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 2025-page digital annual report highlighting IBAs 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 IBAs 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 IBAs brand and the significance of this milestone.

3. Festival Betances (Flagship Event)

   • Design all graphic elements for Festival Betances IBAs 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 IBAs 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 IBAs 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 1218 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 IBAs existing brand guidelines (visual identity typography color palettes tone).
• No logo redesign or brand refresh at this time.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Designer will report to IBAs 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 35 work samples relevant to IBAs 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 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 IBAs 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

Required Experience:

IC