Request for Proposal - Press & Media Engagement Consultant (Contractor)

ReThink Media seeks proposals from a Press & Media Engagement Consultant with proven experience in effectively engaging key journalists, media outlets, and freelance writers/influencers working on issues at the intersection of US foreign policy, national security, peacebuilding, and militarism. A demonstrated track record of breaking into competitive news cycles to effectively shape coverage on these related issues is essential.

Link to Opportunity:

https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/rethink-media-request-for-proposal-press-media-engagement-consultant-contractor-a3c0c964-7f9b-419a-a6ec-eea2148f3e7b

Background

ReThink Media is a unique, nonprofit organization that places media and communications at the center of our movement building agenda. We strengthen the collaborative media and communications capacity of state and national advocacy groups; increase the “voice share” of their spokespeople; and provide in-depth media, messaging, and opinion research to inform movement strategy. Read more about our values.

We focus on long-term engagement with our advocacy partners and with the issues we take on—all driven by a belief that the stronger the groups are across an issue sector and the tighter their collaboration, the more likely they are to win real and lasting policy victories. At present, ReThink works in three distinct yet interconnected issue areas: the protection of civil rights; strengthening our democracy; and achieving a more constructive foreign and national security policy.

Position Overview

The consultant will work with ReThink on an initial 3-4 month contract—under project guidance from ReThink’s Peace & Security Director and ReThink leadership team—ranging from 10-15 hours a week with the possibility of remaining on a longer retainer if a great fit. Projects will largely be remote with some possible in-person needs for potential press-related events in the Washington, DC area. An Eastern/Central time-based consultant is preferred, but not required.

Project Budget Range

$15,000-$50,000

Principal Tasks

Media Relations

• Develop and sustain relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and freelance writers/influencers working on issues at the intersection of US foreign policy, national security, and militarism.
• Proactively engage with media professionals by organizing roundtables, editorial board visits, press briefings, and other outreach initiatives.
• Handle media inquiries, arrange interviews, coordinate press conferences, and monitor campaign media coverage, identifying opportunities and challenges.
• Pitch story ideas, press releases, and feature articles to relevant media outlets to secure coverage.
• Build targeted, thorough press lists (experience using MuckRack preferred) and develop press releases, statements, and other media materials in support of collaborative communications efforts.
• Manage media events (press conferences, media briefings, and interviews) logistics orchestrating internal and external resources and relations to ensure effectiveness in the execution of activities.
• Ensure that all events are accessible to media personnel and facilitate their needs during such events.

Communications Strategy & Partner Coordination

• Provide strategic counsel on press and communication matters to ReThink management, specialists, and partners.
• Help staff coalition and partner communications working groups, as needed.
• Collaborate with ReThink management in developing and implementing any needed media rapid response.
• Analyze related media trends and sentiment, providing insights to ReThink management and partners to shape future campaigns.

Messaging & Content Development

• Synthesize new information and disseminate accurately and effectively materials for media and policy professionals.
• Coordinate with ReThink partners and management to ensure consistency in messaging across all communications and public engagement materials.
• Prepare briefing materials and talking points for partner spokespeople.
• Ensure messaging is culturally sensitive and tailored to appropriate media landscapes.
• Ensure proper and timely distribution of press releases, talking points, and related communications materials.

Proposal Submission Instructions

We are assessing proposals on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to proposals received by January 15, 2025.

To submit a proposal, please follow the application link and upload your resume and a cover letter including the information listed below.

Costs for developing a response to the request for proposal, interviews, and contract negotiations are entirely the obligation of the proposer and shall not be charged in any manner to ReThink Media.

Interested parties should upload the following information for their proposal:

1. Resume or CV of key personnel and background information. Complete proposals will include a brief description of the consultant’s experience, years of relevant experience, expertise in the field, the organization and size of the consultant and whether it is local, regional, or national.
2. A cover letter including:
   1. Qualifications and work samples. Complete proposals will describe recent experience similar to the project work and any prior experience with similar organizations. Please include work samples from at least three projects along with client names and samples of any press placements or other samples showing the reach and impact of your work.
   2. List of references. Complete proposals will include a list of three references, including phone number, e-mail address and a short description of work done for the listed reference.
   3. Time requirements. Complete proposals will provide a proposed schedule and availability.
   4. Fees and hours. Complete proposals will supply the billing rates, estimated number of billable hours, other billable expenses, and description of the consultant’s billing practice and payment terms.
   5. Non-discrimination clause. Complete proposals will affirm that the firm does not discriminate against any individual because of race, religion, sex, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, or national origin, and that these shall not be a factor in consideration for employment, selection of training, promotion, transfer, recruitment, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation, demotion, or separation.

Evaluation & Selection

When making an evaluation of the proposals, ReThink Media will consider the responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating an understanding of the project and services to be performed; the qualifications and relevant experience of the proposer; and the reasonableness of cost, availability and hours. Other factors that may be determined by ReThink Media to be necessary or appropriate in its discretion may also be considered.

ReThink Media reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to request additional information from all proposers. Any contract awarded will be made based on evaluation of all responses, applying all criteria, and oral interviews, if necessary.

Any agreement entered into by ReThink Media and bidders is on a nonexclusive basis.

Interpretations

ReThink Media will be the sole and exclusive judge of quality and compliance with proposal specifications. ReThink Media reserves the right to award this contract in any manner it deems to be in the best interest of the organization and make the selection based on its sole discretion.