CLOSED – Request for Proposals: Youth Graphic Designer

Introduction 

The Ocean Foundation has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify 1-2 individuals between the ages of 18-25 to provide graphic design services for the production of a “youth ocean action toolkit” focused on the seven Ocean Literacy Principles and Marine Protected Areas, supported by National Geographic Society. The toolkit will be written and designed by youth and for youth, focusing on ocean health and conservation with other key elements including community action, ocean exploration, and social media integration. 

About The Ocean Foundation 

The Ocean Foundation (TOF) is a community foundation dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world. TOF works with donors and partners who care about our coasts and ocean to provide resources to marine conservation initiatives. TOF’s Board of Directors is comprised of individuals with significant experience in marine conservation philanthropy, complemented by an expert, professional staff and a growing international advisory board of scientists, policymakers, educational specialists, and other industry leaders. We have grantees, partners, and projects on all the world’s continents. 

Services Needed 

Through this RFP, TOF is seeking 1-2 youth graphic designers (ages 18-25) to design two complete versions of a “youth ocean action toolkit” (one version of the toolkit in English, another version of the toolkit in Spanish), and 2-3 accompanying social media graphics. Each version of the toolkit will be approximately 20-30 pages in total length including cover pages, captions, infographics, footnotes, resource lists, credits, etc,

Written content (English and Spanish), organizational branding materials, and toolkit examples will be provided. A selection of high-quality images will also be provided, however, designer(s) may need to source additional images from stock photo libraries (royalty free sources only; links to be provided upon request). Designer(s) will provide three rounds of proofs as PDFs for each version and respond to edits from the TOF Program team and an Advisory Committee (occasional remote meetings may be required). The final products (third round) will be formatted for print and digital use.  

The youth ocean action toolkit will:

• Be created around the Ocean Literacy Principles and demonstrate the benefits of Marine Protected Areas for ocean conservation
• Provide community examples and images demonstrating how youth can take action to conserve their ocean 
• Feature National Geographic Explorer-led projects
• Include links to videos, photos, resources, and other multimedia content
• Feature a strong social media component and accompanying graphics
• Utilize visual elements that resonate with a diverse and global youth audience 

Requirements 

• Proposals must be submitted by email and include the following:
  • Full name, age, and contact information (phone, email, current address)
  • Graphic design portfolio such as print/digital publications, educational campaigns, or other visual materials (particularly in English and Spanish if applicable)
  • Summary of any relevant qualifications or experience related to marine conservation, environmental education, or ocean literacy
  • Two references of past clients, professors, or employers who have been engaged on a similar project (name and contact info only; letters not required)
• Teams of 2 graphic designers should apply jointly and submit a single application
• Diverse applicants that offer a global perspective are strongly encouraged
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Spanish is also desired but not required

Timeline 

The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023. Work will begin in April 2023 and continue through June 2023. The completed English toolkit will be due June 1, 2023 and the completed Spanish toolkit will be due June 30, 2023.

Payment

Total payment under this RFP is not to exceed $6,000 USD ($3,000 per person for two designers submitting a joint application, or $6,000 for a single designer applying individually). Payment is dependent on the successful completion of all deliverables. Equipment is not provided and project expenses will not be reimbursed. 

Contact Information

Please direct applications and/or any questions to:

Frances Lang
Program Officer
[email protected] 

No calls please.