Learning & Development Consultant (RFP)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Title: Learning & Development Consultant
Issuing Organization: Civic Nation
Issue Date: January 30, 2026
Proposal Due Date: February 13, 2025
Contract Term: Date of execution – December 2026
Location: Washington, D.C. metro area preferred

PURPOSE OF THE RFP
Civic Nation seeks proposals for a Learning & Development Consultant to design and deliver staff training, partner with managers on skills development aligned to our core organizational competencies, and support talent development efforts that contribute to future succession planning and career development. The total monthly retainer for this focused engagement is set not to exceed $3,000, reflecting our commitment to a high-impact, efficient partnership. Proposals detailing a monthly fee above this amount will be considered non-responsive.

Candidates based in the Washington, D.C. metro area are highly preferred, and significant priority will be given to local proposals.

SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will collaborate with the EVP, People & Operations, and the Associate Director, People & Culture to:

• Conduct a light-touch learning needs assessment (e.g., survey, short interviews, review of current practices and core skills).
• Develop a focused learning plan and calendar that prioritizes training topics tied to our established core skills and long-term strategic goals.
• Design and facilitate engaging, inclusive trainings for staff on core skills (e.g., management, communication, collaboration, etc.).
• Work directly with managers to support staff skills development (e.g., targeted workshops, practice sessions, practical tools for applying learning with their teams).
• Create practical, reusable learning materials (slides, facilitator notes, handouts, job aids, brief guides) for staff and managers.
• Track participation, gather feedback, and share high-level observations and recommendations.
• Recommend tools and approaches to organize and sustain learning efforts through Civic Nation’s learning program.

The specific training topics and priorities will be finalized with the selected consultant at the start of the engagement.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in learning and development, instructional design, organizational training, or a related field.
• Experience working with mission-driven small or midsize organizations.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills across staff levels.
• Familiarity with and experience in inclusive, equity-centered, and accessible learning design and teams.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize within limited hours, and manage multiple small projects.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Submit a proposal with four required sections: a Cover Letter, an Approach and Work Plan, Experience and Qualifications (including a resume and examples), and a Budget and Fees section with a total cost not to exceed the monthly retainer. Optional examples of previous projects can be submitted below, but will be requested before final selection. 

EVALUATION & SUBMISSION
Evaluation criteria:

• Fit of the proposed approach with our goals, core skills, and constraints.
• Relevant experience and quality of past work.
• Strength of facilitation, adult learning, and talent development expertise.
• Feasibility of scope within the monthly retainer $3,000 cap.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and accessibility in learning.

Please submit your proposal here. Cover letters and other relevant documents can be addressed to Richard B. Hall, Executive Vice President, People & Operations. Proposals are due by February 13, 2026. 

ABOUT THE PEOPLE & OPERATIONS TEAM
The People & Operations team is the core of Civic Nation, driving a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. The People & Operations team combines strategic human resources leadership and operational excellence to create an environment where staff are valued, supported, and empowered to grow. From cultivating a culture of well-being and belonging to ensuring systems run seamlessly behind the scenes, our team’s purpose is to support every staff member in doing their best work and bringing our collective vision and mission to life.

ABOUT CIVIC NATION
Civic Nation is an impact hub for the ideas, leaders, and initiatives that strengthen civic culture, civic power, and civic participation. We shift culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, and influencers to tackle our nation’s most pressing social challenges. Five initiatives are a part of the Civic Nation family: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, We The Action, and When We All Vote.

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Driven by our values, Civic Nation aims to recruit candidates representative of the communities and populations we serve. Towards that goal, we know that a diverse workforce allows us to see issues facing our democracy in more nuanced ways, creating the thought leadership needed to fulfill our mission and reach our goals. Civic Nation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply

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