Associate Director / Director, Business and Legal Affairs

This is a Full Time Job

The Associate Director/ Director (depending on experience), 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
• At least 2-4 years at a prominent record label, law firm, in house legal department, entertainment studios 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.
• Strong business knowledge preferred.

What we give you:
• You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey
• A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork
• 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
• We invest in your professional growth & development
• Time off for a winter recess

This position requires that the job candidate be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that an applicant will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine). The Company will consider requests for reasonable accommodations for documented medical reasons and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable law. Please do not include proof of vaccine status or any indication of a possible request for an accommodation when submitting your application materials. If applicable, the Company will follow up with you directly to request proof of vaccination and to discuss any potential accommodations.