Director, Legal & Business Affairs

Description

EMPIRE is a premier and dynamic music company that prides itself on the development and support of independent artists. We are a rapidly growing firm that has been making waves in the music industry, with an extensive portfolio that spans multiple genres and reaches audiences worldwide. We have become the largest independent record label in the U.S., with a significant global presence covering Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North and South America. We keep ourselves busy with a large range of music-related services from original content and marketing to distribution and recordings. 

Our commitment to artistic creativity, innovation, and progressive business solutions forms the foundation of our corporate culture. We believe in fostering talent, not just in our artists but also within our professional teams. As we continue to expand, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

The Role Remix: EMPIRE is looking for a Director, Legal & Business Affairs to join our downtown San Francisco office. This role will report to the Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and will assist the Legal and Publishing teams with various agreements and licenses. 

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of music industry agreements relating to recorded music, including recording artist agreements, distribution agreements, producer agreements, licensing agreements, master use and synchronization licenses, and other agreements involving master recordings and related rights
• Provide legal counsel to internal business teams on deal structuring, contract interpretation, rights issues, and day-to-day legal matters relating to the company’s recorded music and publishing business
• Conduct copyright ownership and chain-of-title research, including work-for-hire analyses, sample clearance, and other rights clearance matters, and advise stakeholders regarding associated risks and approvals
• Manage inbound and outbound rights, licenses, and clearances relating to master recordings, recorded music, and third-party content
• Support royalty-related matters by working with finance and royalty administration teams to interpret contractual terms, respond to royalty claims, and assist with audit-related matters
• Collaborate cross-functionally with A&R, creative, marketing, digital operations, distribution, royalty administration, and finance teams, serving as a trusted legal resource throughout the organization

Key Notes for Success:

• JD from an accredited law school
• License to practice law
• Must be based in San Francisco or willing to relocate

Bonus Beats:

• Bilingual
• Knowledge of music history and current culture
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Use of discretion and the maintenance of high levels of confidentiality

Pay Range: $120,000 - $160,000/annual salary + benefits + discretionary bonus + profit sharing program

The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

At EMPIRE, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you are passionate about the music industry, and looking for a challenging role in a fast-paced, innovative environment, apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Perks Playlist:

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution
• Healthcare Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, and Sick) 
• Company 401(k) Plan
• Wellness Resources
• Commuter Allowance
• Cell Phone Allowance

About EMPIRE: Founded in 2010 by Bay Area native Ghazi, EMPIRE is currently leading through its innovative and progressive approach to the digital music era across its label, distribution and publishing arms. 

With its focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in identifying future icons and launching the careers of both Multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Fireboy DML, Yung Bleu, Migos, Asake, XXXtentacion, and Anderson .Paak to name a few. After this early success, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and premier independent record label.  

More than a decade in, EMPIRE continues to grow – expanding the Publishing division with a partnership with 

superproducer Hit-Boy and his Surf Club collective and acquiring Dirtybird Records in 2022 to amplify the Dance arm. EMPIRE has expanded the team throughout the globe on the African continent, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. With the company and roster excelling at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. 

Through crafting bespoke deals that are always in favor of the artist, EMPIRE is able to form a true partnership with each artist and label on its roster. Coupled with their unique software for analytics, recoupment, and royalties, which is available to every partner, the company offers a level of transparency unprecedented in the music industry.

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.