Sr. Director, Strategic Technology

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.

Universal Music Group is currently seeking a Sr Director, Strategic Technology for the Santa Monica office. This position involves working on emerging technical standards and projects at the intersection of AI and music, performing technical due diligence on U.S. and international digital deals, testing partner and emerging products. The initial focus of this position will be on AI standards work related to provenance in groups such as C2PA. The position is in Santa Monica, California with the Technology team in UMG's Global Digital Strategy division.

How You'll LEAD:

You will support the Strategic Technology department on non-IT technology projects and technology-aspects of deal review (e.g. with new streaming partners, health & wellness apps, interactive music formats, etc.), with a special focus on AI. Work ranges from long term strategic planning and participation in standards and industry bodies that facilitate strategies, to evaluation of AI tools and recent research and communication of technology issues and developments within the company. Example tasks:

• Participate in and possibly lead AI-related technical standards development at bodies such as C2PA, and in trade-organization or industry AI initiatives.

• Draft standards related use cases, functional requirements documents, and technical specifications, in coordination with UMG teams who will be involved in implementation and operation.

• Research AI-related products (e.g. summarize functionality, identify source of training material), review and summarize technical papers.

• Research offensive and defensive technologies that deter unauthorized training on copyrighted material.

• Participate in policymaker education on AI topics and its impact on artist interests and the music industry.

• Perform technical due diligence on companies seeking to license UMG content by reviewing high-level technical documentation.

• Perform outreach to technology companies and research teams developing relevant new products/services.

• Test the music services of UMG's U.S. and international digital partners for contractual and security compliance. Document, track, and communicate testing results within UMG.

• Monitor music-related technology developments.

• Draft non-IT technology policies for partners or internal teams.

• Educate non-technical internal teams and industry partners about the technical implications of new technologies.

• Assist with department and company technical projects as needed.

How you'll CREATE:

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Technical standards development & documentation skills

• Software development skills

• Familiarity with computer science topics, including file formats, encryption, authentication, and security / content protection, and modern AI

• Familiarity with digital music services, digital music formats and technologies, digital distribution and content protection technologies, general technology trends

• Some familiarity with copyright concepts

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong analytical approach to problem solving. Must be self-directed and extremely well organized.

• Must be able to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.

• Ability to keep information confidential

• High level of business acumen required

Bring your VIBE:

• Software development and technical product management

• AI development experience

• Technical documentation writing and review experience

• Technical standards development/participation

• Familiarity/fluency in multiple languages a plus

• Music or entertainment industry experience a plus

• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline

Perks Playlist:

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:

• 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services

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

• A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

• 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• 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

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

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Job Category:

Technology

Salary Range:

$147,680 - $210,405

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.