Senior Manager, Business Affairs Administration

Universal Music•New York, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. As a member of the Business & Legal Affairs team, you'll play a key role in helping bring new music and video releases to market by managing rights clearances and licensing activities across a diverse roster of artists. You'll partner with teams across Business & Legal Affairs, A&R, Marketing, Production, Revenue, Licensing, Artist Management, and external rights holders to ensure releases move forward efficiently while mitigating legal and business risks. This role is ideal for a highly organized, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex rights issues, and is passionate about the music industry. The successful candidate will have 3-5 years of music licensing, legal, or business affairs experience and be eager to expand their expertise in artist, sample, synchronization, and content clearances.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in music industry licensing, business affairs, legal administration, or a related field.
Working knowledge of music copyright, licensing, publishing, and recording agreements.
Experience drafting and administering music-related agreements is strongly preferred.
Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment when navigating complex rights issues.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining confidentiality.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Familiarity with UMG systems is a plus.
Passion for music and the evolving entertainment landscape.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage music and video clearances by working with third-party labels, publishers, licensors, clearance agencies, artist management, and internal stakeholders to secure all required approvals for commercial releases.
Manage the end-to-end clearance process, tracking requests, monitoring timelines, and helping resolve complex rights issues that could impact release schedules.
Advise internal teams on clearance requirements, ownership splits, and licensing considerations for samples, side artists, compilations, soundtrack projects, and synchronization opportunities.
Draft, review, and administer a variety of music agreements, including Sample Agreements, Side Artist Agreements, Label Waivers (including Profit Split arrangements), and Soundtrack and Synchronization License Agreements.
Manage agreement execution, maintain accurate contract records, distribute finalized agreements to appropriate stakeholders, and coordinate supporting documentation for payment processing.
Review music video treatments and final content to identify potential copyright, trademark, publicity, and reputational risks, partnering with Legal executives to resolve issues before release.
Collaborate closely with Business & Legal Affairs, A&R, Marketing, Production, Revenue, Licensing, Artist Management, and Legal teams to support artist releases and commercial licensing initiatives.
Partner with synchronization and catalog licensing teams to facilitate soundtrack placements and other licensing opportunities.
Maintain organized tracking systems and documentation to ensure visibility into project status, contractual obligations, and clearance milestones.
Recommend and support process improvements that increase operational efficiency and enhance cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Tuition Reimbursement
401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution
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