Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strategic Planning Retreat Facilitator

Proposal Deadline   August 28th, 2026

Location: Cambridge or Greater Cambridge Area, MA

Overview

HEAL Trafficking is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to facilitate a strategic planning session during our annual Board of Directors retreat. The selected consultant will help guide our Board through a collaborative planning process that identifies organizational priorities and establishes the framework for our next strategic plan.

The retreat will take place during the weekend of November 14–15, 2026 (exact meeting date and location to be confirmed). The consultant will facilitate a minimum of seven-hour, in-person strategic planning sessions and provide preparation and follow-up support. Proposals will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through August 28th. However, priority consideration will be given to proposals submitted within the first 14 days.

About HEAL Trafficking

HEAL Trafficking is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking through education, collaboration, and health system leadership. Through training, technical assistance, research, and multidisciplinary partnerships, HEAL equips professionals and organizations to recognize, respond to, and prevent human trafficking using survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-informed approaches.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will:

• Participate in two virtual planning calls (approximately one hour each) with the CEO and Board leadership prior to the retreat.
• Review relevant organizational materials provided in advance (e.g., current strategic goals, organizational background, and key documents).
• Facilitate a minimum of a seven-hour in-person strategic planning session during the Board retreat.
• Lead discussions that encourage participation, consensus-building, and identification of organizational priorities.
• Submit a 3–5-page summary report within two weeks of the retreat that includes:
  
  • A summary of key discussion themes
  • Strategic priorities identified by the Board
  • Recommended organizational goals and objectives
  • Suggested next steps for completing and implementing HEAL Trafficking's strategic plan

Desired Qualifications

We are seeking a consultant with experience in:

• Nonprofit strategic planning
• Board governance and facilitation
• Organizational development
• Group facilitation and consensus-building

Experience working with nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations, public health initiatives, or mission-driven organizations is preferred.

Budget

HEAL Trafficking has allocated $3,000-6,000 for this engagement. Additional travel will not be included. This fee should include:

• Preparation time
• Two planning meetings
• Facilitation of the five-hour retreat session
• Preparation of the post-retreat summary report

Proposal Requirements

To keep the application process simple, interested consultants should submit:

1. A brief cover letter (maximum one page) describing your experience and facilitation approach.
2. A résumé or curriculum vitae.
3. Two examples of similar strategic planning or board facilitation engagements.
4. List of three professional references, with at least one reference who can speak directly to strategic planning and board facilitation engagements.

Proposals will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through August 28th. However, priority consideration will be given to proposals submitted within the first 14 days.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis based on:

• Demonstrated experience facilitating nonprofit strategic planning
• Experience working with boards of directors
• Facilitation style and proposed approach
• Relevant organizational experience
• Overall value and fit for HEAL Trafficking

Anticipated Timeline

• RFP Released - August 3rd, 2026
• Proposal Deadline - August 28th, 2026
• Consultant Selected - September 18th, 2026
• Planning Calls - October–November 2026
• Board Retreat - Weekend of November 14–15, 2026
• Final Summary Report Due - Within two weeks following the retreat

Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal as a single PDF to: info@healtrafficking.org with the subject line: "HEAL Strategic Planning RFP"

Questions regarding this RFP may also be directed to info@healtrafficking.org or our CEO, Amanda Stylianou.

We appreciate your interest in partnering with HEAL Trafficking and look forward to learning more about your approach to strategic planning and board facilitation.

‍