Request for Proposal (RFP)Marketing & Communications Contractor Organization: Big Sky SNO (Sustainability Network Organization)Organization InformationBig Sky SNO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Big Sky, MT with a mission to preserve and protect Big Sky by advancing sustainability and environmental initiatives. As a small organization established in 2020, SNO leverages the collective impact model and community-wide collaboration.
OverviewBig Sky SNO is seeking proposals for a Marketing & Communications Contractor. This contractor will be responsible for developing and executing communication and marketing strategies targeting regional and Big Sky audiences, including both residents and visitors. The work involves the creative development and delivery of content across print, digital, and electronic platforms. Key tasks include researching, writing, editing, proofing, and publishing information to support SNO’s marketing and communications goals, established in collaboration with the Director of Community Sustainability. Additionally, the contractor may plan and execute constituency and outreach events.
The selected contractor will work with SNO to execute the tasks and deliverables outlined below. We are particularly interested in proposals from individuals with expertise in nonprofit marketing and communications, social media, website development, copy editing, branding, writing, and graphic design.
Scope of Services:
Marketing & Communications Strategy Development:
- Propose and implement a marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Big Sky SNO Mission, Big Sky Community Climate Action Plan, and Build Better Big Sky (forthcoming website) in collaboration with the Director of Community Sustainability.
- Manage and review content for the organization’s public-facing website, ensuring regular updates with fresh content.
- Collaborate with other contractors, especially web developers.
Marketing & Communications Implementation:
- Adhere to organizational brand guidelines, including the development of brand guidelines and templates.
- Develop content (web, print, and other) that conveys key messages and meets organizational goals.
- Develop and manage content for the organization’s current and future digital and social media channels (e.g., Squarespace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and emerging networks).
- Develop and implement a newsletter strategy for internal and external audiences, producing and distributing the organization’s newsletter monthly.
- Actively pitch story ideas to local, regional, and national media outlets as appropriate.
- Select appropriate media for messaging and ensure content integration across different media.
- Track, measure, and report the effectiveness of communication programs, marketing campaigns, and events.
- Identify stakeholders and target audiences, encouraging engagement and developing relationships with constituency groups.
- Represent the organization at various events, on committees, at meetings, etc., as appropriate.
- Assist in budget development for organizational marketing and communications efforts, providing projections and recommendations.
- Use existing resources and skills to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals and needs.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Proficiency with digital marketing tools: Mailchimp, Instagram, Facebook, and ideally, Squarespace, Webflow, and Salesforce.
- Familiarity and comfort with regional, and preferably resort town, public relations.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, social/digital communications, or a related field preferred. Comparable education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the communications and marketing field.
- Demonstrated experience with print and digital publishing, social media platforms, and developing presentations using various software.
- Excellent writing and grammar skills, along with strong verbal communication abilities (a writing sample will be requested).
- Excellent analytical skills for tracking, measuring, and reporting.
- Enthusiasm for, interest in, and basic knowledge of sustainability, climate action, and conservation.
- High level of personal and professional integrity and accountability.
- Superior judgment, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret strategic vision into an operational model.
- Exceptional communication skills at all levels within the organization, with strong oral, written, and persuasive abilities.
Contract Details:
- This is a part-time 6-month initial contract position, to be reviewed for ongoing work.
- Estimated 10-20 hours per week.
- Estimated budget for 6 months not to exceed $40,000.
- Regional applicants only, as work will require mostly remote and occasional in-person meetings.
Proposal Requirements:
- Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for this position.
- Resume, CV, or Company Description
- Portfolio showcasing relevant work
- Digital media samples (eg website, social media content)
- References (minimum of 1 professional reference)
- Proposals are due by Tuesday, September 3rd
Timeline:
- RFP Release Date: Monday, August 12th, 2024
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
- Review of Proposals: September 4th- September 11th, 2024
- Interviews (if necessary): September 16th-20th, 2024
- Contractor Selection: September 24th, 2024
- Contract Start Date: September 30th, 2024
Questions:
Questions regarding this RFP can be submitted to Lizzie Peyton at bigskysno@gmail.com by Wednesday, August 28th. Responses to all questions will be replied to via direct email response.
Organization Information:
Big Sky SNO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Big Sky, MT, with a mission to preserve and protect Big Sky by advancing sustainability and environmental initiatives. As a small organization established in 2020, SNO relies on the collective impact model and collaboration to achieve its goals.
We look forward to reviewing your proposals and finding a partner who shares our commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Contact Information:
Lizzie Peyton
Director of Community Sustainability
bigskysno@gmail.com
406.898.8914
PO Box 161595, Big Sky, MT 59716