Director, Global Digital-Business Development & Emerging Platforms

Sony•New York, NY

4d•$97,000 - $138,500•Onsite

About The Position

At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en. Why join Sony Music Group? Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people. This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too. Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly. About the Department The Global Digital Team is primarily responsible for SMP’s direct digital licensing activities with a focus on multi-territory (Global & Multi-territory) & US direct deals. The team also provides strategic and commercial assistance and guidance in connection with national digital licenses that are not directly negotiated by the Global Digital Team or licenses that are subject to local or regional industry or collective solutions. About the Role You will partner with the Global Digital Team to shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy—tracking the market, developing and prioritizing opportunities, supporting licensing negotiations, and coordinating with Legal on enforcement where needed.

Requirements

Educated to degree level (legal, business or technical degree preferred)
6+ years of relevant experience working with business development / partnerships, law, or strategy within digital media, music, technology, or related industries
Experience evaluating emerging technology companies, business models, and strategic partnership opportunities
Strong analytical and research capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights
Experience developing strategic recommendations supported by market intelligence and data analysis
Strong relationship-building and external networking capabilities across technology and entertainment sectors
Ability to independently conduct and lead introductory / exploratory meetings with senior representatives from client / partner organizations
Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across business, legal, and commercial teams
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership
A self-starter, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving, and highly ambiguous environment

Nice To Haves

MBA, JD or LLM degree
Demonstrated knowledge of Generative AI, AI Music, LLM technologies, and evolving market trends
Background as a Lawyer, Business Developer, Management Consultant or in a similar type of professional client-facing role
Experience participating in complex commercial negotiations or partnership discussions
Prior experience in music publishing, recorded music, streaming, entertainment, or media technology industries
Exposure to international or multi-territory digital licensing environments
High-level understanding of music industry digital ecosystem, including licensing models and emerging platforms
Familiarity with copyright, licensing, intellectual property, or enforcement frameworks related to AI-generated content
Experience working with startups, venture-backed companies, or emerging technology ecosystems
Passion for music, innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of content creation

Responsibilities

Map, research, and track key players and start-ups in AI Music, maintaining a clear internal knowledge base for the team.
Conduct deep-dive research into individual AI players’ product, business models, business plans, funding rounds and other relevant public information.
Keep track of which AI companies SMP is currently in discussions with, or has already licensed.
Act as the team’s resident AI subject-matter expert, keeping “a finger on the pulse” in terms of latest trends and new market developments within AI Music and the wider Generative AI / LLM field.
Collaborate closely with senior members of the Global Digital Team and SMP’s General Counsel to develop and continuously refine SMP’s high-level AI Music licensing strategy.
Prepare and give concise and relevant presentations for senior management (including CEO) summarizing “the State of AI Music”, SMP’s strategy and the latest status of SMP’s licensing and enforcement activities within the area.
Identify and generate new potential AI Music business opportunities, identifying and qualifying leads for licensing or, if necessary, enforcement.
Set up and lead explorative senior-level meetings with relevant start-ups and emerging players within AI Music, exploring potential partnership and licensing opportunities.
Make well-reasoned internal recommendations on which leads to progress, developing actionable partnership / licensing strategies for specific companies.
Network within the wider music industry and AI Music ecosystem, participating in relevant industry events and conferences, representing SMP in a professional and approachable manner.
Participate in negotiations of AI Music licensing deals, contributing thinking and ideas as well as in-depth understanding and analysis of the drivers of potential deals.
Infuse negotiations with subject-matter context / expertise and help SMP implement a fit-for-purpose negotiating strategy which delivers successful licensing outcomes.
Use relationships built with negotiation counterparties to keep negotiations constructive and on track.
Help team analyze and adjust negotiation strategy / approach “in real-time” to ensure successful conclusion of a license.
Help the team identify and prioritize potential AI Music targets for enforcement.
Support SMP’s legal team with expertise context, analysis and insights in connection with AI Music related enforcement action.
Take part in estimating and negotiating fair value settlements in connection with infringement.