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Music Publishing Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. and LATAM record labels, Warner Chappell Music Publishing, WEA Corp. and Alternative ... Manage the monthly close process including analysis, general ledger entries, and reconciliation ...

... 000 music publishing rightsholders (representing more than 225,000 songwriters), including Sony ... Position: We are looking for an AI-First Product Manager to join our Catalog team. In this role ...

... publishers and businesses, BMI ® is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 25 million musical ...

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the leading global music publisher with more than 57 ... Manage the UMPG registrations shared inbox, ensuring timely and accurate responses. * Oversee ...

PT Music Researcher

Novato, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... publishers and businesses, BMI ® is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 25 million musical ...

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Music Publishing Manager information

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$23K

$61.4K

$102.5K

How much do music publishing manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for music publishing manager in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Music Publishing Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Publishing Manager, you need a solid understanding of music copyright law, licensing, and contract negotiation, often supported by a degree in music business or a related field. Familiarity with music rights management software, royalty tracking systems, and industry databases is typically required. Strong relationship-building, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set successful managers apart. These competencies are essential to maximize revenue, protect intellectual property, and foster productive partnerships in the music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Music Publishing Managers when negotiating licensing agreements?

Music Publishing Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring fair compensation for songwriters, understanding the complexities of international copyright laws, and balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders during negotiations. They must stay updated on evolving digital platforms and new licensing models, which can affect royalty structures and rights management. Building strong relationships with artists, labels, and legal teams is essential to effectively resolve disputes and secure mutually beneficial agreements.

What does a Music Publishing Manager do?

A Music Publishing Manager oversees the rights and royalties associated with musical compositions. They are responsible for ensuring songwriters and composers receive proper compensation when their music is used commercially, such as in films, TV, or radio. Their duties include negotiating licensing deals, registering works with performing rights organizations, and managing relationships with songwriters and music publishers. They also track income streams and ensure that all legal agreements are properly executed to protect intellectual property.

What is the difference between Music Publishing Manager vs Music Licensing Coordinator?

AspectMusic Publishing ManagerMusic Licensing Coordinator
CredentialsMusic industry experience, knowledge of copyright laws, possibly a degree in music or businessKnowledge of licensing processes, legal understanding, often a background in music or law
Work EnvironmentOffices, music publishers, record labelsMusic licensing agencies, production companies, media firms
Employer & Industry UsageMusic publishers, record labels, entertainment companiesMedia companies, film/TV production, advertising agencies

The Music Publishing Manager primarily oversees the rights and royalties related to music publishing, ensuring songwriters and publishers are compensated. In contrast, the Music Licensing Coordinator focuses on obtaining licenses for music use in media, coordinating legal permissions. While both roles require knowledge of copyright laws and industry standards, the Publishing Manager has a broader strategic role, whereas the Licensing Coordinator handles specific licensing transactions.

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SYNC COORDINATOR / AUDIO CATALOG SPECIALIST (Los Angeles, CA)

SYNC COORDINATOR / AUDIO CATALOG SPECIALIST (Los Angeles, CA)

Primary Wave Music Publishing, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$55K - $65K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Primary Wave Music is the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world. The company is home to some of the most iconic songwriters, artists, and record labels across the history of recorded music including Whitney Houston, James Brown, Prince, Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks, Talking Heads, Smokey Robinson, Village People, Crowded House, Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, The Doors, Stone Temple Pilots, Sun Records, and many more. As a company, we strive for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but impact and influence culture.
Job Description:
The Primary Wave Sync department is seeking a Creative Sync Coordinator / Audio Catalog Specialist for a position based in our Los Angeles office.
The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years' experience working in music publishing, sync licensing, music supervision or a similar music industry role. It's an excellent opportunity to join one of the music industry's leading companies and sync departments. We are looking for someone with prior experience who is very ambitious, extremely organized when it comes to managing audio assets, and who above all is passionate about the music and film/tv industry.
This is a creative position that reports to the President, Global Sync, and would involve working closely with the entire Sync team as well as other Primary Wave departments. The main focus of the position is managing our company's growing audio catalog using DISCO and other digital audio platforms.
In the position, the candidate would:
  • Oversee management of our department's audio catalog, maintaining proper metadata & organization for ingestion into DISCO and would manage other sync department audio archives.
  • Liaise with artists, their representatives, co-rights holders, as well as other Primary Wave departments to obtain music and other materials
  • Assist with the design and execution of sync department e-blast campaigns
  • Curate song playlists from our catalogs to support the sync team's pitching to various projects across film/tv/advertising/video games and more
  • Maintain and update the department client / contact info list
  • Help supervise department interns
  • Attend and participate in various creative meetings and the weekly all-staff meeting
  • Be a key part of a collaborative and ambitious team of creatives, working alongside team members as well as company leadership.
The ideal candidate:
  • Has at least 4 years' experience working in music publishing, licensing, or a similar music industry role
  • Has established relationships with sync industry peers (e.g., sync licensing departments at major labels and publishers)
  • Is very passionate about music of all styles and eras
  • Knows the fundamentals of music publishing and copyright, and has general experience with the sync licensing process
  • Has extensive experience with various digital audio formats, knows advanced features of iTunes as well as Disco or similar online music pitching platforms.
  • Has extensive experience using Mailchimp or similar e-blast design platforms
  • Has extensive experience with Photoshop, Canva or other similar graphics program
  • Is knowledgeable and passionate about film, TV, creative advertising, the sync business, and all things music and pop culture
  • Has an outstanding work ethic and would call themselves a multi-tasker!
  • Is an ambitious self-starter and can work independently as well as on team projects
  • Has excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Has experience with video editing and digital video file management
  • Has experience with Microsoft Excel and Office Suite
  • Has excellent overall attention to detail
  • Is a team player and works well in a collaborative environment
  • Is constantly curious and always up for new challenges!
Benefits and Compensation:
We offer exceptional benefits to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an excellent career path. We provide one of the best available benefit programs for small businesses, including a healthcare plan, 401(k), long-term and short-term disability, holidays, life insurance, hybrid work schedule, personal and vacation time off.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, business needs, and the candidate's overall qualifications for the position as assessed by Primary Wave. The salary range is subject to change at any time and depends on internal and external factors.
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning and culture.
To Apply: To respond to this great opportunity, please click on the link below to complete an application and submit your resume.
Individuals can perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.