Scope: The County is desirous of retaining a firm/consultant that will, at a minimum, be able to support the County by providing the following:
a. Advise in the development of communications strategy and talking points on projects or issues;
b. Develop news releases for the County’s approval and distribution;
c. Assist and advise on daily media inquiries;
d. Provide communications and media training to County personnel when needed;
e. Develop a media response protocol;
f. Advise on crisis communication including, but not limited to:
i. Develop, maintain, and exercise proper crisis communications plans as may be needed; ii. Work with the County during a crisis situation, to include issue analysis and development of key messages and communication strategies relating to internal and external messaging;
iii. Provide expert advice and support when working with the legislature or reviewing legislation;
iv. Advise on engagement with stakeholders to maintain credibility, transparency, and strengthen relationships; and,
v. Conduct post-crisis analysis to assess the County’s performance during and after a crisis.
g. Help plan, support, and/or conduct:
i. News conferences or informal briefings;
ii. Community advisory meetings.
h. Provide support, planning, and on-site assistance for special events including, but not limited to:
i. Coordination of local logistics to include invitations, guests lists, and site selection;
ii. Speech writing and other messaging, as requested; and
iii. News media relations to include, spokesperson services.
i. Plan, manage, and assist with community outreach efforts for selected projects. This includes, at a minimum:
i. Support services for the public involvement and project development processes; and
ii. Assisting with start-up and maintaining community outreach efforts, to include community outreach groups.
Contact: Sherry Arvanitakis (973) 247-3300
