1. Develop and implement a strategic public relations/media plan which provides outreach strategies and promotes public awareness of MHA through a consistent and positive message. 2. Produce/Update Media Materials - Fact sheets and media relation materials that highlight MHA’s mission, value to the City of Middletown and legislative issues. 3. Identify and Train MHA Designated Spokesperson(s) including the Executive Director and Board Chairperson. 4. Create Crisis Communications Plan (could be part of the plan described in task 1). 5. Pitch success story coverage to local, regional and industry outlets. Pitches to include visits to MHA offices and communities in addition to highlighting mission and legislative issues. 6. Assist in actively maintaining MHA social media accounts with frequent housing related materials as well as meeting announcements, postings of minutes and other relevant information. 7. Assist in developing and maintaining a quarterly newsletter to residents. 8. Provide branding and related marketing services. 9. Plan and coordinate press events and community events. 10.In addition to periodic branding and marketing services, MHA has an immediate need for assistance in its current rebranding efforts. MHA hired a new director in January 2025 and has seen significant additions to staff as well as new board members in the last 6 months. MHA is currently working on the following initiatives to move the agency forward, enhance the efficiency of the agency, improve resident experience and grow its standing as a community partner in Middletown: a. Modernizing policies, procedures and workflows related to all aspects of operation b. Moving administrative offices c. Actively pursuing positive cultural change in the organization d. Implementing a mission oriented strategic planning mindset for its Board and staff e. Pursuing paper light operation f. Updating and integrating its use of information technology, including switching its enterprise software g. Pursuing the repositioning of its physical developments toward long term sustainability h. Pursuing partnerships and deepening relationships with the Community Health Center, Wesleyan University and the City of Middletown i. Developing and implementing flexibilities available as a Moving To Work agency to enhance resident experience and promote long term sustainability j. Pursuing additional affordable housing development opportunities These initiatives represent major change for the agency and a commitment to modernization and long-term sustainability. To celebrate and recognize this change the Agency is interested in a large-scale rebranding effort to include new logos, potentially a DBA name more closely representing the operation of the agency, marketing and publicity materials, etc.
