Kansas City PR Company for University Sought
The Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT) is seeking a public relations agency to assist the JCERT Authority with public information activities for a two-year period. The JCERT initiative is funded through a one-eighth cent sales tax which generates dollars for higher education, research and degree offerings through University of Kansas Edwards Campus, KU Medical Center’s Clinical Research Center in Fairway and the Kansas State University – Olathe Innovation Campus.
The proceeds from this tax, first assessed in April 2009, generate approximately $15 million a year to fund higher education, research and degree offerings through a unique partnership between the JCERT Authority Board, Johnson County, the University of Kansas, KU Medical Center, and Kansas State University. The initiative includes the development of the Business, Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Building and new degree programs at KU’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park; research and graduate education in food, animal health and related sectors at K-State Olathe Innovation Campus; and The University of Kansas Clinical Research Center at Fairway.
JCERT is seeking a PR firm with media relations, public relations and marketing experience within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The scope of work includes to:
- Analyze the current and past public relations efforts of JCERT and the three university partners and make appropriate recommendations for enhancing JCERT’s communication strategy. This analysis should include an overview of each university’s message, brand strength and the audience being reached.
- Implement a public relations plan that may include:
- Proactive media relations – Development of an overall public relations and messaging strategy including pitching interesting JCERT stories, new developments, technologies, etc. and work with media once they have committed to a story. Collaborate with each of the partner PR managers.
- Social media management
- Experiential marketing
- Business and community partnership recommendations for communications
The budget for said activities is approximately $25,000 annually. Inquiries to Jim Hubbard – JCERT RFP Administrator at jhubbard@hrkklaw.com.
