Associate Director, Brand Partnerships - Columbia

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.

Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.

Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.

As part of the Columbia Records Branding & Commercial Sync Team, the Associate Director will lead efforts to create, pitch, secure, and execute brand partnership deals that elevate Columbia’s artist roster, drive consumer awareness, and generate both revenue and promotional opportunities. This role will leverage social and digital platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, to innovate, sell programs, and expand brand partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in influencer marketing, sponsorships, brand strategy, and a deep understanding of music and pop culture trends.

What you'll do:

• Brand Partnerships & Revenue Generation: Develop and execute innovative brand partnerships that align with Columbia’s artist roster, maximizing commercial profile and creating revenue-generating opportunities across all platforms, including TikTok and Instagram.
• Pitching & Negotiation: Pitch ideas to agencies, brands, and media companies to develop campaigns that align with artist image and generate significant exposure and revenue. Negotiate contracts and ensure timely execution.
• Creative Campaign Development: Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to design and execute campaigns that generate traction for artist releases, events, or product launches.
• Brand & Agency Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key brands, agencies, and media partners to stay at the forefront of potential collaboration opportunities. Leverage these relationships to secure impactful deals.
• Cross-Department Coordination: Work closely with Business Affairs and Finance to negotiate deal terms and ensure all contractual, clearance, and budgetary considerations are addressed.
• Content Integration & Digital Strategy: Oversee content integration strategies across various media formats (digital, video, social) to ensure brand collaborations and revenue for the artist and label.
• Event Planning & Execution: Assist in the planning and execution of artist showcases, listening parties, and other events designed to attract potential brand partners, industry personnel, and clients.
• Collaborative Artist Management: Work directly with artist management to execute promotional ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and maintain alignment between artist vision and partnership opportunities.
• Pitch Deck Development: Create compelling pitch decks, artist one-sheets, and presentations to promote Columbia’s roster to potential brand partners, showcasing unique opportunities for collaboration.

Who you are:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in brand partnerships, sponsorships, influencer marketing or a related field, with a proven track record in selling, negotiating, and developing relationships within the brand and agency community.
• Must have strong relationships with decision makers at brands and all agencies (PR, media, influencer, advertising, social, etc).
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of pop culture, music trends, and the evolving role of social media platforms (particularly TikTok and Instagram) in brand marketing.
• Skills: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong, lasting relationships with brands, agencies, and influencers.
• Creative & Analytical: Strong ability to develop impactful sales tools, pitch decks, and promotional materials. Demonstrated ability to identify and capitalize on new marketing trends and emerging platforms.
• Project Management: Exc