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Director, Business & Legal Affairs--Masterworks

United States, New York, New York

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.

Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.

Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.

The Director, Business and Legal Affairs for Sony Music Masterworks will provide legal services to a multifaceted entertainment division based in New York with outposts in, Los Angeles, London and Berlin. Our business is centered around recorded music from a variety of genres (including classical, Broadway, jazz and film soundtracks) as well as an array of live entertainment experiences including Broadway theatrical productions, music festivals and seasonal trail lights shows. The role will be responsible for the review, negotiation and drafting of a variety of music and entertainment-related agreements.  The successful candidate must be a highly motivated professional with a strong work ethic, an enthusiastic attitude and the proven ability to consistently perform positively in a fast-paced, challenging work environment. This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for Sony Music Masterworks and will be based in New York.

What you'll do:

  • Negotiate and draft a variety of music and entertainment-related agreements, including exclusive artist agreements, soundtrack licenses, cast album recording agreements, label waivers, services agreements for new recordings (orchestra agreements, side artist agreements, producer agreements), IP licenses for theatrical productions and live events, artwork agreements, production agreements for audiovisual content and master use licenses in connection with soundtrack albums. 
  • Research and advise A&R, marketing, creative services, sales, promotion, royalties, finance, international and other departments regarding contractual obligations and restrictions.
  • Work with A&R administration and Finance regarding contractual budgets, monitoring recording costs and approving payments.
  • Review artwork, label copy, videos, advertising and other marketing and promotional materials.
  • Conduct contract research in connection with exploitation of catalog, royalty reporting, royalty account maintenance and various uses of catalog products
  • Identify and analyze potential risks related to the label's distribution of content and other business activities.
  • Investigate, analyze and respond to a variety of claims, including copyright, audit, breach of contract, publicity and trademark, and work with the corporate legal department to develop litigation strategies.

Who you are:

  • Member of New York Bar in good standing.
  • JD from a top law school.
  • At least 2-6 years at a prominent record label, law firm, in house legal department or equivalent experience.
  • Superior negotiating, drafting and communication skills.
  • The successful candidate will be a team player with the ability to prioritize, multitask, focus, and achieve results while working under stressful and demanding situations.
  • Understanding of the areas of the law applicable to the music business, such as copyright, contract and trademark is a nice to have.
  • Strong business knowledge preferred.
  • Passion for entertainment industry (particularly music, film and/or live events) is a must.
 

What we give you:

  • You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to channel your passion every day  
  • A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork empowering you to bring your best 
  • An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching 
  • Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition, and student loans 
  • Investment in your professional growth and development enabling you to thrive in our vibrant community.  
  • The space to accelerate progress, positively disrupt, and create what happens next  
  • Time off for a winter recess

Sony Music is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The anticipated annual base salary does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

New York Pay Range

$120,000 - $130,000 USD

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