2.4.1 OVERVIEW The Agency is seeking professional, responsive, and effective facilitation services to support Agency leadership with flexibility to provide on-call services on an as-needed basis. The following outlines the scope of work and key responsibilities of the Facilitator role which the Contractor shall provide: Comprehensive Facilitation and Strategic Support Services for ODE 1. Availability and Responsiveness • Availability to provide continuous, ongoing support and guidance and serve as a strategic resource to Agency leadership and staff, fostering collaboration and innovative thinking. Requests may include but are not limited to: o Response to facilitation and sup o Scheduling flexibility to accommodate urgent or high-priority engagements. o Accessibility to the agency on an as-needed, on-call basis throughout the contract period. 2. Facilitation Services • Design and deliver effective facilitation for a range of engagements, such as strategic planning meetings, focus groups, community forums, and partner meetings. • Use culturally responsive, inclusive, and evidence-based facilitation methods that promote active participation, equitable dialogue, and transparency. • Facilitate both virtual and in-person gatherings, engaging diverse partners such as education partners, Tribes, students, families, community members, and state leadership. • Ensure alignment with the Agency’s strategic objectives and support cohesive and collaborative discussions. 3. Customization and Preparation • Collaborate with Agency staff to co-develop agendas, discussion guides, and engagement strategies tailored to specific audiences and outcomes. • Prepare relevant materials such as presentation slides, session tools, and facilitation resources in advance of each engagement. • Organize and support the planning and execution of key meetings, ensuring clarity of purpose and follow-through. 4. Documentation and Reporting • Provide summary reports or session notes highlighting key themes, decisions, recommendations, and follow-up actions, upon a mutually agreed timeline of no less than 24 hours up to five business days. • Collect and analyze participant feedback when appropriate, integrating learnings into future sessions and practices. 5. Strategic Communication and Partnership Building • Promote clear and effective communication among all partners, supporting shared understanding of the Agency’s goals, initiatives, and priorities as determined by Agency Leadership. • When needed, consult and coach Agency staff on meeting facilitation and outcomes. 6. Professional Standards • Uphold confidentiality, neutrality, and a commitment to inclusive, collaborative decision-making. Agency reserves the right to request a Confidentiality Agreement. • Align all services with the agency’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. 7. Performance Review and Continuous Improvement • Participate in periodic debriefs with Agency staff. • Integrate Agency staff feedback to enhance the effectiveness and impact of services over time.
