Contracting Services for a Communications Specialist

Contracting Services for a Communications Specialist RFP #24-280: The City of Syracuse is engaging in a multi-disciplinary strategic plan that involves improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its procurement process. Syracuse sees procurement as a vital tool for improving vendor engagement and social service impact. This program, or "Procurement Transformation," is funded by a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and is being led by the Office of Management and Budget, backed by the Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation (API), with technical support from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Performance Lab (GPL). As part of its efforts to improve access and transparency, the City of Syracuse wants to use marketing strategies to promote greater trust and partnership with the vendor community. To assist us, we are seeking a communications professional (Procurement Communications Specialist) to collaborate with a committee of internal partners

(Communications, API, Purchase, Equity Compliance and Social Impact, etc.) to co-plan and execute communications deliverables. This is a contract position with flexible hours and an opportunity to work remotely. The Procurement Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with this committee of City staff members to refine and execute a robust communication plan. In this role, the Communications Specialist will generate content (i.e., draft social media posts, flyers), produce collateral (i.e., templates and vendor resources), and deploy earned media efforts to increase public understanding of City procurement opportunities. The contractor will also work to help increase the City’s profile as a desirable place to do business. The contractor will distribute materials through news and other communication channels, including web, social, email marketing, print publications and marketing collateral, video and broadcast, and paid advertising. Through this portfolio, we want the Procurement Communication Specialist to help us advance the following goals: Increase vendor engagement with Syracuse’s procurement process (more bid responses); Improve vendor perception of Syracuse as a good place to do business with; and, Reduce confusion around Syracuse’s procurement process and strategy. Copies of the RFP documents are available free of charge at the Division of Purchase. Call 315-448-8453 or email purchase@syr.gov. Sealed proposals will be received at the Division of Purchase, City Hall, 233 E. Washington St. Room 213, Syracuse, NY 13202 until 2:30 p.m. on May 30, 2024.