Shawmut Strategies Group is a mission driven firm that is selective in the clients with whom we work. Nonetheless SSG has an extensive roster that includes non-profit and advocacy organizations, environmentally conscious, transportation, safety, health, and housing groups. Additionally, SSG currently represents more locals within the labor movement than any other firm in Massachusetts.
At Shawmut Strategies Group, we recognize that a strong work ethic and a solid reputation are what make a lasting business. We strive to exceed expectations and consistently deliver for our clients because we have:
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A unique understanding of the current political landscape.
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Proven strategies that have won against big opponents with unlimited funding.
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The ability to adapt to a changing culture around engagement and advocacy.
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Merged 21st century tactics with an “old school” feel.
OUR CAPABILITIES
STRATEGY & GOVERNMENT
Government Relations
& Lobbying
Through years of broad-ranging experience, SSG has built strong relationships at every level of government. We provide clients with a range of government relations services, seeking solutions through lobbying, coalition building, and other public advocacy. Each member of the SSG team has personal roots in Massachusetts and strong networks in different regions across the Commonwealth, with relationships at municipal, state, and federal levels. We can help open the doors to get you in the room and ensure that your voice is a part of the conversation.
Our team has unparalleled expertise in navigating regulatory and legislative processes at all levels of government. With years of professional experience in municipal, state, and federal legislative offices and government agencies, we help our clients bridge the divide that often exists between business and government.
Permitting & Land Use
Many cities and towns require a robust permitting process for development. This includes multi-layered approvals and community outreach that engages neighbors and local organizations. Our strategists use their decades of experience in political campaigns to develop a comprehensive outreach plan that will build local support for your project. From neighborhood meetings to signature gathering and digital advertising, our clients receive step-by-step assistance as their projects go from concept to approval at each level of government.
Strategy & Planning
Through decades of experience, the SSG team has developed and honed their abilities to ‘see the chess board’ when it comes to project planning, from lobbying to political campaigns to public relations. Each campaign timeline serves as the foundation to reach your goals, whether you need a short-term fix for a problem or to take the long view and develop a big picture plan. Each strategy is tailored to your scenario, utilizing existing internal resources and designed to be nimble to adjust to a changing market. SSG helps you create the playbook and execute for success.
Grant Writing/Funding Application Support
Navigating governmental and philanthropic grant processes can be overwhelming. Our team can help your organization successfully navigate this complex world, from finding new grant opportunities to preparing professional applications ensuring you have the best possible chance to be funded. Our staff will analyze a completed application, work collaboratively with an existing grant writer or team, or help you create your vision from scratch. Whatever your needs, Shawmut Strategies Group provides expert support to help your organization stand out.
In large part due to the quality of our clients, in 2022 we are proud to report 100% success for the clients who used our grant support services for their applications.
COMMUNICATIONS & TARGETING
Targeting & Audience Development
The first thing any organization must ask before launching a paid communications campaign is, “Who is our audience and what is our goal?” The team at SSG is among the most experienced and sought-after firms in the area in developing targeted universes and strategic plans to communicate a client’s message.
SSG has strategic partnerships with various data firms to obtain new data or to clean, enhance, and augment available existing client data. We then utilize that refined data to determine who is most likely to respond to your message to become a supporter or customer.
Message Development
The success of any strategy depends upon your ability to communicate it precisely and effectively. Every message must be tailored to the specific audience, not simply through language but in the delivery, tone, and direction to advance your goals. The importance of a localized message cannot be overstated when dealing with Boston and Massachusetts based projects. Our strategists understand the culture, available media, and strongest communication methods to effectively reach your audience.
Public Relations & Crisis Communications
In a competitive environment, your work can be valued simply based on who knows about it, and what they know. If you face a crisis, guiding the public response is essential to survival. But before that point, the public should know about the good work that you do. Our public relations strategists have years of experience in securing positive earned media coverage and community awareness, paired with direct hands-on crisis response expertise at the most intense levels. SSG helps you weather-and avoid-the storm.
Grassroots & Grasstops Advocacy
Our approach to public affairs is never singularly-focused. Rather, we look at the relationships and levers you need to pull at all levels. Through coalition building, SSG creates compelling and winning campaigns in the political sector and in community-based development. Stakeholder voices at every level are accounted for and addressed with SSG, to ensure that you have broad-based support to reach your goals.
DESIGN & BRANDING
Our in-house design and creative team works with you every step of the way to bring your campaign message to a visual reality. From the very beginning of message development to each piece of collateral, SSG ensures that your organization’s image reflects the professionalism, clarity and mission that serves as the foundation for your work.
Digital
Today’s digital media mix is fragmented with varying platforms having different technical and creative abilities to deliver messages to targeted audiences. Adding to the complexity: those platforms and the government are changing advertising rules all the time.
SSG and our strategic partners are industry leaders in digital communication and have routinely adapted to both new regulatory requirements and platform changes that impact advertisers. Our team has extensive paid digital communication experience and has delivered millions of dollars in targeted messaging to specific audiences for persuasion, grassroots activism, and fundraising across Canada and the United States, with superior results for our clients.
Website Design
The SSG design team has been creating websites for campaigns, advocacy organizations and small businesses for over a decade. From visually appealing graphics and photography to content creation and growth strategies, our team takes the time to understand your needs and deliver great looking, easy-to-use websites to make your organization proud.
Branding
As a new business or candidate is starting, branding is often the most overlooked, but critical part of a launch. Your brand should create an emotional response among your audience. To build brand loyalty, a well thought out logo and supporting imagery is of the utmost importance. Our team has helped to launch dozens of businesses, organizations and campaigns, and it all starts here.
Direct mail, brochures, and other collateral material are still integral parts of many campaigns. Our designers create eye-catching direct mail that cuts through the clutter of a campaign and drives the content and messaging you need to be successful. Our team has decades of experience throughout the US polling and targeting to create mail and materials that match a client’s message to help them win.