Vice President, Business 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:

Interscope Capitol is currently looking for a Business and Legal Affairs lawyer based in Hollywood to support our Capitol Music Group legal team, who will report to the SVP of the Business and Legal Affairs.

How you’ll CREATE:

• Structure, draft and negotiate a high volume of proposals and record label agreements including, without limitation, artist recording agreements, licenses, profit share and joint ventures, distribution agreements, and other music related deals, e.g. settlement and termination agreements, new media deals, live events and performance waivers, creative agreements, brand sponsorships, entertainment income agreements, production agreements.
• Provide advice and coordinate strategy on general corporate transactions and commercial agreements.
• Work with the financial department to prepare, review and analyze profit & loss and sales analysis.
• Provide counsel to Capitol departments and senior management on day-to-day business and legal issues and strategy.
• Advise various Capitol departments (e.g., Executive, A&R, Marketing, Production, Creative and Finance) regarding contractual obligations and restrictions in various commercial agreements.
• Address concerns and propose solutions while balancing legal considerations with business objectives.
• Analyze and assess potential risks and propose recommended courses of action.
• Respond to requests for information and/or advice from other business units, including contract research and analysis.
• Obtain all necessary management approvals on key terms of commercial agreements.
• Coordinate with other Universal legal departments (digital, litigation, creative, sponsorship, licensing, etc.) on agreements and legal matters.
• Assist management with corporate legal administrative matters and in determining and enforcing company policy regarding legal issues.
• Ensure dissemination of critical legal information to company employees.
• Oversee corporate compliance with contractual and legal obligations.

Bring your VIBE:

• Intellectual property, copyright expertise and music industry experience highly preferred.
• Familiarity with new technology and digital music environment preferred.
• Ability to analyze and provide strategic advice on a wide range of legal issues.
• A keen interest in music and the music industry.
• Knowledge/experience with music industry royalty accounting or financial information highly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects required.
• +8 years relevant legal experience from a top music/entertainment private practice law firm and/or in-house role within a record company or similar legal organization.
• Strong legal background in the areas of the law applicable to the music business (recording agreements, profit shares, distribution agreements; sync/licensing, publishing, copyright, trademark, licensing, etc.)
• Excellent negotiating, drafting, and communication skills
• General problem-solving skills, organization, and a focus on detail
• Strong interpersonal skills - able to communicate with all levels of management
• Self-starter with ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Perks Playlist:

• Competitive Compensation Package including Salary, Benefits and Generous 401k Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off – Paid Holidays, “Gift Week”, Summer Fridays
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Employee Developmental Support
• Annual Gym Reimbursement Package
• Pet Insurance, plus much more!

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

Job Category:

Business & Legal Affairs

Salary Range:

$103,410- $258,115

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.