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Artist Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Assistant

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Development Assistant serves in an administrative support role within The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Development office, performing important support tasks that impact the success ...

A particular focus for this position is leading the two-year arc of experience of professional development, managing artistic planning for the program, and overseeing recruitment and auditions.

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Artist Development information

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How much do artist development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for artist development in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying artist job?

The highest paying artist jobs typically include roles such as art director, concept artist, or senior visual artist, especially in industries like film, video games, and advertising. These positions often require extensive experience, strong technical skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software. Salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry, with senior roles earning six-figure incomes.

What does an artist developer do?

An artist developer is responsible for guiding and supporting artists' growth by helping them improve their skills, develop their brand, and navigate the music industry. They often coordinate with management, marketing, and production teams, and may use tools like social media and analytics to track progress. The role requires strong communication, industry knowledge, and an understanding of artistic development processes.

What is artist development?

Artist development refers to the process of nurturing and guiding musicians or performers in building their careers. This includes honing their talent, crafting their image, developing their sound, and preparing them for the music industry. Artist development often involves mentoring, branding, marketing, songwriting, live performance coaching, and connecting with industry professionals. The goal is to create well-rounded artists who are ready for commercial success and long-term careers.

What is the 80/20 rule for artists?

For artist development, the 80/20 rule suggests that approximately 80% of an artist's success comes from 20% of their efforts, such as focusing on key skills, marketing, and networking. Prioritizing high-impact activities can maximize growth and efficiency in an artist's career.

What are some common challenges faced in an Artist Development role, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Artist Development often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with commercial viability, managing multiple artists’ expectations, and navigating fast-paced industry changes. Building strong communication skills and staying informed about music trends can help address these challenges. Additionally, collaborating closely with marketing, A&R, and management teams ensures a well-rounded approach to nurturing artists' careers. Proactively seeking feedback and maintaining flexibility are key to overcoming obstacles and supporting artists effectively.

What is the difference between Artist Development vs Artist Manager?

AspectArtist DevelopmentArtist Manager
CredentialsMusic industry knowledge, marketing skills, networkingMusic industry knowledge, negotiation, communication skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, label offices, artist workshopsArtist's office, concert venues, industry events
Employer & Industry UsageRecord labels, management companies, independent consultantsArtists, record labels, management firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in artist growthManaging artist careers and business

Artist Development focuses on nurturing an artist’s skills, image, and overall potential, often working behind the scenes to prepare artists for commercial success. In contrast, an Artist Manager handles the business side, including contracts, bookings, and career strategy. While both roles support artists, Artist Development is more about growth and training, whereas Artist Management manages day-to-day career operations.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, evolving skill requirements such as digital literacy, and economic factors like inflation and recession. For artist development roles, strong portfolios, networking, and proficiency with digital tools are essential to stand out in a competitive market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Artist Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Artist Development, you need a solid understanding of music industry trends, talent scouting, and project management, often supported by a background in music business or related fields. Familiarity with digital marketing tools, music distribution platforms, and artist management software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help you build relationships with artists and tailor strategies to their unique strengths. These skills are vital for guiding artists' careers and ensuring their long-term growth and success in a competitive industry.
More about Artist Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Artist Development jobs? Cities with the most Artist Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Artist Development jobs? The most popular types of Artist Development jobs are:
What states have the most Artist Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Artist Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Artist Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Associate Director, Paid Media & Growth Strategy - The Orchard

Sony Music Global Job Board

New York, NY • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About The Orchard

The Orchard is a leading global music distributor and Artist & Label services company operating in 50+ markets worldwide. The Orchard empowers creators and businesses to grow and adapt in the dynamic global music industry. We specialize in being artist focused, blending industry expertise and technology, leveraging data to drive success, and providing streamlined digital and physical distribution solutions. The Orchard's comprehensive artist & label services offerings include marketing, sync licensing, premium video services, transparent data analysis, advertising, rights management, radio promotion, D2C, and more.

The Orchard focuses on providing a comfortable, social, and engaging environment to encourage productivity and creativity.

