LOUISVILLE, KY: The University of Louisville is looking for a PR agency to help it promote the school nationwide.
The university is searching for a firm to build a larger national image or brand, while "focusing on quality and accomplishments," according to an RFP. The winning agency will also develop short- and long-term comms and marketing strategies for its next $1 billion to $2 billion fundraising campaign.
The contract is scheduled to run from the start of next month through the end of June 2016, with an extension option. A second, two-year contract running through June 30, 2018, could also be an option with all terms and conditions, as well as the budget, remaining the same, according to the document.
Budget specifics were not immediately available. Bids for the contract are due by November 20.
In April 2014, Louisville said it surpassed its $1 billion fundraising goal ahead of schedule. The most recent campaign cycle kicked off in 2007 and ultimately included more than 75,000 donors, the university said. Monies are distributed among individual students, research, endowed chairs, and other campus facilities, according to its report.
Last month, the university began investigating claims that a former school employee hired escorts for members of its men’s basketball team in allegations that came to light in a recently published book. Seventy-eight faculty members signed a letter to university president James Ramsey earlier this month citing a "drumbeat of crises that have embarrassed the university," including a photo of Ramsey and university staff wearing stereotypical Mexican clothing during a Halloween party last month.
