Communications Consultant
Description
The communications consultant will oversee the communications strategy of Our City Action Buffalo on a contractual, part-time basis. The consultant’s responsibilities include improving communication strategies, both externally and internally.
The communications consultant will build on the success of the staff, members, and supporters in creating a popular brand image and garnering the support of over 10,000 followers on social media platforms like Instagram and thousands more on other social media platforms.
This role will include crafting content for social media and e-mailings, managing the organization’s social media accounts, conducting media training for members and talking points for interviews, and providing technical assistance to the Policy and Advocacy Committee regarding media advisories and releases, as well as press conferences and other earned media opportunities.
The communications consultant will lead the “CEO” (Communications, Engagement, and Outreach) Committee. They will also be charged with implementing the organization’s overall strategic plan and quarterly priorities.
The communications consultant should have strong written and verbal communication and analytical skills.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and implement communication strategies aligned with the organization’s overall and quarterly goals. It should also be in the voice that the organization has developed.
Content Creation and Management: In partnership with the members of CEO and other organizational consultants, staff, and members, produce a variety of content, including social media posts, website copy, and materials for both internal and external audiences (ie. flyers for upcoming meetings and posters for grassroots fundraisers), and provide the technical assistance for media advisories and press releases (maintain a list of current email addresses and phone numbers for relevant reporters).
OCAB’s current social media presence includes Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. The communications consultant would determine if all of these platforms are necessary and what the strategy should be moving forward.
Public and Media Relations: Managing media inquiries, building relationships with journalists whose “beat” aligns with OCAB’s mission and goals. Engaging with for-profit and non-profit organizations, elected officials and staffers, government agencies, and everyday Buffalonians about OCAB’s work.
Social Media Management: Manage the social media strategies along with members of the CEO Committee, monitor online conversations and engagement, as well as train CEO members to engage with members, supporters, and detractors on various platforms. Ensure that board, staff, and volunteers sign a “Code of Conduct” pledge.
Brand Management: Work collaboratively with the Operations Consultant to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels and platforms to maintain a strong organizational brand identity.
Application and Contract Information
Based on the description above, qualified consultants are asked to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a proposal (no more than 2 pages) based on an annual contract of up to but no more than $10,000 or quarterly payments of approximately $2,500.
Estimated weekly hours of work expected is no less than 5 hours and no more than 10 hours. The final number of hours of work and when the hours are worked is at the discretion of the consultant.
Please email requested items to info@ourcityactionbuffalo.com or PO Box 610, ℅ OCAB Hiring Committeee, Buffalo, NY 14213.
Proposals are due to the OCAB Hiring Committee no later than October 31, 2025.
For inquiries about the consulting contracts or items related to the organization, please contact OCAB Board President Jillian Nowak, Esq. at (716) 348-0578 or email at info@ourcityactionbuffalo.com with the subject line: Operations Consultant RFP Question.
First round screening calls will begin at the end of October; second round interviews are expected to begin in early November and will continue until the position is filled. If no candidate is selected by January 1st, the RFP process will open back up and proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.