Communications & Digital Media Strategist
Illinois Make Polluters Pay Coalition
The Illinois Make Polluters Pay (IL MPP) Coalition is a statewide alliance of environmental justice, labor, health, faith-based, and community organizations working to advocate for ensuring corporate polluters are held financially accountable for the harm they cause to Illinois communities, public health, and the environment.
Illinois residents, particularly Black, Brown, rural, and frontline communities, have borne the costs of pollution for decades while corporations externalize cleanup, healthcare, and infrastructure burdens onto taxpayers. The IL MPP campaign seeks to shift that imbalance by educating and supporting Illinois communities around solutions rooted in accountability, equity, and climate resilience.
The Coalition is entering a critical phase of raising awareness, narrative change, and public mobilization. To support this work, IL MPP is seeking a Communications & Digital Media Strategist to develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that builds public support, educates decision-makers, and strengthens coalition alignment.
Scope of Work
The selected strategist or firm will work closely with the IL MPP campaign leadership and steering committee to provide strategic communications and digital media support, including but not limited to the following:
Communications Strategy
- Develop a comprehensive campaign communications strategy aligned with coalition goals and priorities
- Refine campaign messaging, framing, and narrative, including proactive and rapid-response messaging
- Support message discipline and alignment across coalition partners
- Identify and help mitigate political, reputational, or opposition risks
Digital Media & Content
- Develop and implement a digital media strategy across platforms, including but not limited to (Instagram, Bluesky, Tiktok, Facebook, email, webpage)
- Create or oversee creation of digital content, including graphics, short videos, social media copy, and email content
- Support paid and earned digital strategies as applicable
- Track performance metrics and adjust strategy accordingly
Media & Rapid Response
- Support earned media strategy, including press messaging, media pitches, and talking points
- Draft press materials as needed (press releases, statements, op-eds, social copy tied to media moments)
- Provide rapid response support around legislative developments, hearings, votes, or opposition attacks
Coalition Support
- Coordinate with coalition partners to elevate aligned voices and frontline leadership
- Support internal communications to ensure partners have timely, usable campaign materials
- Participate in coalition meetings as needed to align strategy and execution
Deliverables
Deliverables will be refined collaboratively with the selected strategist. Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:
- Campaign communications and digital media strategy document
- Message framework and narrative guide
- Content calendar and sample content
- Digital analytics summaries and recommendations
- Media and rapid-response materials as needed
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate or firm will demonstrate:
- Experience leading communications or digital strategy for advocacy campaigns, issue-based coalitions, or political efforts
- Strong understanding of environmental justice, climate accountability, and state-level policy advocacy, particularly in Illinois or the Midwest
- Proven ability to manage rapid-response communications in high-stakes policy environments
- Experience working with multi-organization coalitions and balancing diverse stakeholder needs
- Strong writing, messaging, and strategic planning skills
- Commitment to equity, justice, and centering impacted communities
Timeline
Proposals Due: March 20, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2026
The engagement is expected to run through September 2026, with the possibility of extension based on campaign needs and funding.
Budget
The total budget for this engagement is $25K-$35K. Proposals should include:
- A proposed fee structure (monthly retainer or project-based)
- A clear description of what is included within the proposed budget
Funding for this project is 501(c)(3), so communications strategy and work product should be educational in nature and not involve direct or grassroots lobbying activities.
The Coalition values transparency and will consider both cost and demonstrated capacity when selecting a strategist.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
- Organizational or individual background and relevant experience
- Description of proposed approach and strategy
- Examples of relevant past work (links encouraged)
- Proposed budget and fee structure
- Key staff who would be assigned to the project
- At least two references
Submission Instructions
Proposals should be submitted electronically to Cate Caldwell at Cate@ilenviro.org by Friday, March 20, 2026 5p CT with the subject line: “IL MPP Communications & Digital Media Strategist RFP”
Selection Process
Proposals will be reviewed by IL MPP campaign leadership. The Coalition may request interviews or additional information before making a final selection.
IL MPP reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.