Organizer Information

Keychange is an international initiative working toward gender equity and inclusivity within the music industry. Through talent development programs, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships, Keychange supports underrepresented artists and music professionals while encouraging structural change across the sector. The initiative is widely recognized for its Keychange Pledge, which promotes gender balance within festivals and music organizations.

The consultancy opportunity is administered by RBX GmbH, the organization behind Reeperbahn Festival, one of Europe’s leading music industry festivals and networking platforms.

Title & Description

Request for Proposal (RFP) – Consultancy in PR and Communications

Keychange Leaders is seeking experienced PR and communications consultants or agencies to develop and implement international media campaigns connected to its Talent Leadership Programme, Keychange Pledge, and broader advocacy activities focused on equity and inclusion in music.

The selected consultant or PR agency will work under a framework agreement running from June/July 2026 through April 2027. The role includes designing and executing approximately three to five PR campaigns across multiple European territories and international media landscapes. Campaigns are expected to support Keychange’s communication objectives around leadership, gender equity, representation, and social justice in the music sector.

The consultancy requires strong media relations expertise, strategic communication planning, and the ability to engage both music-industry press and broader cultural or social-affairs media outlets. Applicants should demonstrate experience in international campaign management, press outreach, communication strategy development, and reporting.

The selected consultant will collaborate closely with the Keychange team through regular coordination meetings while independently managing campaign execution, media partnerships, and communication outcomes.

Categories

  • Music Industry
  • Public Relations
  • Communications
  • Journalism
  • Cultural Consultancy
  • Media Strategy
  • Gender Equity & Inclusion
  • Arts Administration
  • Cultural Management

Eligibility

  • International PR professionals, consultants, agencies, and communication specialists
  • Applicants with at least five years of professional experience in journalism, PR, or communications
  • Individuals or teams experienced in international media campaigns
  • Professionals familiar with music industry communications and socially engaged cultural projects
  • Applicants capable of working across European and international media environments

The project particularly values candidates who are proactive, collaborative, self-directed, and experienced in handling multifaceted cultural initiatives.

Countries of focus include:

  • Germany
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • France
  • Estonia
  • Poland
  • Belgium
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland

Additional outreach territories may include the Baltics, Balkans, Mediterranean region, and Canada.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • A framework agreement with Keychange Leaders
  • A professional collaboration with an internationally recognized music initiative
  • Approximate project budget of €6,000
  • Opportunity to lead international PR campaigns across Europe
  • Access to high-level cultural and music industry networks
  • Collaboration with international festivals, media outlets, and advocacy platforms
  • Potential visibility through major music-industry press and public-facing campaigns

The consultancy period will run from June/July 2026 until April 2027.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a written proposal including:

  • Professional background and relevant experience
  • Confirmation that all involved personnel possess at least five years of professional experience in journalism and/or PR
  • Proposed methodology or communication approach
  • Daily consultancy rate (net)
  • Relevant references or portfolio examples
  • Contact information
  • Any supporting documentation demonstrating expertise in media relations, communication strategy, or music-sector PR

Applicants should also demonstrate their capacity to:

  • Develop strategic PR campaigns
  • Write and distribute press releases
  • Build media partnerships
  • Deliver international media coverage
  • Produce campaign reports and KPI evaluations

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted in writing via email to: d.irrgang@reeperbahnfestival.com

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
  • Contract Period: June/July 2026 – April 2027
  • Planned Campaign Periods:
    • September 2026
    • December 2026 / January 2027
    • March / April 2027

Location

Hamburg, Germany

Additional Details

The selected consultant will contribute to campaigns supporting the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme and the Keychange Pledge, both of which aim to improve representation and inclusivity within the global music industry.

Deliverables include:

  • International press outreach
  • Strategic communication consulting
  • Media partnership support
  • Campaign reporting and KPI evaluation
  • Press release drafting and distribution
  • Interview coordination
  • Coverage tracking and documentation

Applicants should also note:

  • The agreement is a framework contract, meaning additional PR work may also be assigned to other providers.
  • No guaranteed minimum consultancy days are promised.
  • Additional consultancy time beyond approved limits requires client authorization.
  • The contract may be terminated due to force majeure, public funding cancellation, or other unforeseen circumstances.

The consultancy specifically seeks professionals who understand the intersection of music culture, social advocacy, and communication strategy.

Website Link: https://www.keychange.eu/about-us/news-feed-articles/open-call-request-for-proposal-rfp-consultancy-in-pr-and-communications