The Office of the Public Defender is seeking a strategic communications partner to provide services including account management, event planning, media relations, material development, crisis communication, and social and digital media development. The selected contractor will be responsible for elevating the visibility of the Office of the Public Defender, shaping public understanding, and strengthening trust in the mission and value of public defense throughout the state. The contractor will provide a detailed communications plan, attend regular status meetings, and provide monthly progress reports. The contractor will also develop media lists, cultivate relationships with journalists, create press releases, and pitch media stories. The goal of the project is to increase public understanding of the Office of the Public Defender's value to Maryland's communities and justice system, build broader political and civic support, and humanize the experiences of the Office of the Public Defender's clients. Some key responsibilities of the contractor include: • Assigning a dedicated account manager to serve as the primary liaison with the Office of the Public Defender's Office of External Affairs • Developing a detailed communications plan and timeline within 30 days of contract execution • Attending regular status meetings and providing monthly progress reports • Developing media lists and cultivating relationships with state and regional journalists • Creating press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, and earned media plans • Pitching media stories and securing interviews to highlight the Office of the Public Defender's initiatives and case successes • Monitoring news coverage and providing media analysis and reputation management recommendations • Developing visual and broadcast media capacity to maximize the Office of the Public Defender's presence on television, radio, podcasts, and digital video platforms • Crafting an intensive, coordinated media strategy during the Maryland General Assembly session to influence legislation and position the Office of the Public Defender as an essential voice in criminal justice policy debates