Director of Operations

The Crystal Creative; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid/Remote work environment

Shape operational future of a music-ag

Job summary

THE CRYSTAL CREATIVE, a Portland-based music and licensing agency, seeks a Director of Operations & Business Affairs to lead day-to-day operations. You will optimize workflows, manage budgets, contracts, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely, on-budget project delivery.

You will report to executive leadership and coordinate with our bookkeeper and clients, turning creative chaos into scalable processes while maintaining a high creative standard.

Qualifications

• 5 to 10+ years of leadership experience in Operations, Business Affairs, or a similar capacity within a creative, media, advertising, or entertainment environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for business and legal affairs, protecting the company’s interests and managing all corporate insurance policies.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute client and vendor agreements, NDAs, split sheets, and licensing contracts.
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning, manage budgets, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Act as the vital bridge between the bookkeeper, the CEO, and clients; oversee invoicing and ensure timely billing.

Skills

People management

Process optimization

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Operations

Tools

Project management software

CRM / ERP tooling

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

THE CRYSTAL CREATIVEis a custom music, music supervision, Sound/Mix, and licensing agency founded in Portland, Oregon. We specialize in serving high-end brand and studio clients across advertising, video games, and trailer production. With a focus on tailored musical solutions, we collaborate closely with creative teams to align sound with brand and storytelling goals. Our agency operates with a flexible, modern structure that supports remote collaboration and dynamic project workflows.

Company Description

THE CRYSTAL CREATIVEis a custom music, music supervision, Sound/Mix, and licensing agency founded in Portland, Oregon. We specialize in serving high-end brand and studio clients across advertising, video games, and trailer production. With a focus on tailored musical solutions, we collaborate closely with creative teams to align sound with brand and storytelling goals. Our agency operates with a flexible, modern structure that supports remote collaboration and dynamic project workflows.

The Role

If our creatives are the heart of this company, you are the spine. We are looking for a highly strategic and process-driven Director of Operations & Business Affairs to oversee day-to-day operational activities across the agency.

In this role, you will be the ultimate operational powerhouse, bringing much-needed left-brained logic, structure, and strategy to our right-brained creative world. You will manage workflows, optimize processes, and coordinate cross-functional collaboration to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will serve as the crucial liaison connecting our internal team, our bookkeeper, and our clients. If you love building systems, negotiating contracts, reviewing legal, managing people, and turning creative chaos into operational excellence, we want to hear from you.

If you're looking to help build and grow something special in this department and work with a team who is passionate about keeping a high creative bar, then we are the team for you. If you're looking to plug into a perfectly-tuned cooperate giant, then we are not the team for you.

What You’ll Do

Legal, Contracts & Financial Operations

• Business Affairs:Serve as the primary point of contact for all business and legal affairs, protecting the company’s interests and managing all corporate insurance policies.
• Contract Management:Draft, review, negotiate, and execute client and vendor agreements, NDAs, split sheets, and licensing contracts.
• Financial Planning:Partner with leadership on strategic planning, manage budgets, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Bookkeeping & Invoicing Liaison:Act as the vital bridge between our bookkeeper, the CEO, and our clients. Oversee the invoicing pipeline, ensuring accuracy, timely billing, and proper follow-up on accounts.

Systems & Workflow Optimization

• Process Architecture:Continuously assess internal tools, software, and systems, recommending improvements and building workflows that make our remote/hybrid teams faster and more efficient.
• Performance Tracking:Utilize solid analytical skills to interpret data, monitor KPIs, and support strategic operational decisions.
• Project Execution:Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to maintain high standards of client service, ensuring clear communication and dependable project execution from kickoff to final delivery.

Team Leadership & Culture

• People Management:Lead, mentor, and support team members. Implement operational policies, conduct performance management, and guide resource allocation.
• Cross-Functional Fixer:Step in as the operational guide, ensuring smooth communication and project hand-offs across different departments.
• Culture Building:Help foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing remote work culture that balances creative freedom with professional accountability.

Qualifications

• Experience:5 to 10+ years of proven leadership experience in Operations, Business Affairs, or a similar capacity within a creative, media, advertising, or entertainment environment.
• Education:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Management, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Legal & Financial Literacy:Deep, hands-on experience handling business contracts, financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Operations Management:Strong skills in process optimization, workflow coordination, and tracking performance metrics.
• Exceptional Communicator:Strong written and verbal communication skills with a focus on client relationship management. You know how to translate financial realities to creatives, and creative needs to financial professionals.
• Self-Starter:Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a remote/hybrid setting using digital collaboration tools.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary:$120,000 - $145,000 (Commensurate with experience)
• Full Comprehensive Benefits Package (Health, Dental, Vision)
• Flexible Hybrid/Remote Work Environment
• The opportunity to shape the operational future of a growing, innovative music agency.