Graphic Designer (Contract)

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Project: Graphic Design Services

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• 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

• 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
christian@ibaboston.org

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.

For questions, contact:
Chris Triunfo, Executive & Communications Manager
christian@ibaboston.org