Organizational BackgroundHigher 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 NeedsHigher 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 WorkThis 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 SupportSocial media graphics and templatesEmail and digital marketing graphicsLivestream and virtual event assets (title cards, lower thirds, promotional graphics)Event branding and promotional materialsPresentation and report designFurther develop our HH visual and design guideCampaign and Program MaterialsGraphics supporting candidate engagement and political programsFundraising and donor materialsResearch and polling report visualsBranded toolkits and downloadable resourcesRetail merchandising graphicsBrand StewardshipAdherence to Higher Heights brand guidelinesRefinement and expansion of visual systems as neededConsistent visual identity across platforms and campaigns4. DeliverablesDeliverables may include:Static and animated digital graphicsPrint-ready filesEditable source filesSocial media-ready assets sized for multiple platforms, as well as for web and mobile purposesDesign templates for internal use5. Measures of SuccessHigh 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. QualificationsProposals should demonstrate:Proven experience as an independent or freelance graphic designerStrong portfolio reflecting digital-first design and storytellingExperience supporting advocacy, nonprofit, or political organizationsAbility to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visualsFamiliarity with social media best practices and platform requirementsStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate closely with a communications teamCultural competency and experience working with Black-led organizations strongly preferredProposals should demonstrate:Proven experience in graphic design for advocacy, nonprofit, or political organizationsStrong portfolio reflecting digital-first design and storytellingAbility to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visualsFamiliarity with social media best practices and platform requirementsStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teamsCultural competency and experience working with Black-led organizations preferred7. Tools and Technical RequirementsDesigners 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 StructureThis 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 availabilityTypical turnaround timesPricing 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 timesPricing structure (hourly, monthly retainer, or per-project)Capacity to handle weekly and rapid-turn requests9. Proposal Submission RequirementsInterested designers should submit:Brief introduction and backgroundPortfolio or work samples (links preferred)Description of design approach and workflowAvailability and responsivenessPricing and fee structureRelevant experience with similar organizationsReferences (optional but encouraged)10. TimelineRFP Issued: February 3, 2026Questions Due: March 4, 2026Proposals Due: March 13, 2026Selection and Notification: April 202611. Evaluation CriteriaProposals will be evaluated based on:Quality and relevance of portfolioAlignment with Higher Heights’ mission, values, and visual voiceDemonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple prioritiesExperience working directly with communications teamsCost effectiveness and overall valueCommunication style, professionalism, and responsiveness12. Diversity, Equity, and Values AlignmentHigher 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 communitiesApproach to culturally competent and values-aligned designCommitment to equity in creative practice13. Election Year and Surge Period SupportDuring 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 graphicsRapid-response social media visuals tied to breaking newsFundraising and voter mobilization assetsElection night and results-related graphicsMulti-platform design packages delivered on accelerated timelines14. Evaluation CriteriaProposals will be evaluated based on:Quality and relevance of portfolioAlignment with Higher Heights’ mission and valuesDemonstrated ability to meet deadlinesCost and overall valueCommunication style and professionalism15. Submission InstructionsProposals 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 HeightsHigher 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.
