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Music Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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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 29, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,141 per year, or $27 per hour.

Rights & Clearances Coordinator

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Rights & Clearances Coordinator

Chicago, IL

About the Role: Barstool Sports is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Rights and Clearances Coordinator based out of our Chicago office. This position will serve to assist and support Rights and Clearances to limit risk and clear third party materials for usage in Barstool Sports Content. Moderate level Music Licensing and IP knowledge and ability to coordinate on strict daily deadlines will be necessary as a key team member.

What You'll Do:

  • Compile and submit music cue sheets for blanket library compliance/ Performance Rights for live broadcast show
  • Attend daily pre-shoot meetings to flag potential risk and prepare necessary clearances
  • Source and secure image/video licenses and related materials releases needed for daily live broadcast show
  • Securing music licensing from third parties for synchronization requests when budget has been allocated
  • Act as a resource for show's production team and talent for rights related inquiries at all stages of production; Suggest and encourage creative but safe solutions when rights acquisition isn't possible
  • Coordinate with producers, editors, and legal to ensure all deliverables meet industry and network standards

What You Have: The ideal candidate must possess the following skills and experience:

  • 3+ years experience with licensing, clearances, media, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum music licensing required
  • Solid understanding of third-party rights/clearance
  • Have a positive but stern attitude when collaborating with producers and creative professionals in a fast paced environment
  • Act in accordance with legal guidelines and verbiage; ability to put pride aside and confirm understanding. Recognize limitations between legal and R&C to identify when escalation is needed
  • Organization is a must; with R&C covering a variety of responsibilities, be able to keep track of tasks and prioritize
  • Be curious to learn operations and tech that concern R&C (how does our dev team work, can we automate anything to improve how our team operates)
  • Detail oriented or "hawk-eyed" when reviewing materials to be published to ensure that potential risk is limited

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Barstool Sports is a company that will drive the way media is created and consumed for years to come. Working at Barstool Sports means being part of a team that is solutions-oriented, celebrates creativity, and supports one another. Joining means having access to competitive and valuable benefits and perks, including but not limited to:

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits
  • A 4% 401(k) employer match
  • Unlimited vacation time, including Summer break in July and Holiday break in December
  • Monthly employer contribution towards cell phone reimbursement
  • Employee discount to the Barstool Sports store
  • Financial wellness benefits through Origin
  • A monthly stipend for UberEats

What We Value:

  • Rep the brand as best you can
  • We have lots of different brains, be open to them
  • Never change who you are, that's who we hired
  • Find the solution, don't be the problem
  • Don't be afraid to try something new
  • Common Sense. Use it.
  • Be there for your audience
  • Always think about how you can help

Barstool Sports is for everyone. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Barstool Sports does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes. Barstool Sports will not pay any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement.