Director of Business and Legal Affairs, Masterworks

This is a Full Time Job

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. 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.