REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Marketing and Social Media Management and Production Services

Organization: The Washington Chorus, 945 ST, NW, Suite 211, Washington, DC 20001
RFP Issue Date: March 12, 2026
Proposal Deadline: April 15, 2026
Anticipated Contract State Date: May 15, 2026 (or sooner)
Contract Term: 8 months, renewable
Contract Fee Range: $3,000 - $5,500 per month
Contact for Questions:[email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 About The Washington Chorus

The Washington Chorus (TWC), now in its 64th season, is one of the foremost symphonic choruses in the nation. Noted for the superb artistry of its performances and recordings of the entire range of the choral repertoire, TWC is widely recognized as a cultural leader in the nation’s capital.

A three-time nominated and two-time Grammy Award winner, the 200-voice Washington Chorus produces a robust performance season at major venues in the Washington, D.C. area and also regularly performs at the invitation of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic.

Artistic Director Eugene Rogers is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed next-generation conductors and musical thought leaders today working at the intersection of classical music and social change.

The mission of TWC is to create transformative musical experiences that bring people together through the joy of choral music. We envision an inclusive community where choral music connects, reflects, and inspires everyone.

1.2 Purpose of This RFP

The Washington Chorus (TWC) seeks qualified independent contractors or marketing services firms based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area to provide part-time marketing and social media management services for an 8-month engagement. The selected contractor will lead digital marketing strategy, content creation, audience engagement, and analytics reporting to support TWC's performance season and organizational growth.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 OBJECTIVES

The contractor will execute TWC's integrated marketing and communication activities with the following goals:

  • Drive engagement and ticket sales through compelling, consistent digital and print marketing

  • Expand the Chorus's online presence and reach new audiences

  • Maintain alignment with TWC's artistic vision, performance calendar, and brand voice

  • Provide actionable insights from campaign analytics to continuously improve outreach

2.2 SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. Creative Strategy and Campaign Development

  • Develop seasonal campaign concepts that promote concerts, programs, and community initiatives

  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director and leadership team to shape messaging and visual strategy

  • Propose and execute digital storytelling initiatives (photos, short videos, behind-the-scenes content)

B. Marketing and Content Production

  • Create and manage content calendars covering major performance milestones

  • Design and produce marketing assets using Canva, Adobe Express, or similar tools

  • Write and edit copy for social media, email newsletters, and printed materials

  • Coordinate printing or vendor services as needed for approved collateral

C. Channel and Community Management

  • Schedule and manage posts across all active social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Threads)

  • Manage and optimize Google Ads campaigns

  • Monitor engagement, respond to audience comments or inquiries, and elevate relevant interactions across social media platforms

D. Audience Targeting and Marketing Automation

  • Utilize PatronManager CRM (in coordination with TWC's database administrator) to segment lists and create targeted messages

  • Ensure contact data aligns with approved marketing goals and compliance requirements

  • Recommend improvements to digital advertising reach and conversion strategies

E. Analytics, Reporting, and Performance Insights

  • Provide monthly summary reports with key metrics (reach, engagement, conversions, etc.)

  • Analyze patterns of audience growth and identify opportunities for improvement

  • Present campaign-based insights during agreed-upon check-ins with TWC leadership

2.3 Key Deliverables

  • Monthly content calendar aligned with concert and fundraising milestones

  • Minimum of 3 original posts per week across active platforms

  • Monthly email campaign(s) promoting key events

  • At least one formal performance report per month summarizing analytics and strategic recommendations

  • Final comprehensive report summarizing outcomes, KPIs, and recommendations for the following season

3. COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION

  • Contractor will report to TWC's Executive Director (or designee) and work in close coordination with the Artistic Director, Development Director, and Box Office teams

  • Regular check-ins (biweekly or as agreed) will be conducted via virtual meeting or email

  • Contractor will maintain an organized system for content review and approvals (preferably via Asana, but Google Drive or similar collaboration tools considered)

4. SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY

  • Estimated engagement: Part-time, weekly, averaging approximately 30 hours per week.

