Community Liaison (Columbus, MS)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Community Liaison for the Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) Phase I Market
Building Grant

1.0 Introduction and Background
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is seeking proposals from
individuals for the role of Community Liaison to support our Municipal Investment
Fund (MIF) Grant. We are seeking local candidates, with a proven record in community
organizing, program development, and stakeholder coordination across both faith-based
and public settings, currently residing in Columbus, MS.

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) is dedicated to improving
the lives of children and families harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change
through research, education, community, student engagement for equitable systems,
and health and safety workforce training for environmental careers. Founded in 1992,
the DSCEJ is the longest-serving environmental justice resource center that provides
opportunities for communities, scientific researchers, and decision-makers to
collaborate on projects that promote the rights of all people to be free from
environmental harm as it impacts health, jobs, housing, education, and quality of life.
The DSCEJ executes its programming through three operational components: (1)
Research and Policy Studies, (2) Community and Student Education, Training, and
Engagement, and (3) Environmental, Health and Safety Worker Training. The DSCEJ
employs a full-time staff of 40.

The Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) is a national initiative managed by ICLEI USA and
the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) under the National Clean Investment Fund
(NCIF), a program funded through the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The
goal is to help cities and nonprofits design and implement public-private partnerships
that accelerate clean energy development in disadvantaged communities.

2.0 Scope of Work
The Community Liaison will serve as the primary bridge between the Deep South
Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), the City of Columbus, and local community
stakeholders during the implementation of the Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) Phase I
Market Building Grant. This role will ensure culturally competent, place-based
engagement that advances clean energy development, equitable workforce recruitment,
and effective public-private partnerships. The selected individual will serve as the
primary bridge between DSCEJ, the City of Columbus, and local stakeholders, ensuring
effective collaboration, clear communication, and measurable progress toward grant
goals. The ideal candidate will be a Columbus resident with deep ties to neighborhoods,
civic leaders, and municipal decision-makers.

DSCEJ intends to award a contract to an individual who will be able to perform the
services outlined below for the time period of October 1 - March 1, 2026. 
Interested individuals should submit a proposal that addresses the areas listed under
the scope of work.

The selected individual will be expected to:

● Engage Stakeholders: Convene and maintain relationships with residents,
community organizations, local institutions, city agencies, and elected officials to
ensure inclusive participation in MIF activities.
● Facilitate Communication: Coordinate community meetings, site visits, and
planning sessions while ensuring timely updates to city leadership and
stakeholders.
● Support Outreach Efforts: Develop and distribute outreach materials (digital
and print) to raise awareness of MIF initiatives and encourage community
participation.
● Assist Workforce Recruitment: Collaborate with DSCEJ’s workforce
development team and local partners to recruit participants for solar and clean
energy training programs.
● Provide Local Context and Support: Offer historical, political, and
socio-economic insights to inform strategy, and identify qualified local vendors,
venues, and technical resources.

Deliverables will include:
● Documentation of stakeholder meetings and engagement activities.
● Outreach materials distributed to community networks.
● Reports on workforce recruitment progress and outcomes.
● Recommendations for local technical assistance providers and partners.

3.0 Deadline
Application packages must be submitted on or before September 26, 2025, at 5:00 pm
CST (Central Standard Time) by email to [email protected]. Applications received after
the closing date and time will not be considered.

4.0 Proposal Requirements
The selected individual should be prepared to begin work on October 1, 2025. 

Proposals submitted should include the following information:
1) Name and Contact Information: Provide the name and full contact information
(title, phone number, mailing address, and email address) of the individual
submitting the proposal, who will also serve as the contracting party responsible
for performing the Community Liaison services under this grant.

2) Residency and Community Ties: Confirm your place of residence and
describe your connection to the Columbus, MS area. Proposals must
demonstrate that the individual resides in or near Columbus, MS and has
established, trusted relationships with local neighborhoods, civic leaders, and
municipal decision-makers.

3) Experience: Provide a description of your experience on similar projects,
particularly those involving community engagement, stakeholder coordination,
and local partnership development (see Section 2.0 above).

4) References: Provide a list of at least three (3) recent professional references
that can speak on your experience. Please include current contact information
(name, title, organization, phone number, and email address) for references.

5) Proposed Cost: Provide your proposed total cost to perform the Community
Liaison services described in the Scope of Work.

6) Please send all proposals to Lisa Sutton at [email protected].

5.0 Evaluation Criteria
The review of written proposals and interviews will be based on the following evaluation
criteria, with the relative weights in parentheses: Proposals will be reviewed and scored
based on the following criteria: 1. Relevant Community Engagement Experience (35%);
2. Local Knowledge and Community Connections (25%); 3. Ability to Perform Scope of
Work / Deliverables (25%); and 4. Proposed Cost (15%)

6.0 Use of Logos
If the EPA logo is used alongside other participating entity logos on websites, outreach
materials, or reports, it must not imply that the EPA is conducting the activities. Instead,
it should include a statement that the contractor received financial support from the EPA
under an Assistance Agreement.”