Director, Business Affairs

Barkley•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

We are looking for a strong leader for our Business Affairs team. The ideal candidate must be well versed in SAG-AFTRA Commercials contracts, third party rights for creative assets and relentless about making great creative work. You are a partner to producers while working across agency departments including Creative, Client Experience, PR, Legal, and Finance. This position reports into SVP, Business Affairs

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of experience specific to the advertising industry in a Business Affairs Role.
Must have proficient and current knowledge of SAG-AFTRA commercial contracts
Ability to lead and help grow a team of Business Affairs Managers
Self-starter who can work independently in a fast-paced environment while also a team player who can collaborate in that same environment.
Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy and work well under pressure
Strong negotiation and contract management skills
Willingness to speak up, lead tough conversations, and be solutions-oriented

Nice To Haves

Film Tax Credit knowledge and filing experience a plus
Maintain strong industry relationships with peers at other agencies, music, and production partners.
Having a law background is not required but is a considerable plus!

Responsibilities

Serve as a core member of the Production Team, regularly available to Producers, including outside of standard business hours should your projects needs require.
Maintain deep expertise in the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract, including union waivers (e.g., Low Budget Digital, Social Media/YouTube, Influencer, Testimonial, Man-on-the-Street, etc).
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the evolving use of AI in production workflows, including implications for talent, licensing, intellectual property, and union compliance.
Work collaboratively as a partner to Producers, PR, and Client Experience teams to review creative work for legal implications (e.g., third party clearances, intellectual property, licensing, likeness releases, use of logos/artwork, trademarks, etc.) and traffic/network implications (e.g., supers, substantiation, etc.)
Generate talent estimates (sessions and usage) and provide guidance on most cost-effective ways of managing talent residual budgets. Proficiency with Extreme Reach is required.
Own the responsibility of drafting client facing production estimates, production contracts, casting specs, releases, affidavits, music rights agreements and all other necessary documents in concert with agency legal counsel
Lead celebrity and popular music license negotiations when required with agency legal counsel
Prepare performer contracts/releases and review all executed contracts & licenses for accuracy.
Manage all talent and production billing including production advances and other scheduled payments.
Partner with producers to secure stock footage and image rights as demanded by the work and usage requirements.
Prepare and submit spot session reports, completion reports, and use advices via the ER platform.
Mange holding fees and expirations via the ER platform.
Manage all renegotiations including talent, music, and photography.
Ability to lead and oversee Business Affairs / Talent Manger(s) and their brands.
Proactively work in educating other departments on the aspects of the SAG Commercial contract, licensing, talent, and intellectual property regarding all aspects of our work.
Lead transfer of rights for onboarding and offboarding of clients.
Research and monitor industry trends to advise the agency on current developments and long-term shifts in Business Affairs.