  • Availability required: This is a hybrid position, requiring 1 – 2 days in the office (Mondays/Thursdays), plus select evening and weekend events for on-site content creation at TWC performances or rehearsals (primarily in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area). Between December 11 – 22, 2026, it will be especially important for the marketing specialist to be onsite for at least three to four of seven anticipated holiday concerts.

  • Contract term: 8 months from May 1 to December 31, 2026 (renewable).

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

5.1 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing social media and marketing

  • Proven ability to develop and execute integrated digital marketing campaigns

  • Strong understanding of major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok) and their nuances

  • Strong writing and editing skills with demonstrated attention to brand voice and tone

  • Proven ability to manage projects, timelines, and cross-team collaboration

  • Basic understanding of analytics dashboards and marketing reporting

5.2 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with performing arts, music, or cultural organizations

  • Light design and/or video editing skills (Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express, or similar)

  • Passion for music and belief in the power of the arts to connect people

  • Experience with PatronManager CRM or similar ticketing/donor management platforms

5.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA

  • Experience and qualifications (30 points)

  • Quality of portfolio and past work samples (25 points)

  • Understanding of nonprofit arts marketing (20 points)

  • Proposed approach and strategy (15 points)

  • Cost and value (10 points)

6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested contractors or firms must submit the following:

6.1 COVER LETTER

Brief statement of interest and summary of relevant experience (1 -2 pages maximum)

6.2 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

  • Overview of individual contractor or firm background

  • Summary of relevant experience

  • If applicable, a description of team and key personnel assigned to this project

6.3 PORTFOLIO OF WORK

Representative samples including:

  • Social media campaigns or content examples (3-5 samples)

  • Email marketing campaigns (3-5 samples)

  • Visual assets or creative materials (3-5 samples)

  • Analytics reports or performance summaries (anonymized as needed - 3 samples)

6.4 REFERENCES

At least three (3) professional references from similar organizations or clients, including:

  • Organization name

  • Contact name and title

  • Email and phone number

  • Brief description of services provided

6.5 PROPOSED FEE STRUCTURE

  • Proposed monthly retainer or hourly rate

  • Estimated total cost for 8-month engagement

  • Any additional fees or expenses (e.g., advertising budget management, travel, tools/software)

  • Payment terms and schedule

6.6 AVAILABILITY AND START DATE

  • Confirmation of availability for proposed contract term

  • Proposed start date

  • Any scheduling limitations or blackout dates

6.7 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

Brief narrative (up to 2 pages) describing:

  • Your understanding of TWC's marketing needs

  • Proposed strategy for the first 90 days, especially including 2026-2027 Season Announcement.

  • How you will measure success

  • Tools and platforms you will use

7. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

7.1 DEADLINE

All proposals must be received by April 15, 2026

7.2 SUBMISSION METHOD: Submit proposals electronically to: [email protected]

  • Subject line: "RFP Response: Marketing Services – [Your Name/Firm Name]"

  • Acceptable formats: PDF or Microsoft Word

7.3 QUESTIONS

Questions regarding this RFP should be submitted in writing to jobs@thewashingtonchorus

8. CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8.1 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a fixed-term, independent contractor engagement. The selected contractor will not be an employee of The Washington Chorus and will not receive employee benefits.

8.2 COMPENSATION

Compensation will be negotiated based on the selected contractor's proposal and qualifications. Payment will be made monthly upon submission of invoice and approved deliverables.

8.3 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All creative assets, materials, and content produced under this contract will become the exclusive property of The Washington Chorus.

8.4 TERMINATION

Either party may terminate the contract with two weeks’ written notice. TWC reserves the right to terminate for cause with immediate effect.

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

9.1 RIGHT TO REJECT

The Washington Chorus reserves the right to:

  • Reject any or all proposals

  • Request clarifications or additional information from any respondent

  • Negotiate terms with one or more finalists

  • Cancel this RFP at any time

9.2 NO OBLIGATION

Issuance of this RFP does not commit TWC to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in proposal preparation.

9.3 CONFIDENTIALITY

All proposals will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.


All inquiries will be held in confidence.

The Washington Chorus is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds, races, religious affiliations, ages, sexual identities, and physical abilities, and is committed to inclusivity in the workplace.