RFI - Strategic Planning Consultant

Organizational Background

Right To Be “RTB” is a global, people-powered movement to build a world that is free of harassment and filled with humanity. We believe that it’s through small actions, happening everywhere, that culture can shift. Our work focuses on turning the care we have for each other into simple, creative, effective action. Every day, we train hundreds of people to respond to, intervene in, and heal from harassment. We hold space for people experiencing harassment to share their stories for affirmation and support. And we prepare new leaders to create workplaces, schools, and communities around the world that are filled with humanity. So that we can all be who we are, wherever we are.

Summary of RFI

We are seeking Interest Letters of up to five pages from qualified individuals or organizations (“consultant”) to conduct a far-reaching and extensive process to collaboratively create Right To Be’s next strategic plan (“plan”). The strategic process plan must also include a review of all our operational systems and processes. The scope of work for this engagement is further listed in the RFI. 

Through this Request for Information (RFI) process, we will select a group of consultants for follow-up, asking you for more in-depth project plans and budgets. In this initial phase, we're only requesting that you provide a few pages of introduction and a shortlist of previous clients so we can familiarize ourselves with potential consultants. 

Budget and Interest Letter Submission

Our budget range for this facilitation project is $50,000 - $60,000, and the proposal should include the proposed rate for services (inclusive of any operational expenses) and a justification for costs.  

Interested consultants should submit an Interest Letter summarizing their approach to strategic planning and outlining alignment with the Criteria for Selection (listed below). To be considered, Interest Letters must be received by 6 PM EST, Monday, October 28, 2024. Interest Letters should be emailed to Emily May, President and Lead Executive Officer, at [email protected]. We will then select consultants to interview before we decide to move into contracting. We are open to meeting for a half hour prior to submission of the Interest letter, as scheduling permits.

Selection Timeline

Our selection process will  be as follows: 

• Panel Interviews (Nov 1 - 7): Two to three members of the strategic planning committee and  Emily May, President. We’ll learn more about your experience working with social justice nonprofits and your approach to the scope of work.
• Final Meeting (Nov 7 - 14): Committee Chair of Strategic Planning and Emily May, President. We’ll ask any clarifying questions that arise during your interview process before making the final decision.
• Contract Negotiation (Nov 18 - 21)
• Contract starts (Nov 22)

Criteria for Selection

Our selection team will consider the following criteria when selecting potential consultants for this engagement:

1. Understanding of our work and our industry with prior experience working with similar values-driven organizations on similar projects.
2. Experience interacting with various stakeholders, including executive management, the Board of Directors, key staff members and consultants. 
3. Strong intersectional analysis rooted in equity, justice, and liberation and a demonstrated skill in navigating complex dynamics around identity.
4. The expertise, skills, and experiences (specifically in environmental scanning, visioning, situational analysis, and strategy formulation) of the key members who would work on this engagement. 
5. Demonstrated experience leading hard conversations in a way that recognizes power and minimizes harm.
6. Exceptional facilitation skills that support staff and board in feeling seen, heard, and inspired by the strategic planning process and the future of Right To Be.
7. Depth and breadth of experience in operational assessments, including complex analysis of systems and technology, talent/workforce needs, risk and opportunity.
8. Relevant approach to the process and ability to meet the project timeline with deliverables as described above.
9. Website information, 2-3 references, and/or 2-3 other examples of previous work.

NOTE: location is not a consideration, and travel is not necessary.

Commitment to DEI in Selection: 

Right To Be is committed to promoting and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion across all stakeholders at every level of the organization. We work to ensure that all people, especially people of marginalized identities, are considered for engagements at Right To Be and then have access to resources they need. In this selection process, we welcome applications from all regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and ethnicity do not negatively impact a person(s) consideration for this engagement. 

Summary of Strategic Plan

The three-year plan will guide Right To Be’s operations and decision-making from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. It will guide our mission-based work, community advocacy, and progress toward our vision while establishing a framework for setting measurable and achievable strategic priorities and operational objectives. The strategic plan will position us to proactively provide services needed to meet this moment and allow us to build on the work achieved under our current strategic plan. 

Our key goals for this process are to: 

• Create a holistic strategy for Right To Be that maintains the focus on ending harassment by further developing talent, partnerships, and infrastructure
• Identify priority areas for growth and development which will allow us to better impact the diverse communities Right To Be serves
• Pose critical organizational questions to improve operational efficiency while establishing a prioritized list of goals and strategies

Scope of Work

We seek a consultant who will:

1. Review relevant documents identified by the Board and President including previous strategic plans, staffing projections, and landscape assessments.
2. Perform an operational review to ensure our systems, structures, and procedures are adequate to deploy the strategic plan successfully.Engage with the organization, staff, and board to develop a long-term plan of action that includes measurable outcomes and timelines. The consultant will report to the President and Lead Executive Officer, Emily May. The key stakeholders you’ll interact with are: 
1. The Board of Directors Strategic Planning Committee
2. The President and Lead Executive Officer, the Vice President of Movement Building, the Vice President of Finance and Fundraising
3. At the end of the planning process, the consultant will deliver a written strategic planning document for the organization to follow, including the following elements: 
1. Statement of Strategic Direction/Priorities
2. Prioritized Strategic Goals and Operational Needs
3. Identification of Strategies to Accomplish Goals
4. Articulation of Measurable Objectives

Process Timeline

Below is a forecast of the timeline for creating the Strategic Plan. As an agile organization, we understand that plan shifts may occur:

• Nov - December: Discovery
• Jan - February:
• Landscape/Environmental Analysis. We are looking for a combination of 1:1s with stakeholders and a survey.
• Ongoing sessions with staff and board addressing generative questions about our organizational identity, values, and goals needed to shape the plan 
• February: Facilitation of Quarterly All-Staff Summit (5 hour session) around the strategic plan. 22 participants.
• March - April:
• Operations review.  This process should consider our vision for the future and goals in the assessment of the operational needs 
• Ongoing planning, goal setting, drafting 
• Soft budget and talent planning  
• Budget and talent implications; resource allocation 
• The nearly complete draft will be presented to the strategic planning committee for review
• Mid to Late April: Presentation of draft strategic plan to full board
• May 31, 2025: Full board vote on strategic plan and accompanying budget for FY25-26

Please send letters of interest to Emily May, President and Lead Executive Officer, at [email protected].