with forest and environmental issues.
• Track record of influencing public policy through grass-tops strategies.

b. Skills

• Strong political judgment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

c. Values and Commitment

• Alignment with the organization’s values: Mission-driven, Forward Thinking, Collaborative, Credible, and Caring.
• Commitment to ethical engagement.

Proposal Requirements

• Cover letter summarizing your approach
• Relevant qualifications and experience
• Budget estimate (for up to 40 hours of support a month)
• Two references and one case study

Evaluation Criteria

• Demonstrated experience and qualifications
• Cost-effectiveness and value
• Alignment with organizational values
• References and past success

We welcome proposals from individuals or organizations from diverse backgrounds and encourage BIPOC, indigenous, and underrepresented groups to apply.