RFP for Graphic Design Services

Request for Proposals (RFP) Graphic Design Services Issued by: Higher Heights for America RFP Issue Date: February 3, 2026 Proposal Due Date: March 13, 2026 1. Organizational Background Higher Heights for America is the political home for Black women. We are a national organization committed to building the political power, leadership, and visibility of Black women in elected office and civic life. Through research, advocacy, digital organizing, and strategic communications, Higher Heights works to ensure Black women’s leadership is seen, supported, and sustained. Strong, consistent, and culturally resonant visual design is central to how we communicate our mission, engage supporters, and support Black women candidates and leaders. 2. Overview of Design Needs Higher Heights is seeking an experienced freelance Graphic Designer to support our ongoing communications, digital programming, and campaign work. This is not a full-time or part-time position. The engagement will be structured as a freelance, retainer, or project-based, independent contract throughout the duration of 2026. The selected designer will work closely with the Communications Department, collaborating with digital, development, and program staff to translate strategy and messaging into compelling visual assets. This role requires flexibility, responsiveness, and the ability to work within fast-moving political and advocacy environments. 3. Scope of Work This RFP is intended for individual freelance designers or independent contractors only and is not applicable to agencies or firms. Proposals should reflect the capacity of a single designer to meet ongoing and surge-period needs. Respondents will be responsible for all taxes, insurance, and statutory obligations associated with independent contractor status. They will be expected to support ongoing weekly design needs, as well as accommodate requests and edits during surge periods, including elections, major announcements, and rapid-response moments. The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual materials, including but not limited to: Core Design Support Social media graphics and templates Email and digital marketing graphics Livestream and virtual event assets (title cards, lower thirds, promotional graphics) Event branding and promotional materials Presentation and report design Further develop our HH visual and design guide Campaign and Program Materials Graphics supporting candidate engagement and political programs Fundraising and donor materials Research and polling report visuals Branded toolkits and downloadable resources Retail merchandising graphics Brand Stewardship Adherence to Higher Heights brand guidelines Refinement and expansion of visual systems as needed Consistent visual identity across platforms and campaigns 4. Deliverables Deliverables may include: - Static and animated digital graphics - Print-ready files - Editable source files - Social media-ready assets sized for multiple platforms, as well as for web and mobile purposes - Design templates for internal use 5. Measures of Success High Quality. As we continue to evolve and elevate our branding, we are seeking a creative partner to develop a strong, distinctive visual presence. Our goal is to further establish ourselves through high-quality, bold, modern, elevated visuals that reinforce our mission and differentiate us among like-minded organizations. Timeliness. Due to our current political landscape, we require a partner who can operate in a fast-moving environment. They will produce and deliver timely, relevant graphics that support real-time updates and engagement around key issues and events that impact our audience and members. Responsiveness. Engage in ongoing, proactive communication and effective collaboration with the communications team, including responsiveness to feedback and the ability to incorporate any agreed upon revisions efficiently. Strategic Alignment. All work produced under this contract must align with our mission, audiences, and organizational goals. The partner’s work must reflect and advance our commitment to ensuring Black women’s leadership is seen, supported, and sustained. 6. Qualifications Proposals should demonstrate: - Proven experience as an independent or freelance graphic designer - Strong portfolio reflecting digital-first design and storytelling - Experience supporting advocacy, nonprofit, or political organizations - Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals - Familiarity with social media best practices and platform requirements - Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate closely with a communications team - Cultural competency and experience working with Black-led organizations strongly preferred Proposals should demonstrate: - Proven experience in graphic design for advocacy, nonprofit, or political organizations - Strong portfolio reflecting digital-first design and storytelling - Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals - Familiarity with social media best practices and platform requirements - Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams - Cultural competency and experience working with Black-led organizations preferred 7. Tools and Technical Requirements Designers should be proficient in industry-standard tools, including: - Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) - Canva or similar collaborative platforms (preferred) - Basic motion or animated graphics tools (a plus) 8. Engagement Structure This is not a full-time or part-time role. Higher Heights anticipates engaging a freelance designer or independent contractor through a retainer or project-based agreement. To reiterate, respondents will be responsible for all taxes, insurance, and statutory obligations associated with independent contractor status. Proposals should clearly outline: - Weekly or monthly availability - Typical turnaround times - Pricing structure (hourly, monthly retainer, or per-project) - Capacity to support both routine weekly needs and short-term surge periods (elections, major announcements, rapid-response moments) Higher Heights anticipates engaging a designer through a retainer, ongoing contract, or project-based agreement. Proposals should outline: - Availability and turnaround times - Pricing structure (hourly, monthly retainer, or per-project) - Capacity to handle weekly and rapid-turn requests 9. Proposal Submission Requirements Interested designers should submit: Brief introduction and background Portfolio or work samples (links preferred) Description of design approach and workflow Availability and responsiveness Pricing and fee structure Relevant experience with similar organizations References (optional but encouraged) 10. Timeline RFP Issued: February 3, 2026 Questions Due: March 4, 2026 Proposals Due: March 13, 2026 Selection and Notification: April 2026 11. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on: - Quality and relevance of portfolio - Alignment with Higher Heights’ mission, values, and visual voice - Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities - Experience working directly with communications teams - Cost effectiveness and overall value - Communication style, professionalism, and responsiveness 12. Diversity, Equity, and Values Alignment Higher Heights is committed to equity, representation, and the leadership of Black women. We strongly encourage proposals from designers who share these values and who have experience creating work that reflects diverse communities with care and respect. Proposals may include a brief statement describing: - Experience working with diverse or historically underrepresented communities - Approach to culturally competent and values-aligned design - Commitment to equity in creative practice 13. Election Year and Surge Period Support During election cycles and major political moments, Higher Heights may require increased and rapid-turn graphic design support. Surge-period work may include: Candidate endorsement and announcement graphics Rapid-response social media visuals tied to breaking news Fundraising and voter mobilization assets Election night and results-related graphics Multi-platform design packages delivered on accelerated timelines 14. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on: - Quality and relevance of portfolio - Alignment with Higher Heights’ mission and values - Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines - Cost and overall value - Communication style and professionalism 15. Submission Instructions Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to the job portal. For any questions, please contact: Jennifer Tyre, Director of Digital Engagement [email protected] Subject Line: Graphic Design RFP – Higher Heights Higher Heights for America reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, to request additional information, and to negotiate final terms. We appreciate your interest in supporting the work of Higher Heights and look forward to reviewing your proposal.