The Warner Chappell (WCM) Digital Team
The Warner Chappell (WCM) Digital team is part of WMG’s corporate Digital team and is responsible for growing revenues through all forms of digital exploitation and finding new and innovative ways in which to grow our business in a way that underlines the value of WCM’s incredible catalogue of work. The team is responsible for identifying and negotiating with DSPs and drafting contracts, as well as working internally with our Operations and Finance teams to ensure that repertoire in all territories is properly licensed, all reporting is delivered on time, and relevant payments have been received. In addition to this the Digital team works across multiple territories, either directly or in a support role, advising our International affiliates.
Your Role
The Senior Director, Digital Legal Affairs is responsible for drafting and negotiating digital license agreements with new and existing digital partners (subscription streaming, ad‑supported streaming, social media platforms, services at the intersection of music and AI, gaming, fitness, and other emerging technologies), creating new licensing schemes to offer flexibility to digital partners and new opportunities for WCM songwriters, and advising on international legal and regulatory affairs that may impact the business. The role will report directly to the VP, Digital Legal Affairs, and ultimately to the EVP, Global Digital, and EVP and Chief Digital Officer. This role requires working at a fast‑pace in collaboration with a highly sophisticated in‑house team of experts in their fields.
Responsibilities
- Negotiate agreements for the digital exploitation of music content, including with digital service providers, social media platforms, app developers, emerging tech companies, and AI platforms
- Draft agreements and ancillary documentation (e.g., summaries, presentation decks) as part of such deals and provide advice to internal departments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations
- Collaborate with internal departments to understand and develop operational efficiencies and tax‑favorable licensing and payment structures
- Work with the relevant internal departments in all regulatory and government issues relating to the digital exploitation of WCM’s compositions
- Provide reports and present on complex digital licensing matters to senior executives
- Contribute to global digital strategy for Warner Chappell, with emphasis on how the strategy will impact on or be impacted by changes at a regulatory or legislative level
Qualifications
- A minimum of four years of relevant transactional legal experience
- At least two years of direct work experience negotiating digital licensing agreements in‑house at a music company, media company, or technology company licensing music or other content, or at a law firm
- J.D. (or equivalent if not based in U.S.) and active license to practice in relevant jurisdiction
- Understanding of and experience with content licensing, digital media, and intellectual property law and the legal implications of AI
- Strong negotiation skills and experience (in particular, the ability to lead and manage negotiations with a multiplicity of parties), as well as strong analytical and organizational skills
- Refined and well‑practiced drafting skills (in particular, the ability to develop and draft legal provisions that address creative solutions in areas with evolving legal guidance)
- Attention to detail and the ability to manage a high‑volume workload efficiently and effectively
- Strong familiarity with new technology developments, including AI, and related legal issues
- Effective and confident communication skills
- Experience working across multiple time zones
Preferred Additional Qualifications
- A passion for the intersection of music, business, law, and technology
- Experience negotiating license agreements with generative AI platforms
- Experience at a major publisher, record label, or digital service provider
- An understanding of music publishing and rights flow, particularly in the digital landscape
- Familiarity with the international society network (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SACEM, etc)
- Ability to design high‑quality decks and visual materials using presentation platforms, such as Canva or Google Slides
- A proactive approach to integrating Generative AI (e.g., Gemini) into everyday work to support and streamline daily tasks and overall productivity
EEO Statement
WMG is committed to inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our business. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion or belief, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or any other characteristic protected by law.
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