Issued By: Pahara Institute at Lone Rock
Issue Date: February 9, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026

 

Overview

 

Pahara Institute at Lone Rock (“Pahara Institute”) seeks proposals from qualified, creative agencies to lead a comprehensive brand evolution alongside a strategic communications and marketing engagement. This work will reflect the recent merger between Pahara Institute and the Lone Rock Foundation and position the organization for its next chapter of impact.

The selected partner will help us clarify and articulate our updated brand, refine our market positioning and messaging, and design and execute an ongoing media and thought leadership strategy that highlights Pahara Institute’s catalytic effect and proven ability to strengthen leaders, increase their long-term impact, and sustain transformative work across the education sector.

This engagement includes both foundational brand work and sustained public presence across traditional media, digital platforms, and social media channels.

 

We are seeking an engagement that will begin in Q1 2026 and conclude at the end of Q4 2026, with a potential for an extension. 

 

Background

 

Pahara Institute is dedicated to strengthening the education sector by investing in, connecting, and supporting values-driven leaders who are transforming schools and systems across the country. Through fellowships, convenings, and programming grounded in reflection, leadership growth, and community, Pahara works to elevate leaders who impact hundreds of thousands of students and families nationwide.

 

With the merger of the Lone Rock Foundation, Pahara Institute now operates from a physical campus designed to foster deep reflection, connection, and learning. This evolution presents a unique opportunity to refine how we tell our story, articulate our value proposition, and communicate our role in shaping the future of education leadership and innovation.

Pahara Institute plays a catalytic role in increasing the impact and long-term sustainability of education leaders by creating spaces for purposeful connection and reflection, leveraging the unique convening power of the Lone Rock retreat center to deepen leadership, community, and sector transformation.

 

Our primary audiences include:

• Education leaders and entrepreneurs (current and prospective Fellows and partners)

• Philanthropic funders and partners

• Education influencers, adopters, and sector thought leaders

 

We are seeking an agency partner to help us translate this moment of organizational evolution into a clear, compelling brand and sustained public presence.

 

Scope of Work

 

1. Brand Development and Market Positioning

• Develop an updated brand strategy that reflects the merger and the evolution of Pahara Institute.

• Clarify market positioning, value proposition, and key narratives.

• Develop core messaging frameworks tailored to our primary audiences.

• Refine visual and verbal brand guidelines to ensure consistency across materials and platforms.

 

2. Strategic Marketing of Programming

• Develop a marketing strategy for Pahara Institute’s portfolio of fellowships, convenings, and new offerings.

• Create clear program narratives and audience segmentation for existing and new programming.

• Recommend marketing channels, campaigns, and content approaches to drive awareness, interest, and engagement.

• Align program marketing with overall brand and thought leadership strategy.

 

3. Thought Leadership Strategy

• Position Pahara Institute’s leadership as thought leaders in education, leadership development, and innovation.

• Identify speaking, writing, and conference opportunities.

• Support development of content such as articles, blog posts, and op-eds. Launch Pahara Institute at Lone Rock’s 10 Year Anniversary Impact Report in January 2027.

 

4. Communications Strategy Across Channels (Website, Newsletter, Social Media, Influencers)

• Conduct a holistic review and redesign of Pahara Institute’s communications strategy to members, Fellows, partners, and external stakeholders.

• Recommend and support updates to website structure, messaging, and content strategy.

• Develop a cohesive newsletter strategy aligned with brand, program marketing, and thought leadership.

• Develop a social media and influencer engagement strategy that amplifies our voice and extends our reach.

• Create a content calendar and channel-specific guidance to ensure consistency and intentionality across platforms.

 

5. Reporting and Evaluation

• Provide regular reporting on engagement metrics, and progress toward goals.

• Evaluate and refine strategies based on results.

 

Proposal Requirements 

 

• Agency Overview: Background, ownership, and leadership. Overview of services. Relevant experience and case studies

• Approach and Methodology: Detailed approach to brand development and PR execution. Proposed KPIs and tools for measuring success

• Team Composition: Bios and experience of team members assigned to the project

• Work Plan and Timeline: Proposed timeline from onboarding through implementation

• Budget: Detailed budget broken down by component of the scope of work

• References: At least three references from similar engagement

 

Evaluation Criteria

 

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Understanding of Pahara Institute’s mission and objectives

• Creativity and innovation

• Feasibility and clarity of approach

• Relevant experience and track record

• Qualifications of the proposed team

• Cost-effectiveness and overall value

 

Submission Guidelines

 

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format or via hyperlink by March 2, 2026.

Finalists will be notified in mid-March, with work expected to begin in early April.

 

Contact Information

 

For questions or additional information, please contact:

​

Irma C. Muñoz
Executive Vice President of Growth & Operations, Pahara Institute at Lone Rock
Irma.munoz@pahara.org

 

We look forward to partnering with a creative, strategic agency to help us define and share the next chapter of Pahara Institute’s story.