Vice President, Data Governance and Strategy

Universal Music•Santa Monica, CA

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. How You'll LEAD: The Vice President of Data Governance and Strategy leads the development and execution of a comprehensive data governance and data strategy function across UMG. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the integrity, compliance, and strategic use of data related to music rights, royalties, digital consumption, fan engagement, e-commerce, merchandise (both online and on tour), physical music and artist development. The ideal candidate will champion a data-driven culture, aligning data priorities with business goals in a rapidly evolving digital music ecosystem. How You'll CREATE: Strategic Leadership Define and drive the enterprise data strategy to support business growth, monetization of music assets, and fan engagement. Align data initiatives with music industry trends, business priorities, and evolving digital platforms (e.g., streaming, social, NFT/AI licensing). Partner with C-level executives, legal, finance, marketing, HR and other UMG functions to integrate data insights into strategic decision-making. Data Governance Develop and implement a robust data governance framework covering fan and eCommerce data, DSP consumption data, artist and product metadata, financial and royalty data. Standardize data definitions and metadata across systems (e.g., ISRC, ISWC, IPI) for consistency and transparency. Ensure compliance with global music rights regulations and data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Collaboration & Enablement Work cross-functionally with legal, operations, analytics teams, and product teams to implement governance standards. Promote data literacy and accountability across departments and business units. Technology & Innovation Evaluate and deploy tools for Data Governance Operations – discovery/inventory, classification, tagging and cataloging etc. Drive automation and innovation in data capture from digital platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok). Stay informed about emerging tech (blockchain, AI, NFTs) and their implications for music data governance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Music Business, Data Science, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
10+ years of experience in data governance, information strategy, or digital rights management, preferably in music, media, or entertainment.
Deep understanding of music rights, publishing, royalties, and distribution models.
Familiarity with industry standards such as DDEX, ISRC, ISWC, and global licensing bodies (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SoundExchange).
Experience with data governance and catalog management tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Synchtank, Vistex, Revelator).
Strong executive presence with exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Demonstrated success driving organizational change related to data transformation.
Visionary leadership with a passion for the intersection of data, music, and innovation.
Expertise in digital music consumption trends and data monetization.
Strong analytical and compliance-oriented mindset.
Ability to drive cross-functional alignment and cultural change.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and drive the enterprise data strategy to support business growth, monetization of music assets, and fan engagement.
Align data initiatives with music industry trends, business priorities, and evolving digital platforms (e.g., streaming, social, NFT/AI licensing).
Partner with C-level executives, legal, finance, marketing, HR and other UMG functions to integrate data insights into strategic decision-making.
Develop and implement a robust data governance framework covering fan and eCommerce data, DSP consumption data, artist and product metadata, financial and royalty data.
Standardize data definitions and metadata across systems (e.g., ISRC, ISWC, IPI) for consistency and transparency.
Ensure compliance with global music rights regulations and data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Work cross-functionally with legal, operations, analytics teams, and product teams to implement governance standards.
Promote data literacy and accountability across departments and business units.
Evaluate and deploy tools for Data Governance Operations – discovery/inventory, classification, tagging and cataloging etc.
Drive automation and innovation in data capture from digital platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok).
Stay informed about emerging tech (blockchain, AI, NFTs) and their implications for music data governance.

Benefits

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