Business Development Counsel
Job Type
Full-time
Description

EMPIRE is a premier and dynamic music company that prides itself on the development and support of independent artists. We are a rapidly growing firm that has been making waves in the music industry, with an extensive portfolio that spans multiple genres and reaches audiences worldwide. We have become the largest independent record label in the U.S., with a significant global presence covering Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North and South America. We keep ourselves busy with a large range of music-related services from original content and marketing to distribution and recordings. 


Our commitment to artistic creativity, innovation, and progressive business solutions forms the foundation of our corporate culture. We believe in fostering talent, not just in our artists but also within our professional teams. As we continue to expand, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.


The Role Remix: EMPIRE is looking for a Business Development Counsel to join our downtown San Francisco office. This role will report into the General Counsel and have a significant role in driving EMPIRE revenue. The Business Development Counsel will work across most EMPIRE teams with a view to improving and creating new commercial opportunities for the company and its creators. We're looking for a motivated, organized and ambitious, business-minded attorney to contribute to our team. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to build or continue to develop their career in the music industry by working at a top of the line music company and honing their skills. In this role, you'll be responsible for the following:

  • Negotiate and draft licensing agreements
  • Perform research and consider rights-related issues
  • Rights management
  • Work to identify new commercial opportunities involving new technologies
  • Understand the company’s needs and advocate for same with digital service partners
Requirements

Key Notes for Success:

  • Qualified lawyer, ideally with 1-3 PQE
  • Experience in the music industry, especially in the areas of digital and emerging technologies
  • Comfortable in the areas of tech generally and with performing financial and market analysis
  • Strong administrative skills, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
  • Strong negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Understands the importance of confidentiality and discretion
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at a time and complete tasks fully
  • You can work independently, always operating with integrity
  • Extremely organized
  • Ability to be flexible to adapt and act quickly when urgent matters require it
  • Live in the San Francisco Bay Area

Pay Range: $125,000 - $150,000/annual salary + benefits + discretionary bonus + profit sharing program


The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.


At EMPIRE, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


If you are passionate about the music industry, and looking for a challenging role in a fast-paced, innovative environment, apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.


Perks Playlist:

  • Competitive Compensation Package
  • Competitive Benefits Package
  • Company Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, and Sick) 
  • Company 401(k) Plan
  • Wellness Resources
  • Commuter Allowance
  • Cell Phone Allowance

About EMPIRE: Founded in 2010 by Bay Area native Ghazi, EMPIRE is currently leading through its innovative and progressive approach to the digital music era across its label, distribution and publishing arms. 


With its focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in identifying future icons and launching the careers of both Multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Fireboy DML, Yung Bleu, Migos, Asake, XXXtentacion, and Anderson .Paak to name a few. After this early success, EMPIRE was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry and premier independent record label.  


More than a decade in, EMPIRE continues to grow – expanding the Publishing division with a partnership with superproducer Hit-Boy and his Surf Club collective and acquiring Dirtybird Records in 2022 to amplify the Dance arm. EMPIRE has expanded the team throughout the globe on the African continent, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. With the company and roster excelling at a breakneck pace, EMPIRE has effectively disrupted a stale business model by bringing its energy, expertise, and acumen to its artists and labels. 


Through crafting bespoke deals that are always in favor of the artist, EMPIRE is able to form a true partnership with each artist and label on its roster. Coupled with their unique software for analytics, recoupment, and royalties, which is available to every partner, the company offers a level of transparency unprecedented in the music industry.

Salary Description
$125,000 - $150,000