Request for Proposals (RFP) - Public Relations Support for PAX sapiens

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Public Relations Support for PAX sapiens
Organizational Overview
PAX sapiens is a globally-focused nonprofit foundation with a mission to prevent predictable global catastrophes through the creation of new systems of collective coordination that promise a more peaceful world.
PAX sapiens catalyzes coordination and collective action across the philanthropic, private, and public sectors to address large-scale, preventable risks. The organization’s work currently focuses on three major catastrophic risk areas:
Preventing global pandemics
Preventing armed conflict between the United States and China
As part of the U.S.-China work, promoting U.S. and China cooperation to prevent the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl and other illegal, synthetic drugs.
Preventing the use of nuclear weapons
PAX sapiens achieves this mission using cross-cutting strategies that advance good governance in peace. In particular, PAX sapiens works to advance the global Women, Peace and Security agenda via the Our Secure Future program.
PAX sapiens operates with a long-term perspective, an empirical and evidence-informed approach, and a strong emphasis on partnerships that bring non-state actors together with governments and international institutions.
Opportunity
PAX sapiens is seeking a qualified public relations firm or consultant to provide media strategy, relations and execution support that strengthens the organization’s visibility, credibility, and influence among key priority audiences and elevates its subject matter experts within their fields.
The selected partner will help translate complex global risk issues and coordination-based solutions into clear, compelling narratives that support media coverage for PAX sapiens’ mission and programmatic priorities.
Goals
The primary objectives of this engagement include:
Strengthening relationships with global, regional and national policy-adjacent stakeholders thought leaders, and decision-makers through expanding coverage in relevant media outlets
Positioning PAX sapiens as an expert, top actor for preventing global catastrophes and advancing peaceful coordination
Positioning the organization’s program leads as experts in their issue areas
Supporting visibility for PAX sapiens publications, convenings, dialogues, and initiatives
Supporting consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all external communications
Increasing awareness of PAX sapiens’ unique mission and theory of change
Expanding the organization’s partnerships and collaborations in support of its mission
Supporting the organization’s development goals, including cofounding and fundraising
These objectives should align with PAX sapiens’ emphasis on coordination, long-term thinking, and cross-sector collaboration.
Scope of Work
Respondents should propose a scope of services that includes the following:
Public Relations Strategy
Development of an overarching PR and media strategy, with strategies for each program and/or cross-cutting themes.
Message framing for each program and/or cross-cutting themes.
Narrative development aligned with PAX sapiens’ mission and history.
Support for integrating PR strategy with PAX sapiens’ communications, strategic learning, and development strategies.
Media Relations
Identification of relevant national and international media outlets
Media outreach, pitching, and relationship management
Placement of earned media, including op-eds, interviews, and feature stories
Preparation of media briefing materials
Monitoring and reporting of earned media activities and PAX’s mentions and reputation overall
Content and Thought Leadership Support (as needed)
Support for promoting reports, publications, and research outputs
Messaging support for events, dialogues, and convenings
Counsel on executive visibility and thought leadership opportunities
Issues and Reputation Support (as needed)
Guidance on navigating sensitive or high-stakes global topics
Rapid response counsel when appropriate
Media Training Support (as needed)
One-one PAX sapiens leadership, staff, and fellow media training
Develop resources for self-guided media training
The scope of work should also specify a proposed timeline and process for the firm to gain background information, hear from key organizational leaders across multiple offices, countries, and issue areas.
Target Audiences
Policy and decision-making communities
Philanthropic, private sector, and funding partners
Media covering global affairs, security, public health, and international cooperation
Peer organizations and global coordination stakeholders
Informed stakeholders in peace, security, and catastrophe prevention
Desired Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in highly impactful public relations for nonprofits, foundations, or mission-driven organizations
Familiarity with global affairs, international policy, peace and security, public health, or related fields
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex, systemic issues clearly with strong public relations results
Strong and relevant media relationships and proven earned-media results, especially in targeted media spaces like Washington, D.C. or hot-button issues like U.S.-China relations
Experience working with founders, senior leadership, and subject-matter experts
Proposal Requirements
Firm or Consultant Overview
Relevant background, mission alignment, and core competencies
Relevant Experience
Examples and results of comparable PR work
Proposed Approach
Recommended strategy and scope of work tailored to PAX sapiens’ mission and issue focus areas
Team
Bios/resumes of key personnel who would support the engagement
Budget and Fee Structure
Proposed pricing model (e.g., monthly retainer, project-based) and proposed fees with a breakdown of fees per service.
References
At least two relevant client references that worked with the submitting agency or consultant within the past two years.
Timeline and Process
PAX sapiens anticipates selecting a partner following review of proposals and may request interviews with shortlisted respondents. Final timelines and contract terms will be determined in collaboration with the selected partner.
Submission Information
Proposals should be submitted electronically through BambooHR.
In order to provide equal access to all applicants, we are not able to provide information or have correspondence of any kind outside of this RFP process.
AI Use Acknowledgement: This RFP was drafted by Copilot, edited by Wendy Lu Maxwell-Barton, and revised by Emily Ambash.

Employment type
Contractor

Work arrangement
Yes