Website The Washington Chorus
Organization: The Washington Chorus, 945 G ST NW, Suite 211, Washington, D.C. 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: Jobs@thewashingtonchorus.org
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: jobs@thewashingtonchorus.org
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.
To apply for this job email your details to Jobs@thewashingtonchorus.org
