About the Role
Firebird is seeking a VP, Music Rights Acquisitions to lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of music catalog and rights acquisitions for Firebird Music Rights. This position is a senior, deal-focused role sitting at the intersection of music, finance, and strategy; responsible for leading transactions from origination through close with excellence and efficiency.
Reporting to the President of Firebird Music Rights, this individual will build a world-class catalog acquisition operation, leading the evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and execution of music rights investments across recorded music, publishing, neighboring rights, and other music-related IP assets. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of music rights, strong transaction experience, and a genuine passion for the music industry.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end acquisition processes for music-related IP assets, from identification and initial valuation through due diligence, deal structuring, and close
Represent Firebird in the marketplace as a trusted and creative capital partner to rightsholders and their advisors
Develop investment theses and return frameworks for prospective acquisitions along with establishing systems and workflow processes across the full music rights acquisition process
Lead investment underwriting including building and maintaining financial models to assess catalog value and returns
Collaborate with our Label Services and Data + Insights teams to analyze and execute active management initiatives
Prepare investment memos and materials that clearly communicate deal rationale, risk, and upside; and present materials to senior management (Investment Committee, Board)
Partner with Business Affairs and external legal teams to structure and negotiate deal terms
Support post-acquisition integration, working with Finance, Royalties, and Label Services to ensure assets are effectively onboarded and performing to thesis
Conduct market research on catalog sales activity, buyer behavior, and trends to inform Firebird's acquisition strategy and pricing thesis
Stay current on music industry trends including regulatory changes, emerging rights categories, streaming economics, and M&A activity across the music rights landscape
Qualifications
8-10 years of experience in music rights valuation and catalog acquisitions, with a demonstrated track record of leading the underwriting, negotiation, and execution of music rights transactions
Deep understanding of music publishing and recorded music economics: royalty structures, revenue streams, licensing, and catalog valuation methodologies
Expert financial modeling skills: DCF, multiples-based valuation, scenario analysis, and sensitivity modeling
Ability to interpret and translate complex contract terms into clear financial and strategic insights
Strong network across the music industry: rightsholders, attorneys, managers, and deal intermediaries
Exceptional communication skills; able to present complex analysis clearly
Proficiency in Excel for modeling; familiarity with rights management or catalog management tools
About Firebird
Firebird is a next generation music company providing career and brand guidance to over 1,000 artists worldwide to help them develop and grow broader global audiences and build longer lasting, higher impact, more profitable careers. Redefining the intersection of music, technology and finance, Firebird has rich expertise across the spectrum of artist management and intellectual property creation, from traditional endeavors like touring and recording, to cutting edge marketing and consumer product development, to emerging digital platforms from gaming to AI. Firebird’s roster of partners includes some of the most important companies across the various aspects of the music landscape today including Red Light Management, Mick Management, Transgressive, Defected, Ntertain, Tape Room, Easier Said and many more.
Join us!
We're a team of ~40 music industry veterans, data nerds, operators, and builders who really love music. We put artists first because when they win, we all win. That simple principle guides everything we do.
We have teams in New York, Los Angeles, and London supporting artists around the world. We're at that exciting growth stage where what you build and who you help break will shape the next era of this company and the industry.
How We Take Care of the Flock
Ownership: Equity participation for everyone
Health & Wealth: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plus 401(k) with company match
Performance Rewards: Annual bonuses tied to results
Flexibility: Flexible PTO and hybrid in-office schedules for those in NYC
Access: Live shows, festivals, and the music community you're helping create
Growth: Learn from people who've built careers at majors, independents, and startups
Who We Hire
We hire based on talent, passion, and potential. We don't discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.