Director, New Digital Business & Innovation

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:

We are currently seeking a Director, Business Development & Innovation to join our Digital Strategy Team. This Director will be joining a team of high performers that are working to promote the digital evolution of UMG through innovation, engagement within the startup community, market analysis and creative licensing. This person will be expected to challenge the status quo, re-imagine business processes wearing a digital lens and recommend digital business opportunities for implementation. They will also be expected to drive open and transparent communication both within the group and externally across UMG and its record labels. Based in Santa Monica, this individual will be responsible for engaging with early-stage companies, building strong networks with the Venture Capital community, and developing go-to-market strategies. The ideal candidate must have a passion for music and an entrepreneurial spirit; they must be process and detail-oriented and intellectually curious; and they must thrive in a high-demand, performance-driven environment.

How you’ll CREATE:

• Think strategically. Synthesize information and develop new digital business opportunities
• Build business cases leveraging internal data, secondary research and advanced quantitative and qualitative modeling
• Manage relationships with multiple partners across the investment and entrepreneurial communities
• Lead and create new initiatives that meet the team’s objectives
• Stay up to date with digital technology developments
• Source compelling new digital business and licensing opportunities
• Create and present research and analysis such that it is easily digestible and ultimately transformed into a strategic narrative for both internal and external review
• Partner closely with Innovation team to analyze pipeline of startups sourced through innovation programs and startup partnership ecosystem

Bring your VIBE:

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• MBA or JD a plus
• 3+ years of experience in music-related business development, music startup or music tech accelerator-oriented programs
• In-depth understanding of the music business and digital media landscape
• Inherent desire to stay current on developments in digital technology
• Familiarity of the start-up finance eco-system
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex information from disparate sources into a clear and compelling story that helps key internal decision makers commit to action
• Advanced presentation skills with an eye to aesthetics and design to facilitate communication
• Creative thinking and ability to seek innovative solutions to complex technical and business problems
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Ability to partner and collaborate with a diverse range of interests and perspectives
• Team player with a deep love of music

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A 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

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