Request for Service (RFS): Marketing, Communications & Data Visual Design Support 

Issued by: UP Partnership 
Date: April 2, 2026 

1. Introduction 

UP Partnership is seeking proposals from qualified contractors or firms with a strong emphasis on visual design services, supported by expertise in marketing, communications, and data visualization that advances our communitywide work to ensure all young people in Bexar County are ready for the future. This work supports UP Partnership’s mission to ensure all young people in our community have the opportunity and support to realize their full potential, guided by our core pillars: equity, integrity, data-driven practice, advocacy, and collaboration. 

The selected partner will help us produce compelling, equity-centered storytelling and data-informed visual content that lifts up the progress of our community’s Future Ready Plan, supports narrative change around youth success, and enhances the visibility of our collaborative cross-sector work.

2. Background on UP Partnership 

UP Partnership is a backbone organization supporting a network of more than 90 institutions—including school districts, colleges and universities, nonprofits, public agencies, and business partners—who have come together around a shared community vision: by 2030, Bexar County will increase the percentage of local young people who actively enroll into college or a university.  

Our work focuses on these key levers: 

• Access: Ensuring young people have equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education and career pathways through aligned advising, early college opportunities, and coordinated community supports—while removing structural barriers and expanding opportunity across schools, systems, and neighborhoods. 

• Voice: Centering youth, family, and community voice in decision-making by strengthening developmental relationships, elevating lived experiences, and co-creating solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of those most impacted. 

• Data: Using shared data systems, visualization, and storytelling to align cross-sector strategies, track progress toward outcomes, and ensure accountability, while enabling our community partners to identify gaps, target supports, and continuously improve impact. 

Communications and visual storytelling are essential to reinforcing this collaborative vision and demonstrating the impact of our partners’ work. 

3. Scope of Services 

The selected contractor will support UP Partnership’s marketing and communications team with the development of content and visual materials for storytelling, social media, paid media, and partner-facing communications. 

Services may include, but are not limited to:

A. Marketing & Communications

• Create equity-centered written content (social media posts, newsletters, email campaigns, blog stories, partner spotlights, campaign messaging, etc.). 

• Support paid media campaign development, including messaging, copywriting, asset recommendations, and execution support. 

• Assist in brand alignment across digital and printed materials. 

• Develop template-based or campaign-focused communications aligned with UP Partnership’s voice and tone. 

• Provide strategic recommendations on content planning, scheduling, and audience engagement

B. Storytelling

• Develop human-centered narrative visual storytelling that highlights youth, partner institutions, and community impact. 

• Transform complex or technical information (e.g., education data, multi-sector initiatives) into accessible public-facing stories. 

C. Data Visualization & Graphic Design

• Design charts, data graphics, infographics, dashboards, or visual summaries that communicate progress on the Future Ready Plan. 

• Create branded visuals for social media, print materials, event collateral, presentations, and reports. 

• Support the visual layout of briefs, reports, and partner materials. 

• Translate quantitative and qualitative insights into clear, engaging visual products.

D. Collaboration & Project Management

• Collaborate as an active thought partner, offering constructive feedback and thoughtful challenge to refine visual deliverables for optimal end-user outcomes. 

• Participate in regular check-ins with UP Partnership’s communications team. 

• Provide drafts, revisions, and final assets within agreed timelines. 

• Ensure all deliverables support consistent messaging, accessibility, and brand standards. 

4. Deliverables 

Deliverables may vary based on the contractor’s proposed approach and allocation of hours, but may include: 

• 10 hours a week of dedicated time to UP Partnership 

• Social media content packages 

• Paid media campaign assets 

• Infographics or data visualizations 

• Event or partner-facing communication materials 

• Visual assets for presentations or reports 

• Digital advertising creative 

UP Partnership welcomes proposals that include optional service packages or tiered pricing. 

5. Required Qualifications 

Contractors should demonstrate: 

• Experience in mission-driven or nonprofit communications 

• Evidence of work centering equity-driven storytelling 

• Ability to translate data into accessible visuals 

• Strong portfolio showcasing design, marketing, or data visualization 

• Experience working in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments 

• Cultural competence and alignment with UP Partnership values 

• Ability to deliver high-quality work on tight timelines 

6. Proposal Requirements 

Please include the following in your submission: 

• Cover letter summarizing qualifications and alignment with UP Partnership’s mission 

• Proposed service approach and process 

• Examples of similar work 

• Proposed rate structure (hourly or project-based options) 

• Estimated availability and capacity 

• Biography or résumé 

• At least two references 

7. Timeline

• RFS Issued: April 2, 2026 

• Questions from Respondents Due:  April 15th, 2026 

• Proposals Due: April 31st, 2026 

• Contractor Selected: May 15th  

• Contract Duration-  June 1- December 31st 

8. Proposal Submission

Please submit all required materials to: 

Jeannette Garcia 
UP Partnership 
Email: communications@uppartnership.org 
Subject line: RFS – Marketing, Communications & Data Visual Design Services 

9. Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated on: 

• Alignment with UP Partnership mission and equity principles 

• Quality and relevance of portfolio 

• Demonstrated capacity for storytelling and data visual design 

• Clarity and feasibility of proposed approach 

• Pricing and value 

• Experience working with or understanding San Antonio communities (preferred)