Senior Director, Business & Legal Affairs at Universal Music Group

New York, New York, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Music, Entertainment, MediaIndustries

Requirements

Highly qualified attorney with 4-7+ years in-house at a major record label or similar, and/or comparable law firm experience (not entry-level)
Subject matter expertise and demonstrated track record handling complex, multi-stakeholder commercial corporate transactions, focusing on (but not limited to) information technology, intellectual property (IP), e-commerce, direct-to-consumer (D2C), IP content, supply chain, privacy (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), data, distribution, AI, VR, and other areas relevant to a global major recorded music and media company
Experience drafting and negotiating technology transactions, including master/main service agreements, SOWs, software licensing (term-based and perpetual models, support/maintenance, service levels), cloud-based subscription models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, etc.), IP licensing and purchase agreements, marketing, advertising, social media marketing/influencer agreements
Experience drafting and negotiating e-commerce/D2C and supply chain transactions, including artist merch deals, platform deals, physical product and merchandise manufacturing/distribution (vinyl, CD, printed goods, autographed products/memorabilia, other physical goods) and marketing transactions, warehousing, fulfilment, payment processing, and shipping/logistics agreements; working knowledge of FTC/GPSR and other consumer protection frameworks a plus
Experience with privacy/data matters, including drafting/reviewing data processing agreements, data sharing agreements, and providing advice on GDPR, CCPA, COPPA, and similar compliance frameworks
Experience with other standard corporate transactions/agreements, including joint ventures, profit shares, data sharing and data processing agreements (DPAs), non-disclosures, term extensions/renewals, terminations, amendments, trial/pilot agreements, commercial/operational addenda (information security, privacy/compliance, risk management/insurance, etc.), master/main consulting/professional services agreements, provider and user-side terms of service/use, end-user license agreements
Ability to conduct/manage legal and business-based risk assessments across multiple cross-functional teams and communicate actionable guidance to key stakeholders
Pragmatic approach and demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume of legal transactions from start to finish in a fast-moving, constantly shifting environment
Experience managing/drafting contract templates, clause libraries, and team collaboration/organizational tools (e.g., Monday.com) a plus
Prior management of external counsel engagements a plus
Genuine interest in music and technology

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively and independently with corporate and label executives, business unit leaders, and internal/external counsel to provide strategic and targeted legal advice, counsel, and representation
Negotiate, draft, and manage a broad range of commercial transactions/agreements across UMG’s global footprint
Report to the SVP of Business & Legal Affairs in New York

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Contract NegotiationAgreement DraftingIP LicensingSoftware LicensingSaaSPaaSIaaSGDPRCCPAAIVRMSASOW

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Senior Director role?

This is a full-time position.

Is this role remote or based in a specific location?

The role reports to the SVP of Business & Legal Affairs in New York, suggesting it is based there, but no explicit remote or location policy is stated.

What key skills and experience are required for this position?

Candidates need subject matter expertise in complex commercial transactions including information technology, intellectual property, e-commerce, D2C, supply chain, privacy (GDPR, CCPA), data, distribution, AI, and VR, plus experience drafting and negotiating technology agreements, IP licensing, e-commerce deals, and data processing agreements.

What is the company culture like at Universal Music Group?

UMG is committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship, operating a broad array of businesses in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content across more than 60 countries.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Director role?

A highly qualified attorney with a demonstrated track record in handling complex, multi-stakeholder commercial transactions across IT, IP, e-commerce, privacy, and other areas relevant to a global music company, able to work collaboratively and independently with executives and counsel.

Universal Music Group

Global music recording, publishing, and distribution

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) operates as a major player in the global music industry, engaging in recording, publishing, and distribution across over 60 countries. The company works with a wide range of clients, from famous artists like Elton John and Taylor Swift to new and independent musicians. UMG's operations include selling physical and digital music, streaming services, licensing music for various media, and organizing live performances. The company signs artists to contracts, produces their music, and manages their publishing rights, while also offering marketing and promotional services to help artists expand their reach. UMG generates revenue through multiple channels, including music sales, streaming subscriptions, licensing fees, live performances, and merchandise. This diverse approach allows UMG to maintain its leadership position in the music market by providing comprehensive support to artists and capitalizing on various revenue opportunities.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1934Year Founded

$3,890.9MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer Goods, EntertainmentIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Competitive Salary

401k

Flexible PTO

Medical, dental, visiion insurance

Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement

Well-Being Allowance

Risks

Legal battle with Drake over 'pay-for-play' could harm UMG's reputation.

Downtown Music acquisition may face regulatory scrutiny, delaying expansion plans.

AI partnership with Amazon may not fully address evolving AI content challenges.

Differentiation

UMG leads the music industry with a diverse global presence in 60+ countries.

UMG's artist-centric streaming model enhances engagement and revenue for musicians.

UMG's strategic partnerships, like with Amazon, bolster innovation and content protection.

Upsides

UMG's acquisition of Downtown Music boosts its independent music sector presence.

Partnership with KLAY Vision positions UMG as a leader in AI-driven music innovation.

Collaboration with WPP enhances UMG's marketing capabilities and global reach.

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