University of Akron Workday #2026-10-396

Strategic media relations and crisis communications services for The University of Akron

The University of Akron is seeking a strategic media relations partner to strengthen its public profile and support communications across the university. - Government buyer: The University of Akron, Akron, Summit County, Ohio. No specific agency, sub-agency, or office is identified. - OEMs and vendors: No OEMs, named service providers, or other vendors are identified in the opportunity. - Requested service: One strategic media relations partnership covering earned-media planning and audience targeting; press relationship development and regional, statewide, and national outreach; executive positioning and thought leadership; press materials, briefings, talking points, and interview coaching; and storytelling about research, academic innovation, student success, and community engagement. - Monitoring and crisis support: Real-time media monitoring and reporting across print, digital, broadcast, and online channels, plus on-call 24/7 urgent and crisis communications support. Public-sector crisis-management and reputation-protection experience is preferred. - Notable requirement: If a provider supplies web-accessible systems, it must submit a VPAT; the University requires WCAG 2.0 or higher Level A and AA conformance. - Term: A potential three-year contract; specific start and end dates and option periods are not stated.

Description

The University of Akron seeks proposals from qualified strategic communications and media relations contractors or firms to serve as a strategic media relations partner. Services include earned-media strategy and outreach, narrative development, executive positioning, press materials and interview preparation, media monitoring and reporting, and urgent or crisis communications support. Work is intended to promote the University’s achievements and support enrollment, brand awareness, and community engagement across regional, statewide, and national audiences. The RFP lists a potential three-year contract term and requires proposals to include provider qualifications, approach, case studies and references, key staff biographies, and an itemized fee structure.

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