Graphic Designer (Contract)

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Project: Graphic Design Services

Overview

IBA is seeking proposals from qualified graphic designers or design firms to provide project-based design services. We are specifically looking for a design partner to support visual and creative needs on an as-needed, project-by-project basis.

Project Summary

IBA seeks a designer or design firm with experience in nonprofit, arts, housing, and community-based organizations to serve as a creative partner on priority design initiatives throughout the year. While some work will be ongoing and smaller in scale, this role is anchored by four high-level, time-intensive design projects requiring:

• Strong conceptual thinking
• Consistency across assets
• Ability to manage complex timelines

Primary Design Projects (High Priority)

1. 2025 Annual Report

   • Design a 20–25-page digital annual report highlighting IBA's work, impact, and financials from 2025.
   • Polished, narrative-driven digital booklet intended for funders, partners, and the broader community.
   • Target publication date: No later than March 18, 2026.

2. La CASA Grand Opening

   • Design a cohesive suite of visual assets for the anticipated grand opening of La CASA, IBA's new Center for Arts, Self-Determination, and Activism (expected late March).
   • Assets include event invitations, social media graphics, and on-site event banners aligned with IBA's brand and the significance of this milestone.

3. Festival Betances (Flagship Event)

   • Design all graphic elements for Festival Betances, IBA's largest annual event.
   • Includes thematically connected social media graphics, primary event flyer, stage and event banners, and additional assets as needed.

4. Holiday Concert

   • Design all graphic elements for IBA's annual holiday concert.
   • Similar in scope to Festival Betances: promotional social media graphics, main event flyer, and supporting visual assets.

Secondary Design Tasks

In addition to the core projects above, the designer will support:

• Four promotional flyers and corresponding social media graphics for gallery exhibitions at La CASA (one primary design per exhibition).
• Social media graphics for Tito Puente Latin Music Series programming, including artist spotlights.
• Assistance with digital design and layout of IBA's quarterly electronic newsletters.

Additional / As-Needed Design Support

As capacity allows, the designer may also be engaged for smaller or ad hoc design needs, such as internal presentations, one-pagers, or other digital and print collateral. These projects will be scoped individually and scheduled around the primary and secondary priorities.

Additional Engagement Details & Expectations

Estimated Volume of Work

• Approximately 12–18 discrete projects per year, concentrated around major initiatives.
• Timelines will vary; some periods will be more intensive than others.

Website Design (Future Phase)

• Future website redesign anticipated (significant refresh or full rebuild).
• Respondents may note:
  • Experience with full redesigns vs. refreshes
  • CMS platforms used (e.g., WordPress)
  • Ability to collaborate with internal staff or external developers

Brand Guidelines

• All design work must align with IBA's existing brand guidelines (visual identity, typography, color palettes, tone).
• No logo redesign or brand refresh at this time.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Designer will report to IBA's Executive & Communications Manager and collaborate with other staff as needed.

Tools & Software

• IBA uses Canva Pro and other standard design tools; access can be provided.
• Respondents should indicate their preferred tools/software.

File Ownership & Deliverables

• IBA retains ownership of final design assets.
• Expectations around source files vs. final exports will be defined per project or in the final contract.

Information Requested

Please include:

• Agency or individual background (location, years of experience)
• Relevant sectors and types of organizations served
• Portfolio or 3–5 work samples relevant to IBA's mission
• Project management and communication approach
• Proposed fee structure (hourly or per-project)
• Availability and typical turnaround times
• Brief statement explaining why you are the right fit for this project and for IBA

Desired Qualifications

• Experience producing high-quality design work for nonprofit or mission-driven organizations
• Strong portfolio showcasing print and digital design
• Experience designing for multicultural audiences, particularly Latinx communities
• Knowledge of layout, typography, visual storytelling, and accessibility best practices
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal communications staff
• Capacity to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

Proposed Schedule

• December 17, 2025 – RFP Issued
• January 16, 2026 – Proposals Due
• January 26–30, 2026 – Finalist Interviews (if applicable)
• February 1, 2026 – Decision

Submit proposals as a single PDF to:
Chris Triunfo, Executive & Communications Manager

Selection Process

Responses will be reviewed by IBA's Executive & Communications Manager, CEO, COO, and CHRO.

Top-ranked proposals may be invited for interviews.

Full details will be announced later based on the timeline above.

Additional Information

For questions, contact:
Chris Triunfo, Executive & Communications Manager