π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Manager, Content Development - Columbia
πΉ Company: Sony Music Entertainment US
πΉ Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Music
πΉ Date Posted: July 14, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Producing and editing short form videos for digital and social distribution
- Generating creative content ideas for short form platforms
- Creating motion graphics for various platforms and campaigns
- Shooting social content when appropriate, primarily using a phone
- Monitoring social media trends and tools to measure content impact
- Managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines and gathering stakeholder feedback
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of short form content creation and optimization for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and balancing multiple projects simultaneously.
π Key Responsibilities
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Produce and Edit Short Form Videos: Create high-quality short form videos for vertical format channels, including content for paid media campaigns.
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Generate Creative Content Ideas: Develop engaging and optimized content ideas on the fly for TikTok, IG Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
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Create Motion Graphics: Design and create animated motion graphic assets for social media, landing pages, and DSPs.
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Shoot Social Content: Capture social content using a phone or other equipment when artists are on site or when immediate social media opportunities arise.
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Monitor Social Media Trends: Stay updated on social media trends, tools, apps, and benchmarks to measure the impact and effectiveness of different types of content.
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Manage Multiple Projects: Successfully manage numerous projects with overlapping deadlines, including project management and communication with stakeholders to gather and implement feedback.
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional travel to capture content from artists on site or at events.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in content creation, video editing, or a related field.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in shooting high-quality short videos and photos using a phone or other equipment
- Expertise in editing short form content using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Photoshop
- Deep understanding of the latest trends and best practices in short form vertical content, particularly for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts
- Strong communication skills to convey messages clearly and effectively
- Excellent time management and organizational skills to balance multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing social media trends and technologies
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with social media management tools and platforms
- Familiarity with music industry trends and best practices
- Knowledge of Adobe After Effects or similar motion graphics software
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in creating content for artists or brands in the music industry may have an advantage in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
- 401K with employer matching
- Company-paid identity theft protection
- Resources for pets, mental health, and meditation
- Industry-leading fertility coverage
- Fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding and caregivers
- Programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity
- Subsidized back-up child and elder care
- Reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition, and student loans
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles, experience levels, and locations. The actual base salary offered may vary depending on various factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, 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.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Music
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1928 (as Columbia Records)
Company Description: Sony Music Entertainment fuels the creative journey, from pioneering music history to supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. They bring imagination and expertise to new products and platforms, embracing new business models, and providing powerful insights to help artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences.
Company Specialties: Music, entertainment, recording, music publishing, marketing, and A&R
Company Website:
http://www.sonymusic.com
ASSUMPTION: Sony Music Entertainment offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Their comprehensive benefits package and commitment to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship make them an attractive employer in the music industry.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Content Development Manager or a similar role within the organization.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel required to capture content from artists on site or at events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to work with high-profile artists and gain experience in content creation for the music industry
- Potential to advance to senior roles within the content development team or related departments
- Possibility to expand skills and knowledge in short form content creation, optimization, and distribution
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with renowned artists and gain valuable experience in content development for the music industry. With Sony Music Entertainment's commitment to professional growth and development, there are ample opportunities for career advancement and skill expansion.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork
Office Location(s): 25 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, US (headquarters); 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, California 90232, US (Los Angeles office)
Geographic Context: Los Angeles, California, United States
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional travel required
ASSUMPTION: The Los Angeles office provides a vibrant and creative work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. The geographic context offers a diverse range of cultural experiences and networking opportunities within the music industry.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission
2. Phone or video screening
3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
4. Final round interview with additional team members or stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills in content creation, editing, and optimization for short form platforms
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Adaptability and learning agility in a fast-paced environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with Sony Music Entertainment's values and work style
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, particularly any content created for artists or brands in the music industry
- Prepare for interview questions related to your technical skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Content creation, video editing, short form content, TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, social media trends, project management, stakeholder communication, music industry, artist discovery, and consumption.
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing your technical skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit. Being prepared to discuss your portfolio or examples of your work and providing specific examples of how you've optimized content for short form platforms will be essential for success.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop
- TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts
- Social media management tools and platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and software for content creation, editing, and optimization will be essential for success in this role. Candidates with experience using specific tools or platforms may have an advantage in the application process.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Artistic integrity
- Transparency
- Entrepreneurship
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Diversity and inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented approach
- Focus on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving
- Strong emphasis on communication, adaptability, and learning agility
- Commitment to professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Sony Music Entertainment's company values?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a fast-paced environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to rapidly changing trends or technologies in your work?
- How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices in content creation and optimization for short form platforms?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Sony Music Entertainment's values and work style, as well as a willingness to adapt to rapidly changing trends and technologies, will be well-suited to this role.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines and balancing various priorities
- Keeping up with rapidly changing social media trends and algorithms
- Working with high-profile artists and managing their expectations
- Occasional travel requirements to capture content from artists on site or at events
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, it also presents unique challenges that require strong time management, adaptability, and communication skills. Candidates who are proactive, resourceful, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment will be well-equipped to succeed in this role.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Content Creator/Editor - Music Industry: This role focuses more on creating and editing content for artists and may not require the same level of project management or stakeholder communication skills.
- Social Media Manager - Music Industry: This role may involve managing social media platforms and campaigns but may not require the same level of content creation or editing skills.
- Video Editor - Broadcast/Media Production: This role may involve editing videos but may not require the same level of content creation, optimization, or project management skills specific to the music industry.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with other content creation and management roles in the music industry, it requires a unique combination of skills and experiences specific to short form content creation, optimization, and project management.
π Sample Projects
- Creating a TikTok series for an artist's upcoming album release, optimizing content for the platform's algorithm, and measuring engagement and reach
- Developing a social media campaign for an artist's tour, including creating motion graphics and editing videos for various platforms
- Collaborating with an artist to create behind-the-scenes content for their latest music video, optimizing the content for different platforms, and managing the project timeline
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from content creation and optimization to project management and collaboration with artists.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical project timeline for creating content for an artist's release or campaign?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate to ensure projects are completed on time and to the highest standards?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the content development team or related departments?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- Can you provide an example of a time when the company adapted to changes in the industry or market trends, and how did this impact the content development team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process will not only help you better understand the role and company culture but also demonstrate your interest and commitment to the position.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link:
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonymusic/jobs/8065395002
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, particularly any content created for artists or brands in the music industry
- Research Sony Music Entertainment's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
- Prepare for interview questions related to your technical skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.