Director, Commerce & Streaming Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Commerce & Streaming Partnerships

🔹 Company: EMPIRE

🔹 Location: San Francisco, CA / New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Music Industry

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (San Francisco or New York office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing US & International release planning workflows and partnerships with key streaming platforms
• Securing and representing DSP opportunities to drive revenue and enhance content performance
• Optimizing processes and strategies to improve content performance and release planning
• Collaborating with label teams to identify programs and opportunities with partners
• Interpreting performance data and analytics to inform business decisions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the music industry, streaming platforms, and data analysis. Successful candidates will have experience working with commercial platforms and content owners, as well as exceptional communication skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee weekly new release pitches and manage relationships with key US-based DSP partners/accounts

✅ Secure and represent DSP opportunities, including editorial features, playlisting, DSP inventory, content strategies, marketing support, reporting integration, and ongoing analysis of partner/release performance

✅ Create and pitch opportunities to exceed sales targets and communicate important sales-related information to the US & Global Commerce teams

✅ Engage with label teams to identify programs and opportunities with partners, building highly competitive plans and release timelines leveraging key artist marketing components/deliverables to drive revenue

✅ Consistently identify artist needs on streaming platforms and ensure solutions are linked to artist objectives

✅ Drive results in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment with a creative style and strong vision

✅ Fulfill ad hoc data requests to answer business-critical questions on tracks, albums, artists, playlists, charts, sales, and marketing campaigns

✅ Continually develop “best practices” as applies to the assigned DSPs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn new processes quickly. Confidentiality and discretion are also essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5-7 years of experience dealing with commercial platforms, content, and repertoire owners

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to interpret performance data and analytics
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Experience pitching to DSPs and existing editorial relationships
• Strong organizational skills and detail orientation
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion

Preferred Skills:

• Love for music and understanding of ongoing trends in streaming and the music industry
• A “no job too small” attitude
• Strong team player with open communication and feedback acceptance

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a genuine passion for music and the music industry will be well-suited for this role. Previous experience in the music industry is highly desirable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Benefits package
• Discretionary bonus

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the music industry. Benefits may vary based on the company's benefits package.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Music industry, specifically music label and distribution

Company Size: 201-500 employees (as of 2025)

Founded: 2010

Company Description:

• EMPIRE is a premier and dynamic music company that focuses on the development and support of independent artists
• They offer a range of music-related services, including original content, marketing, distribution, and recordings
• EMPIRE has become the largest independent record label in the U.S. with a significant global presence

Company Specialties:

• Artist development
• Music distribution
• Music publishing
• Data analytics and recoupment

Company Website: http://empi.re

ASSUMPTION: EMPIRE's focus on independent artists and innovative business solutions sets it apart in the music industry. Their global presence and commitment to artistic creativity make them an attractive employer for music professionals.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on experience

Reporting Structure: Dual reporting to the VP of Commerce & Streaming Partnerships

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with on-site work required in either San Francisco or New York office

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career advancement within the company's growing global presence
• Opportunities to work with and develop a wide range of independent artists
• Chance to gain experience in various aspects of the music industry, including streaming partnerships, data analysis, and artist development

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, as EMPIRE continues to expand its global footprint and influence in the music industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with on-site work required in either San Francisco or New York office

Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA or New York, NY

Geographic Context:

• San Francisco: Known for its vibrant music scene, tech industry, and diverse culture
• New York: The global hub for the music industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and cultural experiences

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate the dynamic nature of the music industry

ASSUMPTION: Both San Francisco and New York offer unique opportunities for music professionals, with access to diverse talent and cultural experiences. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while still fostering a collaborative work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the VP of Commerce & Streaming Partnerships
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of the music industry and streaming platforms
• Data analysis and interpretation skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit with EMPIRE's values and work environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your data analysis and interpretation skills, as well as your communication and presentation skills
• Research EMPIRE's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit

ATS Keywords: Streaming partnerships, data analysis, DSP, music industry, artist development, revenue growth, editorial features, playlisting, marketing support, performance optimization

ASSUMPTION: EMPIRE's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the role. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of the music industry, data analysis, and communication skills, as well as a passion for music and artist development.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Music streaming platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, etc.)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of various music streaming platforms and data analysis tools. Familiarity with project management and communication tools is also beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Artistic creativity and innovation
• Progressive business solutions
• Fostering talent within professional teams

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and resourceful in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the music industry and streaming platforms?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to interpret complex data to inform a business decision?
• How do you approach working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and how do you adapt to a fast-paced work environment?

ASSUMPTION: EMPIRE values candidates who are passionate about music, innovative, and committed to fostering talent within their professional teams. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to the dynamic nature of the music industry and streaming platforms
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders
• Navigating a hybrid work environment and balancing on-site and remote work

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication. Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Streaming Partnerships Manager or a Music Industry Business Development Manager, but with a stronger focus on data analysis and optimization of content performance
• Unlike other roles in the music industry, this position requires a unique blend of data analysis, communication, and partnership management skills
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior management or executive positions within the company or the broader music industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to combine data analysis, communication, and partnership management skills within the music industry. Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of the music industry and streaming platforms, as well as exceptional data analysis and communication skills.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a data-driven strategy to optimize content performance on key streaming platforms
• Securing and representing editorial features and playlisting opportunities for artists on various streaming platforms
• Collaborating with label teams to create highly competitive release plans and timelines that leverage key artist marketing components/deliverables to drive revenue

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the data-driven, collaborative, and strategic nature of this role. Successful candidates will be able to develop and implement data-driven strategies, secure and represent opportunities, and collaborate effectively with label teams to drive revenue.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to artist development and how this role contributes to that process?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to track?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company, and how does this role contribute to that process?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the company's approach to artist development, employee growth, role priorities, success metrics, and career advancement opportunities. Successful candidates will ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your data analysis and interpretation skills, as well as your communication and presentation skills
• Research EMPIRE's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.