Senior Publicist

Storytelling PR Senior Publicist Fringe 2026

Storytelling PR are currently looking for a Senior Publicist to join us for a short period of maternity cover for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.

We work from buzzy and busy offices in Summerhall, Edinburgh and our team operate the Summerhall Arts Press Office here in Summerhall, as well as our working roster of Fringe clients.

Storytelling PR provides a challenging and exciting environment to work in, requiring a range of skills and personal qualities and encouraging professional and personal growth.

This role requires candidates with an amazing contact list; interest in representing some of the world’s most progressive artists in the world’s largest arts festival.

Experience of working in a press office and publicity experience in a busy environment is essential.

Specific experience in culture and arts PR is not essential but a keen interest in seeing the work our artists present, following comedy, theatre and performance art from around the world definitely is!

We appreciate that this is a short term contract, our priority is to find a member of the team who has experience, the passion for live art and interest in working within a dynamic team throughout a busy festival.

The deadline for applications is 6pm, Wednesday 27th May 2026.

Interviews will be held the w/b Monday 8th June 2026.

Role Description – Fringe Press Team

Contract term

This is a Freelance ten week / 3 month , fixed term contract, with the exact length to be negotiated to suit.

Position starts: Late June / Early July 2026, to be finalised with applicant

Position finishes: September 2026

You will be required to work an average of 40/45 hours over 6 days a week in August and 30/35 hours over 5 days a week in July and September. 

Recruitment Information

Applicants must be over 18 and must be able to prove their legal right to work in the UK.

Unfortunately, we are unable to contribute to accommodation, living or travel expenses.

Interviews will be held on Zoom/ in person depending on availability.

Direct Manager

• With day to day support from Rowan Campbell, General Manager and our team of Publicists.

Line Management Responsibilities

• Depending on the candidate there may be some line management duties within the Storytelling PR team which will be discussed at interview.

Key Internal Relationships

Storytelling Publicists as well as the Summerhall Arts Team.

Key External Relationships

Visiting media, visiting companies.

Duties and Responsibilities may include:

• Have a solid understanding of building a blanket of coverage for artists that builds on their reputation that may include podcasts, print, online, TV and social media reportage.
• Pitch to journalists and try and increase the number of press covering our roster of shows
• Pitch themes and matchmake work with journalists both in culture and arts and from reportage across politics, LGBTQIA+, visual art, sports, world news,
• Continually pitch and matchmake reviewers with specific shows, arranging press tickets across multiple venues.
• Liaise with and support companies with their publicity questions and ideas.
• Respond thoughtfully to last minute and occasionally complicated requests.
• Support and be a friendly face for companies and media coming through the office.
• Overseeing various inboxes - answering enquiries, logging requests and sending out press images and press materials for shows at Summerhall and other Storytelling PR Clients.
• Support and manage junior staff, in support roles.

Candidate requirements – essential

• Relevant experience of working in a theatre / as a cultural events press office or for a publisher / publication / media group.
• The role requires strong media relations and organizational skills, along with the ability to adapt to fast-paced situations.
• Applicants should have a substantial understanding of the UK media landscape and experience in media relations.
• Account manager / Senior level experience of the media in press and PR.

Candidate requirements – desirable

• Relevant experience working in / around Edinburgh Festival fringe
• Have an interest in events at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and attend events and shows.
• Have a keen interest in seeing avant-garde, intersectional and new work.

Rate of pay

• Freelance Fee of £650 per week.
• PAYE contract at equitable rate also available
• Shows in most venues run between 0900-2300 (though some run as late as 0300), and so once the festival commences there will be a requirement to work flexibly within the team, with shifts from 9am – 9pm (9 – 6, 10 – 7, 11 – 8pm)

Perks

• You will receive a staff pass which gives you: First come first served access to fringe shows which are not sold out in various venues; and may include food and drink discounts across various venues.

We welcome those who have questions about the role to email. And for those who wish to apply, please send a cover letter and CV.