Application Guide

How to Apply for REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Graphic Design and Communications Services: Brand Collateral Development

at The Consensus Building Institute

🏢 About The Consensus Building Institute

The Consensus Building Institute (CBI) is a nonprofit that excels at helping diverse stakeholders collaborate on complex challenges through mediation and facilitation. Working here means contributing to meaningful societal impact while partnering with a mission-driven team that values creative problem-solving.

About This Role

This role involves designing a foundational set of brand collateral to support CBI's business development, including brochures, PowerPoint templates, Zoom backgrounds, and a branding guide. Your work will directly enhance how CBI communicates its expertise to clients and partners, making their services more accessible and compelling.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing brand guidelines, drafting a two-page brochure layout in Canva, then refining a PowerPoint slide deck master. You'd likely have a check-in with CBI's communications lead to align on messaging and review accessibility checks, with time reserved for revisions and file preparation.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Consensus Building Institute Is Looking For

  • A graphic designer with a portfolio showcasing brochures, presentations, and marketing materials for professional services or nonprofits.
  • Someone who can blend visual design with strategic messaging, understanding how to tailor collateral for different audiences (e.g., regional vs. service-specific).
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Canva, with experience ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance.
  • Detail-oriented and able to work independently on multiple deliverables within a contract timeline.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Consensus Building Institute

1

In your portfolio, include examples of two-page brochures and PowerPoint slide decks that demonstrate clear information hierarchy and brand consistency.

2

Explicitly mention your experience with Section 508 compliance and provide an example of how you've made designs accessible.

3

Research CBI's current brand (e.g., their website) and propose a brief idea for how you'd modernize or unify their collateral.

4

Tailor your resume to highlight project management skills, as you'll handle multiple deliverables with deadlines.

5

Submit your application as a single PDF combining a cover letter, resume, and portfolio samples (keep file size reasonable).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express enthusiasm for CBI's mission of collaborative problem-solving and how your design skills can amplify their impact.", 'Highlight your experience creating business development collateral, especially for nonprofits or consulting firms.', "Mention specific tools you'll use (Canva, PowerPoint, etc.) and your process for ensuring accessibility.", "Share a brief example of how you've translated complex service offerings into clear, engaging visual content."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CBI's website and existing materials (if available) to understand their current brand voice and visual style.
  • → Read about CBI's key practice areas (e.g., environmental, community, organizational) to understand the audience for each brochure.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Section 508 standards for digital and print accessibility.
  • → Look at competitors or similar nonprofits to see how they present their services through collateral.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your design process for a brochure from concept to final deliverable.
2 How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple collateral pieces?
3 Describe a time you had to balance creative design with strict brand guidelines or client feedback.
4 How do you approach Section 508 compliance in your designs? Can you give an example?
5 This project involves several deliverables with a tight timeline. How do you prioritize and manage your workload?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic portfolio without examples relevant to brochures, presentations, or professional services.
  • Ignoring the accessibility requirement – failing to mention or demonstrate Section 508 experience can disqualify you.
  • Overlooking the contract nature of the role; ensure your availability and rate align with the project scope.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Consensus Building Institute!

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