Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of UDX Legal & Business Affairs, the Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs is responsible for managing legal aspects of domestic and international commercial licensing transactions, in support of the Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) location-based entertainment (LBE) business. Responsibilities include drafting, negotiating and interpreting complex IP licensing and other commercial agreements, providing legal advice and guidance in managing business relationships with licensees, and integrating new licensees into UDX systems and contractual procedures. The role will report to the Senior Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs-Licensing, and will coordinate with other UDX legal and business affairs executives handling IP rights acquisition and licensing, IP clearance and risk management, talent and studio entertainment matters, and contract compliance and administration. This role will be based in Orlando, Florida, but may require travel and flexibility re: working with colleagues and clients in multiple time zones.

Requirements

JD or LLM degree from a top-tier accredited law school.
Active member of a state bar (Florida, California or New York preferred). Willingness and qualification to be registered as in-house counsel
Minimum of 12-15+ years of licensing and commercial transactions experience in an in-house corporate, entertainment company or law firm setting required
Proven experience with major film and television studio agreements, and familiarity with customary conditions, obligations and restrictions arising from such agreements
Deep substantive knowledge of copyright, right of publicity, music and other related IP laws, and relevant expertise in assessing and managing risks in connection with location-based entertainment and other ancillary exploitation of major motion picture and television properties.
Strong understanding of and experience with IP infringements and claims, guild issues, international transactions, content production and sponsorship/co-promotional matters
Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills required
Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally, to establish effective relationships at all levels of the organization, and to represent UDX with internal and external stakeholders
Strong analytical capabilities and sound business judgment. Ability to explain complex legal concepts to business and creative executives, build consensus across business units, think creatively and collaborate with other executives to address business needs
Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills. Extremely detail oriented and resourceful, ability to work independently.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities congruently.
Strong computer skills, including high proficiency with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and ability to quickly master new database and document management systems, as well as Internet and web-based tools
Willingness to work nights and, if needed, on weekends.
Ability to travel periodically, both domestically and internationally

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience highly preferred

Responsibilities

Directly responsible for managing legal and business affairs for new licensing transactions in support of UDX’s LBE initiatives, including, as applicable, drafting, interpretation and negotiation of IP licensing arrangements, complex commercial contracts, third party service agreements, sponsorship and co-promotion agreements and other related contracts and legal documentation in furtherance of such efforts.
Under the direction of the SVP, Legal & Business Affairs and in partnership with the SVP, Global Location Based Entertainment & Licensing, assist in the development of strategies and timely negotiation of deal points to achieve UDX strategic goals in protecting the business and legal interests of the company with its existing and potential business relationships with third parties (e.g., licensees of intellectual properties) and the ongoing management of the DreamWorks Animation portfolio in connection with domestic and international LBE license arrangements and business transactions.
Coordinate and work closely with UDX Legal and Business Affairs colleagues leading rights acquisition and licensing projects, IP clearances and contract compliance and administration matters on behalf of the LBE business, as well as other entertainment, marketing and symphony projects across UDX’s parks and other business interests.
Build relationships across UDX, Universal Products & Experiences and NBCUniversal divisions, and work with corporate legal experts and in-house counsel in connection with infringement claims, contractual disputes, litigation, enforcement matters, trademark, privacy and data security and other legal issues involving LBE projects.
Provide functional supervision and guidance to UDX attorney team members supporting UDX LBE licensing transactions. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Manage special projects and miscellaneous legal and corporate compliance matters, and research and monitor applicable U.S. and international laws, regulations and policies and best practices applicable to UDX operations. Draft policies and procedures and develop and present training materials.
In collaboration with other senior UDX legal and business affairs executives, provide general advice and counsel on key initiatives and projects.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.