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Director Of Artist Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150 - $170/hr

Director of Development About the Opportunity Ballet Hispánico, the nation's leading American ... Through its Community Arts Partnerships, Ballet Hispánico reaches close to 30,000 community ...

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

Director of Development

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $125/hr

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

Head of Artist Partnerships

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$160K - $350K/yr

Lead outreach, relationship development, and negotiations with artists, artist managers, labels, publishers, and other music industry stakeholders. * Drive artist adoption of the Udio Artist Platform ...

Lead outreach, relationship development, and negotiations with artists, artist managers, labels, publishers, and other music industry stakeholders. * Drive artist adoption of the Udio Artist Platform ...

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Director Of Artist Development information

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$43K

$82.6K

$162K

How much do director of artist development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of artist development in the United States is $82,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of artist development do?

A Director of Artist Development is responsible for guiding and nurturing the growth of musical artists within a record label, management company, or entertainment organization. This role involves helping artists refine their sound, image, brand, and performance skills to maximize their potential and appeal. Directors of Artist Development collaborate closely with artists, producers, marketing teams, and other industry professionals to create strategies for career growth, public exposure, and commercial success. They also provide mentorship and support, ensuring that artists have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in the competitive music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of artist development, and how are they addressed?

A Director of Artist Development often faces the challenge of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability while nurturing diverse talent. They must adapt to rapidly changing music industry trends and tailor development plans to suit each artist's unique needs. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the role involves cross-functional collaboration with marketing, A&R, and management teams. Staying current with industry shifts and maintaining strong networks helps address these challenges, ensuring artists receive the support needed to grow creatively and professionally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of artist development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Artist Development, you need expertise in talent management, music industry trends, and artist branding, often supported by a degree in music business or related experience. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, music distribution channels, and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills help foster artist growth and collaboration. These competencies are crucial for guiding artists' careers effectively and ensuring their long-term success in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Director Of Artist Development vs Artist Manager?

AspectDirector Of Artist DevelopmentArtist Manager
Primary RoleOversees artist growth, branding, and career strategyManages day-to-day business affairs and negotiations
CredentialsMusic industry experience, marketing, or artist development backgroundMusic industry knowledge, contract negotiation skills
Work EnvironmentRecord labels, management companies, or artist development firmsManagement agencies, record labels, or independent artists
Industry UsageCommonly used in labels and development teamsWidely used in artist representation and management

While both roles support artists' careers, the Director Of Artist Development focuses on strategic growth and branding, whereas the Artist Manager handles daily business affairs and negotiations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the music industry.

More about Director Of Artist Development jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Of Artist Development jobs?

Cities with the most Director Of Artist Development job openings:

What states have the most Director Of Artist Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Of Artist Development jobs include:

Infographic showing various Director Of Artist Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,598 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Director, Marketing and Artist Development

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Director, Marketing & Artist Development

Universal Music Group is seeking a Director, Marketing & Artist Development. This role will serve as a strategic and operational leader for a creative marketing team focused on artist development, release strategy, DSP initiatives, and business operations. Acting as a trusted partner to the EVP, this role will help drive priorities across artist product management, marketing strategy, project execution, team workflow, and cross‑functional communication.

Key ResponsibilitiesArtist Product Management & Marketing Strategy
  • Lead product management and marketing strategy for priority artists and releases (singles, EPs, albums, video content, merchandise, D2C initiatives, live events, and other music‑related products).
  • Develop and execute marketing, creative, advertising, and artist development plans in partnership with artists, managers, label teams, DSPs, and internal stakeholders.
  • Serve as a key liaison between artist management, label partners, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment across all phases of a campaign.
  • Build a deep understanding of each artist’s goals, creative vision, audience, and management processes to support effective long‑term planning.
  • Develop artist branding and growth strategies across key verticals, including superfans, creative direction, A&R alignment, digital marketing, content, cultural positioning, and fan acquisition.
  • Partner with digital strategy teams to build data‑informed plans, evaluate campaign performance, and recommend pivots based on audience behavior, ROI, and market insights.
  • Identify DSP, digital marketing, and emerging platform opportunities that drive artist relevance, engagement, brand awareness, and audience growth.
  • Manage project budgets and ensure resources are aligned with campaign goals and priorities.
Project Management & Business Operations
  • Lead day‑to‑day project management across artist campaigns, DSP initiatives, internal programs, and special projects, ensuring clear timelines, deliverables, agendas, follow‑ups, and accountability.
  • Drive operational clarity across the creative marketing team by establishing priorities, owners, next steps, and communication flows that keep projects moving efficiently.
  • Identify blockers, gaps, and risks across projects, escalating and resolving issues as needed to maintain momentum.
  • Oversee team workflows, internal systems, templates, documentation, and operating rhythms to improve efficiency, collaboration, and scalability.
  • Maintain and evolve key resources, including artist development playbooks, industry landscape documents, cultural trend reports, project strategy maps, internal trackers, agendas, recaps, and executive‑ready updates.
  • Act as a senior leader within the creative marketing team, helping guide priorities, decision‑making, execution, and cross‑functional alignment.
  • Support the EVP in tracking high‑priority initiatives, preparing updates, and translating strategic decisions into clear action plans.
  • Lead weekly internal meetings and artist‑specific discussions to share updates, evaluate priorities, drive ideation, and ensure alignment.
  • Maintain clear communication between A&R, marketing, digital, creative, artist management, DSPs, label partners, international teams, third parties, and executive leadership.
  • Manage artist, management, third‑party, and indie label communications, including newsletters, press strategy support, outreach, and brand development initiatives.
  • Mentor and guide team members by providing direction, structure, feedback, and accountability.
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in music marketing, artist product management, label operations, artist development, digital marketing, or a related role within the music or entertainment industry.
  • Proven track record leading artist release campaigns across music, video, merchandise, live events, digital marketing, DSP strategy, fan engagement, audience development, and artist branding.
  • Strong understanding of DSPs, digital platforms, fan acquisition, emerging music discovery channels, campaign performance, and data‑informed marketing strategy.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex cross‑functional projects involving artists, managers, label teams, creative teams, digital strategists, DSP partners, third parties, and executive leadership.
  • Strong operational mindset with experience building scalable processes, workflows, templates, team systems, timelines, budgets, and accountability structures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for internal, external, and executive audiences.
  • Strong leadership presence, emotional intelligence, and ability to drive accountability while maintaining a collaborative, creative team culture.
  • Ability to balance creative instincts with business goals, data insights, timelines, budgets, and evolving priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Highly organized, proactive, solutions‑oriented, and passionate about music, artist development, culture, fan communities, and innovative marketing.
  • Consistent and punctual in‑office attendance to support the company’s collaborative and creative culture, mentorship, effective discussions, and team meetings.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, SAP, and other role‑specific systems.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (including 100% coverage for out‑patient in‑network mental health services).
  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants.
  • Well‑being reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and more (up to $720/year).
  • Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement.
  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of contributions and additional UMG contribution.
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) for exempt employees and 3‑weeks PTO for non‑exempt employees; 2‑weeks paid winter break; 10 company holidays (including Juneteenth and well‑being day); summer Fridays; generous paid parental leave for every type of parent.

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. Universal Music Group is not enrolled in E‑Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose current employer must enroll in E‑Verify, for example candidates on STEM‑OPT.

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