The Orchard is seeking an Associate Director, Paid Media & Growth Strategy (US) to join our Global Paid Media & Growth Strategy team. This role will lead the Strategy vertical within the US team, playing a critical role in shaping and evolving the strategic vision, execution, and ongoing development of our Premium Services. The Associate Director will work closely with other Paid Media & Growth Strategists and Media Buyers, as well as labels, relationship managers, marketing strategists, among others, to create bespoke paid media plans that amplify our top releases and support artist and label goals, while also driving key business outcomes. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Global Paid Media & Growth Strategy.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the Strategy vertical within the US Paid Media & Growth Strategy team, fostering a culture that stays creative, culturally relevant, and focused on outcomes beyond the click, including audience growth and long-term artist development.
  • Lead end-to-end strategy for multiple releases, including high-priority, high-visibility releases, shaping bespoke, multi-channel plans that combine digital advertising with non-traditional formats such as creator and UGC programs, OOH, experiential moments, and data capture initiatives.
  • Partner closely with the Senior Director, Global Paid Media & Growth Strategy, to evolve how Premium Services operate, helping balance scalability with high-touch, custom strategies for top-tier artists.
  • Oversee the day-to-day flow of work within the Strategy vertical, including prioritization, resource planning, and coordination during peak release periods.
  • Work alongside media buying and strategists within the Paid Media & Growth Strategy team to identify opportunities for testing and experimentation, explore new platform capabilities and formats, and turn learnings into practical guidance that keeps the team innovative and competitive.
  • Serve as a trusted point of escalation and strategic partner for internal teams, relationship managers, and label partners, helping navigate complex decisions and guide high-stakes campaigns.
  • Support the growth of strategists through mentorship and hands-on guidance, encouraging stronger strategic thinking and more proactive approaches to driving artist and business outcomes.
  • Collaborate closely with Audience Development, Marketing Strategy, D2C, Commerce, Relationship Management, and other cross-functional teams to ensure Paid Media & Growth Strategy is integrated, aligned, and amplifying broader marketing efforts, and drive more efficient business outcomes.
  • Contribute to ad hoc strategic needs across the team, including reporting, pitches, brainstorms, presentations, and the development of case studies, benchmarks, and best practices that help elevate the quality, consistency, and impact of our work.
Who You Are
  • You bring 6+ years of experience in paid media, digital advertising, or growth marketing, with experience leading teams, mentoring strategists, or acting as a senior point of guidance. Experience within the music or entertainment industry is strongly preferred.
  • You understand how paid media supports artists across the full funnel, from discovery and momentum to sustained fandom and conversion, and how success is measured differently across releases, tours, and long-term artist development.
  • You have a deep understanding of the paid media ecosystem across platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Google/YouTube, Snapchat, and emerging channels, and stay current on platform changes, new ad formats, and evolving best practices.
  • You are comfortable navigating attribution challenges and measurement limitations, and think beyond surface-level metrics. You understand how paid media contributes to broader outcomes, including organic growth, earned media, and long-term brand and artist equity.
  • You thrive in fast-paced, release-driven environments and are comfortable making decisions under pressure, particularly during high-stakes moments like major releases, viral moments, or shifting timelines.
  • You can translate complex strategy into clear, actionable guidance for a wide range of stakeholders, including artists, managers, label teams, and cross-functional partners.
  • You're curious about what's next in music marketing: from creator and UGC strategies to new formats, emerging platforms, and evolving creative and data capabilities, and you enjoy testing, learning, and sharing insights with others.
What We Give You
  • You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to channel your passion every day  
  • A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork empowering you to bring your best 
  • Opportunities to connect with our valuable resources, such as our Counsel of Equity & Progressive Action (CEPA), a group created by our employees tasked with developing and implementing innovative solutions to advance a globally-shared goal of ensuring fair and inclusive spaces for all
  • An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching 
  • Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition, and student loans 
  • Investment in your professional growth and development enabling you to thrive in our vibrant community.  
  • The space to accelerate progress, positively disrupt, and create what happens next  
  • Time off for a winter recess 

The Orchard is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.