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Music Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rights Manager

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Rights Manager Reports to Compliance Director Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit ... Manage all requests to license third-party content (text, images, video, audio, music, etc.) for ...

Rights Manager Reports to Compliance Director Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit ... Manage all requests to license third-party content (text, images, video, audio, music, etc.) for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Music Rights information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.6K

$56.1K

$86.5K

How much do music rights jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for music rights in Chicago, IL is $56,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are music rights?

Music rights refer to the legal rights that determine how music can be used, distributed, performed, and monetized. These rights are typically divided into different categories, such as copyright for the composition (songwriting and lyrics) and the sound recording (the actual recorded performance). Music rights ensure that creators, performers, and copyright holders are compensated when their music is used commercially, whether through streaming, radio, live performances, or synchronization in films and ads. Managing music rights is crucial for protecting intellectual property and generating income from creative works.

What is the difference between Music Rights vs Music Licensing Specialist?

AspectMusic RightsMusic Licensing Specialist
Required CredentialsLegal knowledge, copyright certificationsLegal and industry knowledge, licensing certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, rights organizations, music publishersMusic labels, production companies, licensing agencies
Industry UsageManaging rights ownership and permissionsNegotiating and securing licenses for use

Music Rights professionals focus on managing ownership, copyrights, and permissions related to music assets. In contrast, Music Licensing Specialists handle the process of obtaining legal permissions for specific uses of music. Both roles require legal and industry knowledge but serve different functions within the music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in music rights management?

Professionals in music rights management often encounter challenges such as navigating complex licensing agreements, staying updated on constantly evolving copyright laws, and ensuring accurate royalty distribution among multiple stakeholders. Coordinating between artists, publishers, record labels, and digital platforms requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, handling disputes over intellectual property and efficiently tracking music usage across various media can be demanding but is essential to protect rights holders’ interests.

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

To thrive in Music Rights, you need a thorough understanding of copyright law, licensing practices, and intellectual property rights, often supported by a degree in law, music business, or related fields. Familiarity with rights management databases, contract management software, and tools like PRO (Performance Rights Organization) platforms is commonly required. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate rights management, maximize revenue opportunities, and protect both creators' and clients' interests in a complex legal landscape.
What job categories do people searching Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Music Rights job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,141 per year, or $27 per hour.

Music Director - Christ the King Parish - Chicago - Vic. VI

Archdiocese of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Archdiocese of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 18 rated religious organizations


Job description

Requirements:
Requirements:
  • Practicing Catholic.
  • Enthusiastic supporter of Catholic Church's teaching on the role of music in the liturgy.
  • Able to lead music and worship confidently.
  • Collaborative team member/servant leader.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • 3-5 years' experience:
  • o Leading music at worship.
  • o Directing adult and children's choirs.

Education: BA in Music or equivalent
Major Duties and Responsibilities
• In consultation with the Pastor and Music Committee, develop Mission and Vision Statement for Music Ministry at Christ the King.
• Coordinate music leadership and support for Sunday and holy day liturgies, Parish missions and retreats, weekday liturgies as specified, funerals, and other parish events as appropriate.
• Lead music at weekend and holy day liturgies on a regular basis.
• Prepare music plans for weekend and Holy Day Liturgies.
o Provide & teach new music for use at the parish as led by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that music and texts are in accord with Catholic teaching and appropriate for the particular purpose (liturgy, vespers, etc.), and in a way that ensures the fullest participation of the faithful.
o Create song sheets/worship aids as needed, especially for special liturgical celebrations such as Christmas and the Triduum.
• Scheduling
o Create annual schedule for cantors & choirs, for Sundays and Holy Days.
• Music Teams
o Recruit and train individuals to participate in the music ministry.
o Recruit, train, and evaluate music leaders as necessary.
o Facilitate regular or occasional meetings/rehearsals for instruction, formation, and communication for musicians supporting music at Mass and other parish events.
• iv. Provide legal copies of music for all members of parish Music Team.
• Adult Choir: Recruit singers, prepare and lead choir for: a weekly Sunday choral Mass from September through May; Christmas and Holy Week.
• Library
o Provide, maintain and update songbooks for use at Parish liturgies.
o Ensure all copies of music used at the parish are legal, authorized copies.
o Grow, organize and maintain CK music library.
• Formation of King's Choir: a children's choir to sing monthly on Sunday, Christmas Eve and First Holy Communion.
• Provide advice and guidance to couples and families for preparation of wedding and funeral liturgies.
• Eventual establishment of a weekly Sunday Family Mass, for CK School. Families, and parishioners with children not enrolled in CK School.
• Liturgy
• Liturgy Preparation Team
• Participate in regular Liturgy Preparation Team meetings to:
o Participate in review calendar of upcoming liturgical events.
o Collaborate in detailed planning of liturgies on a weekly basis.
o Collaborate with Parish Staff as necessary to plan parish liturgical events (e.g. conferences, missions, retreats, etc.).
• Remain up to date with Liturgy documents, especially ongoing liturgical changes.
• Other
• Prepare and manage budget for music and sound.
• Oversee maintenance of the pipe organ and pianos.
• Manage/accomplish projects assigned by the Pastor.
• Collaborate with parish staff for parish functions.
• Participate at regular staff meetings.
• Other tasks as appropriate to assist parish staff and/or parishioners.
This position has a salary range of $58,000. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Archdiocese of Chicago

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Archdiocese of Chicago is not a company per se, but a large and influential Roman Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it was established in 1843 and primarily serves to guide over 2.2 million Catholics in its territory in spiritual and religious matters. Its main function includes pastoral care through parishes and ministries, education via the wide network of Catholic schools, and the promotion of various social service programs. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s mission is to share Christ's love with the community through worship, evangelization, and service.

Industry

Religious organizations

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1843