About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Town of Belchertown requests proposals for a Cultural District Manager to support the Creative Economy Committee in achieving designation and managing a local Cultural District. The contractor will coordinate stakeholder partnerships, conduct public engagement, draft the Massachusetts Cultural Council designation application, develop long-term governance and financial sustainability strategies, and assist with grant reporting. Only onshore USA organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit one electronic PDF proposal via email or online by November 23, 2026, at 4:00 pm, and submit questions by email no later than November 18, 2026. The part-time contract runs through June 30, 2027, with a budget not to exceed $49,500. Evaluation criteria include relevant experience and qualifications weighted at 30 percent and a cost proposal weighted at 15 percent.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Town of Belchertown
Scope of work
- Coordinate Cultural District designation and foundational planning, including preparing the Massachusetts Cultural Council application
- Plan and coordinate the Second Belchertown Community Summit and strategic planning activities
- Develop GATHER operational and activation plans, programming frameworks, and partnership structures
- Develop long-term governance recommendations, financial sustainability strategies, and grant closeout documentation
- Provide weekly activity reports and monthly progress reports via email
- Deliver marketing and outreach materials
- Coordinate Cultural District events and initiatives
- Deliver a minimum of four presentations to the Select Board and a final annual report
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Relevant experience and qualifications | 30% |
| Understanding of the Cultural Economy Committee mission | 25% |
| Proposed work plan and project approach | 25% |
| Cost proposal | 15% |
| References | 5% |
Minimum qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in arts and cultural management
- Experience in community engagement
- Experience in event planning and coordination
- Experience in project management
- Experience in municipal or nonprofit administration
- Experience in grant writing and grant management
- Experience in marketing and communications
- Experience in economic development or placemaking initiatives
Documents to include with your response
- Cover Letter with consultant name, contact info, statement of interest, and availability
- Qualifications description, relevant experience, and similar project descriptions
- Resume(s) of key personnel
- Project Approach description
- At least three professional references for similar engagements
- Cost Proposal including total amount, payment schedule, hourly rate, estimated hours, and reimbursable expenses
- Up to 3 past work examples
Key dates
- RFP Issue Date
- November 6, 2026
- Questions due
- November 18, 2026 at 5:00pm
- Proposals due
- November 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm
- Anticipated Start Date
- November 30, 2026
- Anticipated End Date
- June 30, 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Instructions
- Submit one electronic PDF proposal to Steven J. Williams, Town Manager.
Contract details
- Term
- November 30, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an option to extend based upon funding availability and satisfactory performance
- Estimated value
- Not to Exceed $49,500
- Funding
- MDI grant