AAED is seeking a qualified consultant or consulting firm to facilitate an update of our organization’s strategic plan for the period of 2026-2029. This plan will guide our organization’s efforts in addressing the evolving economic landscape and ensuring our continued relevance and effectiveness in serving our members and the state.

Contact Name: Katie Hurst, CEO
Contact Email: katie@aaed.com

DEADLINES

All questions and requests for clarification should be submitted in writing to Katie Hurst at katie@aaed.com by Friday June 20, 2025. Responses will be provided to all interested consultants.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to Katie Hurst at katie@aaed.com no later than Friday, June 27, 2025 by 5:00 PM. Late submissions will not be considered.

OVERVIEW

The selected consultant will work collaboratively with AAED’s Board of Directors, staff, and key stakeholders to:

Conduct a thorough assessment of AAED’s current state: This includes analyzing existing programs, services, membership demographics, financial performance, and operational effectiveness.

Identify and analyze key trends and challenges impacting economic development in Arizona: This includes factors such as technological advancements, workforce development, regional disparities, and evolving industry sectors.

• • The primary benefits they receive as a member or partner of AAED
  • What aspects of AAED they see as valuable and where are we lacking
  • What factors drive or prevent engagement
  • What they see as AAED’s differentiating factor (i.e. our special sauce)
  • This information would be delivered as a separate report from the final findings/ recommendations.

Facilitate stakeholder engagement: Conduct interviews, surveys, and focus groups with members, partners, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and perspectives, particularly

Develop a clear and actionable strategic plan for 2026-2029: This plan should include:

• • A revised vision and mission statement (if necessary)
  • Clearly defined strategic goals and objectives.
  • Actionable strategies and tactics for achieving the goals.
  • Measurable performance indicators and evaluation methods.

Facilitate a strategic planning retreat: Conduct a one-day retreat with the Board of Directors and key staff to finalize the strategic plan.

Provide a final written strategic plan document and presentation: This document should be comprehensive and well-organized in either an editable PPT or Word Document format. Sharing a Canva link is also permitted but must be able to be owned by AAED once complete.

Provide guidance on implementation and monitoring: Offer recommendations and tools for successful implementation and ongoing monitoring of the strategic plan.