SVP, Sync Licensing

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.

• Lead EMPIRE’s sync strategy by identifying and executing licensing opportunities that maximize revenue for our artists and catalog.
• Oversee the sync team of [3] to ensure targets are met and deals align with both artist and label goals.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with music supervisors, ad agencies, brands, and film/TV clients to drive new and recurring sync business.
• Creatively identify sync opportunities across various mediums, staying ahead of trends in advertising, entertainment, and digital content.
• Supervise pitching efforts to clients, ensuring that our content is top of mind for relevant sync opportunities.
• Negotiate and close sync deals, managing the end-to-end process, including clearance, licensing, and financial execution.
• Partner with internal teams—including Marketing, Label Management, and International—to align sync placements with broader artist strategies and release schedules.
• Facilitate artist and label showcases, client meetings, and events to further engage and grow EMPIRE’s sync client base.
• Track and report sync activity, ensuring stakeholders have visibility into placements and catalog performance.
• Identify and capitalize on emerging revenue streams and entertainment mediums, staying on top of evolving industry trends.

What sets you apart:

• You’re a strategic thinker who understands the intersection of music, brand partnerships, and sync licensing.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and can balance creative vision with business execution.
• You’re a natural relationship builder, deeply connected to the music supervision community, and able to foster both immediate and long-term business opportunities.
• You’re passionate about music, culture, and storytelling, and you understand the value that sync placements bring to artists and clients alike.

Key Notes for Success:

• 15+ years of experience in the music industry, with 10+ years focused specifically on sync licensing.
• A proven track record of pitching, negotiating, and closing high-value sync deals across advertising, brand, film, and TV sectors.
• An extensive network of music supervision contacts, with a proactive mindset to build and expand client relationships.
• Deep understanding of music licensing, copyright, and clearance processes.
• Experience leading and managing a team, with a focus on delivering results and driving revenue growth.
• Exceptional time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to scale partnerships for long-term success.
• Passion for music across all genres and a keen eye for trends in both the music and entertainment landscapes.
• Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, Salesforce, DISCO, and music analytics platforms.
• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City.

Pay Range: $150-225K/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.

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.