Music Director

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

How we LEAD:

Universal Production Music (UPM), a leading provider of production music for use in television, film, advertising, and interactive media is seeking an accomplished Music Director to support its licensing business. Music Directors are repertoire, customer support and metadata experts. They assist in driving licensing opportunities and music usage by pitching the best tracks to meet client needs. The position requires detailed customer service skills, as well as specialized music and media knowledge. The Music Director will support UPM clients in North America and be based in UPM's Santa Monica, CA headquarters.

How you'll CREATE:

General Industry Expertise

• A detailed knowledge and passion for all genres of music.
• An understanding of trends in music usage in film, TV, advertising, and other media formats.
• An awareness of industry-standard creative and music related roles and responsibilities within media and entertainment (e.g., music coordinator, head of creative, music supervisor, producer, editor, etc.)

Client Service

• As part of the Music Direction team, collaborate, support, and perform a high volume of music searches and curate playlists for internal staff and external clients using an inherent knowledge of music, a deep understanding of our catalogue and a proficiency in our website and music search systems.
• Proactively communicate with clients via zoom, email, and in-person to ensure music needs are being met, while listening and learning about upcoming projects to facilitate advance music searches.
• Translate and interpret musical concepts to ensure client understanding, while providing feedback to music producers.
• Deliver audio files via client-preferred distribution channels.
• As necessary, provide demos of website search functionality for clients, and promote new tech features designed to enhance the user experience with our tools.
• Upon request, should be comfortable with possible travel to client meetings and conferences.
• Upon request, should be comfortable participating in marketing initiatives highlighting music direction services.

Publishing

• Provide clients with information about our catalogue, including writer / publishing information, etc.
• Liaise with copyright department to convey any changes made to our search system or catalogue that may impact song registrations.

Search System and Catalogue Maintenance

• Collaborate with producers to constantly fine-tune metadata (e.g., descriptive words) assigned to songs in the catalogue to improve our search tools.
• Follow specific guidelines for accurate and detailed record keeping of all music searches received and completed.
• Liaise with International IT staff and global producing territories to discuss music and metadata needs and assess best practices when describing and searching for music.

Bring your VIBE:

• Must have a deep knowledge of music, including current popular trends and historical genres, the sounds of various instruments (e.g., can differentiate a trombone from a trumpet), and basic musical principles including but not limited to rhythm, harmony, BPM, and key signature.
• An evolving awareness of trends and preferences in the way music is used across media (e.g., TV, film, gaming, and advertising).
• Ability to work independently and address rapid client deadlines.
• Skill to handle and prioritize multiple requests and projects at once.
• Proficiency with basic business computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, as well as file transfers programs and media search systems.
• A willingness to learn the use of proprietary software systems.
• Strong skills in communication, time management, and organization.
• The right candidate will be a person who loves music, loves to help people, and is able to solve problems quickly. A musical background is a must. The ideal candidate will have at least three years' experience finding music as a music director, music coordinator, music supervisor, or video editor.

Perks Playlist:

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:
  
  • 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services
  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
  • A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• Variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:
  
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break
  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

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Job Category:
Synch & Licensing