Director, Global Digital-Business Development & Emerging Platforms

About the role

We believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights.

The Global Digital Team is primarily responsible for SMP’s direct digital licensing activities with a focus on multi-territory (Global & Multi-territory) & US direct deals. The team also provides strategic and commercial assistance and guidance in connection with national digital licenses that are not directly negotiated by the Global Digital Team or licenses that are subject to local or regional industry or collective solutions.

You will partner with the Global Digital Team to shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy—tracking the market, developing and prioritizing opportunities, supporting licensing negotiations, and coordinating with Legal on enforcement where needed.

Responsibilities

• Researching and mapping the AI Music eco-system, maintaining a clear internal knowledge base for the team
• Conducting deep-dive research into individual AI players’ product, business models, business plans, funding rounds and other relevant public information
• Keeping track of which AI companies SMP is currently in discussions with, or has already licensed
• Being the team’s resident AI subject-matter expert, keeping “a finger on the pulse” in terms of latest trends and new market developments within AI Music and the wider Generative AI / LLM field
• Collaborating closely with senior members of the Global Digital Team and SMP’s General Counsel to develop and continuously refine SMP’s high-level AI Music licensing strategy
• Preparing and giving concise and relevant presentations for senior management (including CEO) summarizing “the State of AI Music”, SMP’s strategy and the latest status of SMP’s licensing and enforcement activities within the area
• Generating new business leads, identifying and qualifying leads for licensing or, if necessary, enforcement
• Setting up and leading explorative senior-level meetings with relevant start-ups and emerging players within AI Music, exploring potential partnership and licensing opportunities
• Participating in negotiations of AI Music licensing deals, contributing thinking and ideas as well as in-depth understanding and analysis of the drivers of potential deals
• Supporting enforcement activities, helping the team identify and prioritize potential AI Music targets for enforcement

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (legal, business or technical degree preferred)
• 6+ years of relevant experience working with business development / partnerships, law, or strategy within digital media, music, technology, or related industries
• Experience evaluating emerging technology companies, business models, and strategic partnership opportunities
• Strong analytical and research capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights
• Experience developing strategic recommendations supported by market intelligence and data analysis
• Strong relationship-building and external networking capabilities across technology and entertainment sectors
• Ability to independently conduct and lead introductory / exploratory meetings with senior representatives from client / partner organizations
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across business, legal, and commercial teams
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, JD or LLM degree
• Demonstrated knowledge of Generative AI, AI Music, LLM technologies, and evolving market trends
• Background as a Lawyer, Business Developer, Management Consultant or in a similar type of professional client-facing role
• Experience participating in complex commercial negotiations or partnership discussions
• Prior experience in music publishing, recorded music, streaming, entertainment, or media technology industries
• Exposure to international or multi-territory digital licensing environments
• High-level understanding of music industry digital ecosystem, including licensing models and emerging platforms
• Familiarity with copyright, licensing, intellectual property, or enforcement frameworks related to AI-generated content
• Experience working with startups, venture-backed companies, or emerging technology ecosystems
• Passion for music, innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of content creation

Benefits

• An inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey
• A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching
• Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans
• Investment in your professional growth & development
• Time off for a winter recess

Pay

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is: $97,000.00-$138,500.00. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.