Specialist, Music Partnerships and Licensing

2K, a global video game company, is seeking a Specialist for Music Partnerships and Licensing to manage music deals across all 2K titles. This role involves coordinating with musicians, music entities, brands, and athletes, collaborating with legal counsel on contracts, securing quotes for music synchronization in marketing and games, and guiding creative direction for trailer music. The specialist will also track agreements, invoicing, and music usage, maintain client relationships, and research industry trends to strengthen 2K's IP and deliver creative value to consumers.

Must Have

• Identify and communicate partnership-specific requirements and timelines across the Partnership Team and Business Units as they relate to music.
• Collaborate with legal counsel (internal and external) on all contract needs, including the coordination and preparation of music agreements.
• Review all agreements and license terms to ensure compliance and favorable conditions.
• Secure quotes for synchronization of music for marketing trailers, in-game soundtracks, and social media promotions.
• Pitch studios and products requiring custom music and guide the creative direction for trailer music.
• Refer new composers and artists to the studios and the 2K Central Audio team.
• Coordinate with the Ratings Team on the in-game music approval process.
• Organize and track all agreements, invoicing, and records.
• Maintain an excellent record of all uses of music across the brand.
• Track uses of music across all in-game and external marketing for 2K (both master and sync).
• Report on rights, fees, and terms in place on all music licenses across 2K brand projects.
• Handle and safeguard highly confidential and proprietary information.
• Curate and onboard new clients and enthusiastically maintain existing client relationships.
• Research future productions and music trends within the industry.
• Represent 2K Music by attending events and gatherings to meet and build relationships, including necessary travel within and outside the U.S.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and payment process.
• Participate in the accounting process with the Outsourcing team on licensing Purchase Orders and invoices.
• Work with Finance as needed for any reporting they may request.
• Demonstrated aptitude for high-level organization and record-keeping across multiple studios and departments in a very busy and challenging environment.

Good to Have

• Experience with music services such as creative music supervision, song clearance & licensing, or cue sheet management.
• A degree in music business or equivalent.
• 3-5 years in music licensing at comparable level at a label or publisher.
• A demonstrated understanding of music licensing (sync) and overall understanding of music business precedent for digital and sync.
• A self-motivated starter who can take on challenges and projects independently and drive results confidently.
• Strong skills in Excel/Sheets, Power Point/Slides.
• Strong communication and organization skills with an understanding of accountability for information crucial to our efficiency and success.
• A can-do attitude in a challenging and very busy environment.

Perks & Benefits

• Bonus and/or equity awards
• Eligibility to participate in 401(K) plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program
• Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year
• Paid parental and compassionate leave
• Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support
• Family planning support through Maven
• Commuter benefits
• Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses

Who We Are

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2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K, renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

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The Music Partnerships and Licensing team at 2K seeks an organized and entrepreneurial individual to manage music partnerships and licensing deals across all 2K titles. You will coordinate music deals of all sizes and work with musicians, music entities, brands, and athletes. Your strategic vision will strengthen our IP, ensure efficient licensing operations, and deliver creative value to our consumers. This role is located in our Culver City, California office and requires working in the office three days per week.

• Identify and communicate partnership-specific requirements and timelines across the Partnership Team and Business Units as they relate to music.
• Collaborate with legal counsel (internal and external) on all contract needs, including the coordination and preparation of music agreements.
• Review all agreements and license terms to ensure compliance and favorable conditions.
• Secure quotes for synchronization of music for marketing trailers, in-game soundtracks, and social media promotions.
• Pitch studios and products requiring custom music and guide the creative direction for trailer music.
• Refer new composers and artists to the studios and the 2K Central Audio team.
• Coordinate with the Ratings Team on the in-game music approval process.
• Organize and track all agreements, invoicing, and records. Maintain an excellent record of all uses of music across the brand.
• Track uses of music across all in-game and external marketing for 2K (both master and sync).
• Report on rights, fees, and terms in place on all music licenses across 2K brand projects.
• Handle and safeguard highly confidential and proprietary information.
• Curate and onboard new clients and enthusiastically maintain existing client relationships.
• Research future productions and music trends within the industry.
• Represent 2K Music by attending events and gatherings to meet and build relationships, including necessary travel within and outside the U.S.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and payment process.
• Participate in the accounting process with the Outsourcing team on licensing Purchase Orders and invoices.
• Work with Finance as needed for any reporting they may request.

Who We Think Will Be a Great Fit

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• Demonstrated aptitude for high-level organization and record-keeping across multiple studios and departments in a very busy and challenging environment.
• Ability to prioritize and respond to rapidly changing priorities, execute immediately on tasks, and adhere to strict deadlines across diverse assignments.
• Current and extensive knowledge of the musical landscape, including artists, labels, and music industry business standards and practices.
• Prior Experience (A Plus): Experience with music services such as creative music supervision, song clearance & licensing, or cue sheet management is a significant advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to seek out new leads independently.
• A collaborative personality that contributes well to a team setting, is actively communicative, and is willing to dive into necessary tasks.
• Client-focused with a high emotional intelligence (EQ), capable of navigating the unique dynamics of working with creative professionals and providing intelligent, out-of-the-box solutions.
• Rigorous and organized work style with exacting standards and integrity.
• A strong passion for music
• Demonstrated creativity and curiosity to drive innovative partnerships.
• A willingness to work efficiently under pressure and be flexible with hours when needed.

Preferred skills:

• A degree in music business or equivalent 3-5 years in music licensing at comparable level at a label or publisher.
• A demonstrated understanding of music licensing (sync) and overall understanding of music business precedent for digital and sync
• A self-motivated starter who can take on challenges and projects independently and drive results confidently
• Strong skills in Excel/Sheets, Power Point/Slides
• Strong communication and organization skills with an understanding of accountability for information crucial to our efficiency and success
• A can-do attitude in a challenging and very busy environment

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $78,900 and $116,760 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

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