Director, Global Digital-Business Development & Emerging Platforms

Sony Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 97,000 - 138,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401K + employer matching

Identity protection (voluntary)

Mental health resources

Job summary

Sony Music Publishing in New York is seeking a senior professional to shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy. You will lead market tracking, identify opportunities, support licensing negotiations, and coordinate with Legal on enforcement when needed.

As a key partner within the Global Digital Team, you will research AI players, evaluate partnerships, lead senior-level meetings, and develop a high-level licensing strategy with SMP’s General Counsel.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (legal, business or technical degree preferred).
• 6+ years in business development, partnerships, law or strategy in digital media/tech.
• Strong analytical, research and data synthesis capabilities.
• Experience forming strategic recommendations from market intelligence.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders across business, legal and commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy with market tracking.
• Develop opportunities, support licensing negotiations and coordinate enforcement.
• Lead senior-level meetings, craft actionable partnership strategies, and present to executives.
• Generate new AI Music business leads and assess licensing opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Networking

Communication

Leadership / meetings

Self-motivation

Education

MBA, JD or LLM

Degree level in legal/business/tech

Job description

At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), 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. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en.

Why join Sony Music Group? Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people. This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too. Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.

About the Department

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.

About the Role

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.

What You’ll Do

• Researching and Mapping the AI Music Eco-System Map, research, and track key players and start-ups in AI Music, 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 Responsible for identifying and generating new potential AI Music business opportunities, 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
• Making well‑reasoned internal recommendations on which leads to progress, developing actionable partnership / licensing strategies for specific companies
• Networking within the wider music industry and AI Music ecosystem, participating in relevant industry events and conferences, representing SMP in a professional and approachable manner
• Participating in Licensing Negotiations 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 Infusing the negotiations with subject‑matter context / expertise and helping SMP implement a fit‑for‑purpose negotiating strategy which delivers successful licensing outcomes Using relationships built with negotiation counterparties to keep negotiations constructive and on track Helping team analyze and adjust negotiation strategy / approach “in real‑time” to ensure successful conclusion of a license
• Supporting Enforcement Activities Helping the team identify and prioritize potential AI Music targets for enforcement Supporting SMP’s legal team with expertise context, analysis and insights in connection with AI Music related enforcement action Taking part in estimating and negotiating fair value settlements in connection with infringement

Who You Are

Required 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
• A self‑starter, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving, and highly ambiguous environment

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

What We Give You

• You join 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
• Reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans
• We invest in your professional growth & development
• Time off for a winter recess

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. 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. Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

EEO is the Law

EEO is the Law Supplement

Right to Work (English/Spanish)

E-Verify Participation (English/Spanish)

Purpose Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology.

Values Dreams & Curiosity Pioneer the future with dreams and curiosity.

Diversity Pursue the creation of the very best by harnessing diversity and varying viewpoints.

Integrity & Sincerity Earn the trust for the Sony brand through ethical and responsible conduct.

Sustainability Fulfill our stakeholder responsibilities through disciplined business practices.