Senior Director, Business & Legal Affairs

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

How we LEAD:

Universal Music Groups seeks a highly qualified attorney for the position of Senior Director in its Business & Legal Affairs department. Reporting to the SVP of Business & Legal Affairs in New York, this key resource will work both 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 in connection with the negotiation, drafting and management of a broad range of commercial transactions/agreements across UMG’s global footprint.

How you'll CREATE:

• Subject matter expertise/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 general subject matter areas relating to the broad and varied requirements of a global major recorded music and media company.
• Experience drafting and negotiating the following commercial transactions/agreement types (amongst others):
  • Technology transactions, including master/main service agreements, SOWs, software licensing (including 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, etc.;
  • 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; a working knowledge of FTC/GPSR and other similar consumer protection frameworks a definite plus;
  • Privacy/Data, including experience drafting/reviewing data processing agreements, data sharing agreements, providing advice and guidance with respect to GDPR, CCPA, COPPA and other similar compliance frameworks;
  • 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 (including 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, etc.
• Conduct/manage legal and business-based risk assessments across multiple cross-functional teams, and effectively 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 (Monday.com, et al) is a definite plus;
• Prior management of external counsel engagements is a plus;
• Genuine interest in music and technology.

Bring your VIBE:

• 4-7+ years in-house at a major record label or similar, and/or comparable law firm experience - this is not an entry-level position
• Demonstrated experience handling the wide variety of subject matter areas and agreement types described above

• J.D. required;
• Admission to the New York or California State Bar, in good standing

Perks Playlist:

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:

  • 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• Variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Salary Range:

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.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.