Senior Specialist, Rights & Clearances

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee Music Services including Music Rights & Clearances;

• Work with producers to source music for their productions;

• Provide producers with guidance re: music rights needed while also addressing distribution requirements;

• Communicate and consult directly with composers on projects with specially composed music;

• Conduct training and build best practices guidelines for internal teams on strategy and process including, licensing, renewals, royalties and tracking;

• Research and identify music in existing productions, determine the rights status, and if necessary establish whether music can be replaced, etc.;

• Clear all music and build strategy inclusive of budget guidelines;

• Work with 3rd party clearance teams, as necessary as the primary point person;

• Identify the need and negotiate music rights renewals for distribution across platforms and as necessary;

• Work closely with the legal department to strategically work through evolving music rights issues as well as establishing new polices for new technologies and emerging platforms (EG Fast Channels) to establish terms; 

• Oversee music cue sheet process;

• Support the Rights & Clearances department at large, as needed;

• Other relevant duties, as assigned.

Qualified candidates will possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and will be extremely organized and detailed, with an ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Other qualifications include:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in music rights & clearances, preferably in television, film, and digital media;

• Experience reviewing and negotiating music licensing agreements;

• Knowledge and experience with rights management systems and/or databases;

• Background in music and essential musical knowledge;

• Experience clearing music, footage, stills, and talent for multi-platform distribution;

• A deep and up-to-date understanding of copyright law, intellectual property rights, music licensing, and international regulations is preferred.

This is a hybrid position. The WNET Group reserves the right to change and/or modify the hybrid schedule at its discretion. 

The WNET Group

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10019-7435

www.wnet.org

It is the policy of WNET not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, veteran status or any classification protected by law.

The WNET Group offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.  Salary ranges are based on benchmarked nonprofit and industry related data provided by an outside consulting firm and are commensurate with skills and experience. The hiring salary range for this position is $72,000.00 - $76,000.00. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer.