Senior Director, Artist Development at Universal… · Nashville

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.

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.

How we LEAD: The ideal candidate will be highly creative but have a strong business sense, communication skills, and follow-through. They will have a deep understanding of and relationships with our genres’ key players and marketplace trends. They will have forward-thinking ideas on how to guide artists to success.

How you’ll CREATE: • Seek out and maintain the knowledge of each artist and their management team’s processes, goals, and overall efforts in order to maintain a cohesive and effective working relationship • Brainstorm and produce ideas identify the best idea options, and execute • Coordinate with external partners to ideate and execute marketing campaigns to support artists and project • Meet and correspond with potential and existing artists to establish trusted relationships. • Maintain a professional, consistent, ethical style of operation, operating with integrity within our company, the creative community and with our artists • Maintain awareness and understanding of modern musical, cultural, technological and trends to keep our artists relevant. • Maintain strong relationships with the label, managers, producers, songwriters, and other creatives while constantly developing new contacts to expand. • Actively scout, evaluate and recommend new talent for signing by monitoring streaming platforms, social media, live performances, independent releases, and networks of referrals. Present data-based artist evaluations to senior A&R leadership. • Assist artists in shaping and refining their sound and identity while maintaining the integrity of their long-term artistic vision. Help guide song section, production direction, features and collaborations that align with the artist’s brand and universal market opportunity. • Oversee the full lifecycle of recording projects, including writing sessions, studio bookings, mixing, mastering, sample clearances, and final delivery. • Manage recording budgets and timelines, ensuring all projects are delivered on schedule and within scope. • Connect artists with top-tier producers, songwriters, and engineers. • Curate and facilitate writing camps, co-writing sessions, and creative retreats that generate catalog-quality records. • Work closely with Marketing, Digital Strategy, Promotions, Publicity, and Visual Content teams to develop cohesive release strategies. • Build and maintain trusted relationships with artists, managers, producers, publishers, and the broader creative community. • Work with artists, managers, and marketing to create, maintain, and evolve artist brands. • Attend showcases, listening sessions, industry events, award shows, and festivals to maintain visibility, develop new contacts, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

Bring your VIBE: • Deep knowledge of and passion for Music industry and cultural trends • Passion for record consumption data and the ability to scout using various social networking sites • Strong analytical skills • Strong communication skills • Strong presentation skills • Self-starter mentality and drive • Requires occasional travel

Perks Playlist: • Competitive Compensation Package including Salary, Benefits and Generous 401k Savings Plan with company matching • Flexible Paid Time Off plus Paid Holidays, 2 week “Winter Break” • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement (after 12 months of service) • Robust Employee Assistance Program (for you and your loved ones • Annual Well-Being Allowance which includes Fitness, Travel, Home Enhancements, Nutrition, and Spa Treatment Reimbursements Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer All UMG employees are currently required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative PCR or Antigen test before entering any Company offices unless they have been approved for an exemption or unless prohibited by applicable law.

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

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A 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.

Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Job Category: