open calls

Below are opportunities to collaborate on projects this year with Heart of Ellsworth:

Request for Proposals - Tourism Marketing Services for Heart of Ellsworth

Issue Date: January 13, 2025

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 29, 2025 BY 5PM EST

 

Introduction

Heart of Ellsworth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant community through artistic, cultural, economic, educational, environmental, and historical activities in downtown Ellsworth, seeks proposals from qualified marketing agencies. This RFP aims to identify a partner with expertise in tourism marketing to refine and execute a comprehensive campaign that positions Ellsworth as a distinctive destination within the Downeast Acadia region.

This project is designed to align with and build on several foundational initiatives, including the Maine Office of Tourism’s Destination Management Plan, the 2023 Manifesting Main Asset Map project, the City of Ellsworth’s recently completed 2035 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Ellsworth’s 2024 Business Attraction Plan, and the current and ongoing Economic Study of the Union River. From a wider view, Ellsworth is notably part of the newly formed Downeast Maine National Heritage Area. We aim to ensure that the plan aligns with and incorporates the priorities and strategies outlined in the State of Maine’s tourism plan, providing a cohesive approach to strengthening Ellsworth’s role in the Downeast region. These past and current projects are vital to consider as we move forward with a tourism marketing plan that effectively supports Ellsworth and the greater Downeast region.

Project Overview

Ellsworth, a service center and gateway to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island the Blue Hill and Schoodic Peninsula, has untapped potential as a standalone tourism destination. This project seeks to:

  1. Attract tourists to lodge in Ellsworth for 1-2 nights of their Maine vacation.

  2. Highlight Ellsworth’s unique small-town charm, affordability, and cultural assets.

  3. Build sustainable marketing infrastructure and assets for long-term use.

Scope of Work

The agency will deliver:

  1. Brand Development

    • Determine target audiences based on research and data. Conduct research where necessary to understand stakeholder needs and wants.

    • Develop messaging that complements regional and statewide tourism branding. 

    • Emphasize Ellsworth’s family-friendly and affordable appeal.

    • Target needs of multicultural women traveling from out-of-state.

    • Develop Ellsworth as an economic and service hub with access to nature in the area for tourists and residents. 

  2. Digital Advertising Campaigns

    • Design and execute campaigns to drive traffic to a redeveloped website.

    • Utilize digital platforms, including paid advertisements and sponsored content.

  3. Social Media Strategy

    • Develop and execute a paid campaign to grow a tourism-focused Instagram account.

    • Engage influencers to showcase Ellsworth’s appeal.

  4. Data Collection and Reporting

    • Establish mechanisms to measure campaign effectiveness, including surveys, social media engagement, and website traffic metrics.

Qualifications

The successful agency will demonstrate:

  1. Existing knowledge of Ellsworth and the Downeast regional tourism industry.

  2. Specialization in marketing for communities near highly-touristed state or national parks.

  3. Proven success in executing tourism marketing campaigns targeting similar demographics.

  4. Capacity to provide in-house design services for greater project efficiency.

  5. Commitment to developing foundational marketing assets for sustainable growth over the next 3-5 years.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

  1. Agency Overview

    • Description of experience and expertise relevant to this project.

    • Portfolio examples of similar projects executed successfully.

  2. Proposed Approach

    • Detailed work plan addressing the Scope of Work.

    • Timelines and deliverables.

  3. Key Personnel

    • Resumes or bios of team members who will work on this project.

  4. Budget

    • Comprehensive budget breakdown, including costs for all deliverables.

  5. References

    • Contact information for three clients with similar projects.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  1. Alignment with Heart of Ellsworth’s goals and objectives.

  2. Relevant experience and demonstrated expertise.

  3. Creativity and feasibility of the proposed approach.

  4. Value and efficiency, including in-house capabilities.

  5. References and past performance.

Submission Details

  • Submission Deadline: January 29, 2025 by 5pm EST

  • Submission Format: PDF format, emailed to info@heartofellsworth.org

  • Questions: Direct questions to Marketing Coordinator Clarisa Diaz, info@heartofellsworth.org

Project Timeline

  • RFP Release Date: January 13, 2025

  • Deadline for Questions: January 22, 2025

  • Proposal Submission Deadline: January 29, 2025  by 5pm EST

  • Contract Award Date: February 19, 2025

  • Project Start Date: February 24, 2025

  • Completion Date: December 19, 2025

For more information, visit: https://www.heartofellsworth.org/ 

 

Career Opportunities

Heart of Ellsworth, a Main Street America community located in Ellsworth, ME, is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting downtown Ellsworth’s economic and cultural vitality through concentrated efforts in the areas of design, organization, promotion, and economic revitalization.

At this time, we are not actively hiring for any positions, we encourage talented individuals with a passion for community building and nonprofit work to connect with us. Follow us on our social media platforms or subscribe to our newsletter for future openings and organizational updates. Additionally, feel free to check out our volunteer opportunities page to contribute your skills and passion to Heart of Ellsworth.