External Relations & Government Affairs Consultant - Retainer Services
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Overview:
Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) is the non-profit, statewide organization for 70 children's advocacy centers (CACs) across Texas that have served over one million children and families impacted by violence and abuse since 1995. The CAC network in Texas is the largest and strongest in the country due to the public-private partnership that was established 30 years ago through enabling legislation within the Texas Family Code. Per Texas Family Code requirements, CACTX provides support, monitoring, training, and passthrough funding to all Texas CACs and their multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners. This public-private partnership also extends to funding. CACTX contracts with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Office of the Governor (OOG) to administer over 75 million dollars to CACs. This investment goes towards providing comprehensive services to over 60,000 child victims of abuse and crime annually. CACTX is seeking quotes from qualified consultants or firms to provide external relations and government affairs support on a retainer basis. The selected consultant will assist in advancing the mission of CACTX by supporting strategic engagement with public and private partners; monitoring and engaging in relevant policy developments and systems-level problem-solving; and advising on strategies to promote the sustainability of the CAC network and its ability to serve child victims of crime.
Scope of Services:
The consultant will provide external relations and government affairs support on a retainer basis. The consultant will be expected to provide the following services:
-Monitor and analyze legislative developments relevant to the strategic goals of CACTX;
-Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, legislators, appropriators, agencies, and other stakeholders;
-Provide strategic advice and regular updates to CACTX;
-Assist in the development and implementation of public policy and systems-level strategies to advance the mission of CACTX;
-Represent CACTX in meetings, hearings, and coalitions as needed;
-Support other CACTX needs within the consultant's expertise as agreed to by both parties.
CACTX anticipates the initial contract will begin in February 2026 and continue through August 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.
Qualifications:
Respondents should demonstrate the following qualifications:
-Strong understanding of the non-profit sector and relevant policy environments;
-Existing relationships with key government officials, agency leadership and staff, and stakeholders;
-Strong understanding of the mission of CACs;
-Expertise in policy considerations related to human services and crimes against children;
-Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Proposal Requirements:
Interested parties may submit a proposal to ExternalRelations@cactx.org by 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) on January 30, 2026. Proposals should be no more than three pages in length and should address the qualifications and scope of services outlined above. Proposals should also include the proposed fee structure, including monthly retainer rate and any additional costs.
CACTX may contact submitters with questions or to negotiate revisions and anticipates notification to the preferred consultant by February 13, 2026.
