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Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs

Primary Wave
$150,000 - $210,000
Posted Apr 03
Full TimeNew York

Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs New York or Los Angeles

Are you ready to lead and innovate at the forefront of the music industry? Primary Wave Music is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for either of our locations in New York City, NY, or Los Angeles, CA.

Primary Wave Music is the world's leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music. The company is home to some of the most iconic songwriters, artists, and record labels across the history of recorded music including Whitney Houston, James Brown, Prince, Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks, Talking Heads, Smokey Robinson, Village People, Crowded House, Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, The Doors, Stone Temple Pilots, Sun Records, and many more. As a company, we strive for excellence in pursuing iconic artists and catalogs that embody great artistry, significant impact, and profound cultural influence.

Our Business & Legal Affairs team seeks an enthusiastic and experienced attorney to work on industry-leading transactions. You will collaborate with entrepreneurial, engaged colleagues who are passionate about music and thrive in a team-oriented environment. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Affairs Officer & General Counsel, this full-time role offers a hybrid work schedule that blends both in-office and remote work flexibility.

To be successful, you should have:

  • J.D. and in good standing with the NY or CA bar.
  • At least 7 years of transactional entertainment experience with a solid law firm and/or in-house label/publisher experience required, with music M&A training preferred.
  • Solid drafting skills; able to negotiate complex terms with professionalism and good judgment.
  • Deep understanding of the music business, including proficiency in copyright law, music asset rights, and income streams.
  • Self-starter with exceptional communication, leadership, practical thinking, and problem-solving skills, along with a stellar attention to detail.

Your responsibilities as the Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs will include but not limited to:

  • Lead time-sensitive work on music catalog and asset acquisitions, including deal analysis, drafting letters of intent, legal due diligence, and overseeing outside counsel.
  • Draft and negotiate business arrangements for branding, content, digital, marketing, publishing, and talent management divisions, including licenses, sponsorships, content development, and talent agreements.
  • Manage business and legal affairs for new record releases, marketing campaigns, and catalog rights research.
  • Support brand protection efforts alongside outside trademark counsel and assist with financing statement preparation/filings.
  • Stay current on relevant legal developments, industry trends, and educate teams on new catalog rights.

Primary Wave provides the best-in-class benefits and perks. We are recognized for our collaborative and creative environment, where every person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture. We work with the intention of fostering inclusivity both within our Primary Wave family and in our broader communities, including through staff retreats, company-wide meetings, social activities, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, and our Employee Engagement Committee.

We offer exceptional benefits to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an excellent career path. We offer one of the most comprehensive benefit programs available for small businesses, including a healthcare plan, 401(k) plan, long-term and short-term disability coverage, paid holidays, life insurance, a hybrid work schedule, personal, sick and vacation time.

We strive to create and maintain the best possible environment for our employees, where they can learn, grow, and thrive within the company. We strive to provide a collaborative and creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $210,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, years of relevant experience, business needs, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position, as assessed by Primary Wave. The salary range is subject to change at any time and is dependent on both internal and external factors.

Ready to orchestrate your future in the music industry? If you're ready to bring your legal expertise and passion for music to a company that’s shaping the future of the industry, we want to hear from you! __ Please click on the apply link to submit an application, resume, and cover letter.

Individuals can perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment, in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.