Request for Proposals (RFP): Public Relations Strategy & Media Engagement for the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Public Relations Strategy & Media Engagement

Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Issue Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Contact:
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Colton Ashabranner, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
colton@austinlgbtchamber.com 

Organizational Overview

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of the LGBTQ+ and allied business community in Central Texas. Through business development programs, advocacy, networking events, and partnerships with civic and corporate leaders, the Chamber works to ensure LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals thrive in Austin’s dynamic economic landscape.

With a membership that spans entrepreneurs, small and mid-sized businesses, major corporations, and nonprofit partners, the Chamber hosts more than 80 events annually and plays a convening role in the intersection of business, culture, and community.

The Chamber is also a founding member of the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA), a coalition of Austin’s leading minority business chambers working collaboratively to advance economic opportunities across the region.

Together, DECA partners developed the Regional Economic Equity Plan (REED), a research-backed strategy outlining recommendations to improve equitable access to economic growth and procurement opportunities in Central Texas. The next phase of this initiative will focus on implementing the plan’s recommendations through targeted actions, partnerships, and policy engagement.

Purpose of this RFP

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce seeks a qualified public relations firm to support the Chamber’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications in developing and executing a strategic public relations program that:

• Raises the visibility of the Chamber and its impact on Austin’s small business economy
• Elevates the Chamber’s leadership within Austin’s broader economic ecosystem
• Amplifies the work of the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA)
• Supports the communications strategy around the launch of Phase II of the Regional Economic Equity Plan (REED)

The selected firm will collaborate closely with Chamber leadership to identify newsworthy stories, develop targeted media outreach strategies, and cultivate press relationships that position the Chamber and its initiatives as important drivers of Austin’s economic future.

Scope of Work

The selected firm will work in collaboration with the CEO, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, and Chamber staff to support the following activities:

Strategic Public Relations Planning

• Develop a comprehensive PR strategy aligned with the Chamber’s short- and long-term growth objectives
• Identify key narratives that highlight the Chamber’s impact on Austin’s small business and entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Position the Chamber as a trusted voice in conversations around economic development, inclusion, and entrepreneurship
• Ensure alignment between media strategy and the Chamber’s existing marketing and communications platforms

Media Strategy & Story Development

• Work with Chamber leadership to identify newsworthy stories across programs, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and community impact
• Assist in shaping story angles that resonate with local, regional, and national audiences
• Provide edits, recommendations, and pitching strategies for draft press materials developed by the Chamber

Media Outreach & Relationship Development

• Proactively pitch stories to relevant local, regional, and national media outlets
• Cultivate and leverage relationships with journalists, editors, and media producers
• Position Chamber leadership and partners for interviews, commentary, and feature opportunities

DECA & REED Plan Communications

• Support development of a communications strategy around the launch of Phase II of the Regional Economic Equity Plan
• Assist in framing the work of DECA, including:
• The history and purpose of the coalition
• The development of the REED Plan
• The transition from research to implementation
• Identify strategic opportunities to highlight DECA’s collaborative impact on regional economic growth

Strategic Event Amplification

The Chamber produces 80+ events annually, but PR efforts should focus on amplifying select tentpole engagements, including but not limited to:

• SXSW activations and programming
• Small Business Week
• Small Business Summit
• Pride in Local Music
• Small Town Big Pride
• Business of Pride Awards Gala

Additional opportunities may arise throughout the year.

Communications Alignment

While the PR firm will not manage the Chamber’s website or social media platforms, the firm should:

• Provide strategic recommendations for aligning digital channels with PR objectives
• Ensuring messaging across communications platforms reinforces the broader public relations strategy

Collaboration Structure

The selected firm should expect to engage in the following working cadence:

• Biweekly virtual strategy meetings (30 minutes) with the VP of Marketing & Communications
• Quarterly in-person strategy meeting with Chamber leadership
• Ongoing coordination via email and project management tools as needed

The Chamber will provide background materials, draft press materials, and program information necessary for media pitching and outreach.

Desired Qualifications

The Chamber seeks a firm that demonstrates:

• Strong relationships with local and regional media outlets
• Experience in economic development, nonprofit, civic, or business community communications
• Ability to craft forward-thinking, growth-oriented PR strategies
• Experience working with coalitions or multi-organization partnerships
• Connections with corporate leadership and potential sponsors
• A collaborative working style suited to a small nonprofit team

An understanding of Austin’s business and civic landscape is highly valued.

Budget

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $500,000.

We are seeking proposals structured around a monthly retainer, reflecting a strategic partnership that delivers measurable visibility and value while remaining mindful of the Chamber’s scale and resources.

Reporting Expectations

The Chamber does not require extensive reporting structures. However, the selected firm should provide:

• Periodic summaries of media outreach efforts
• Links to earned media coverage

Brief recaps suitable for inclusion in updates to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders

Proposal Requirements

Interested firms should submit a proposal including:

• Firm overview and relevant experience
• Description of approach to this engagement
• Examples of successful media placements or PR campaigns
• Proposed staffing for the engagement
• Proposed retainer structure and estimated monthly scope
• References from similar clients

Submission Instructions

Proposals should be submitted electronically to:

Colton Ashabranner
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
colton@austinlgbtchamber.com

Proposal Deadline: COB on Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Strategic approach 
• Media relationships and placement history 
• Understanding of Austin’s economic and media landscape 
• Ability to collaborate with a small team
• Cost effectiveness