Director, A&R Research & Business Development

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.
 

Virgin Music Group, Universal Music Group's independent label arm, seeks a Director of A&R to join our Los Angeles office to guide music strategies and repertoire across the business. This role is part of the Virgin Music Group North America team and covers Business Development and A&R Research needs across the North American region.

The ideal candidate will be highly creative but have a strong business sense, communication skills, and follow-through. They will have a deep understanding of marketplace trends and forward-thinking ideas on how to guide artists to success.

This role will involve collaborating with the various departments across the company. The successful candidate must be a curious and passionate music lover, process-orientated, with impeccable attention to detail, and able to handle large volumes of work in a forward-thinking, fast-paced environment. 

How you’ll CREATE:

• Research, study and track and study a wealth of artists and labels, and their consumption behavior to evaluate viable partnerships for the organization, make strategic decisions, and be knowledgeable about what is happening in the marketplace.

• Seek out and maintain the knowledge of each artist and their management team’s processes, goals, and overall efforts in order to maintain a cohesive and effective working relationship

• Meet and correspond with potential and existing artists to establish and maintain trusted relationships.

• Maintain a professional, consistent, ethical style of operation, operating with integrity within our company, the creative community and with our artists.

• Maintain awareness and understanding of modern musical, cultural, technological and trends to keep our artists relevant.

• Maintain strong relationships with the label, managers, producers, songwriters, and other creatives while constantly developing new contacts to expand.

• Lead internal administrative support for artist and label deal updates and integrations, including coordinating Business Development activities across the organization.

• Operationalize and create processes for the future state of the department

• Must bring the vibes!

Bring your VIBE:

• 2+ years of music industry experience with an emphasis on working with artists, musicians or labels

• A life-long passion & encyclopedic knowledge of genre trends and music both past and present 

• Knowledge and interest in taste-makers & the Music community and know where/when to best utilize 

• Must have a hunger and be proactive in seeking out and becoming an industry expert in numerous data dashboards. 

• Must be available for after hour studio listening sessions, meetings, shows and artist relations

• Must be passionate about music and live shows with a thirst for being at multiple gigs a week.

• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify business opportunities and trends well ahead of their time

Perks Playlist:

• 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

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Job Category:

Salary Range:

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.