MUSIC RIGHTS & ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST

Part-Time / Contract · Remote

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a part-time independent contractor to manage enforcement across our catalog. The role covers two distinct enforcement tracks — sync on social media platforms and sampling on DSPs — and may be performed by one generalist or split across two specialists. Candidates with a background in music clearance for film, television, or advertising are strongly encouraged to apply; that experience translates directly to assessing use cases, engaging rights holders, and negotiating retroactive resolutions.

TRACK 1 — SYNC ENFORCEMENT (Social Media)

Resolve unauthorized sync uses of our catalog across social media platforms. This covers traditional unlicensed placements (catalog used in commercial content, branded videos, or productions without a sync license) 

Responsibilities:

– Monitor our claims of unlicensed uses of catalog recordings and compositions, including commercial syncs, and branded content.

– Manage claims

– Draft and send licensing demand letters to commercial infringers

– Negotiate retroactive sync licenses with brands, production companies, and their representatives.

– Liaise with Defend staff and attorneys. 

– Update and maintain internal tracking systems

Relevant clearance experience:

Sync licensing or clearance for film, TV, advertising, or digital media; experience quoting and negotiating sync fees; working knowledge of one-stop vs. split rights scenarios.

TRACK 2 — SAMPLING ENFORCEMENT (DSPs)

Identify and resolve unauthorized samples and interpolations of our catalog on streaming platforms. This includes uncleared samples in released recordings, interpolations presented as original compositions, and replay recordings intended to approximate our masters.

Responsibilities:

– Monitor DSPs for releases that sample, interpolate, or replay catalog compositions or masters without clearance.

– Conduct ear tests and basic musicological assessments to evaluate whether a use is likely infringing before escalating.

– Identify the correct rights holders and representatives (label, publisher, co-writer splits) and initiate outreach for retroactive licensing or takedown.

– Draft licensing demands and coordinate with DSP content ID and trust & safety teams to support claims and disputes.

– Negotiate retroactive sample licenses and settlement terms, escalating to legal counsel when appropriate.

Relevant clearance experience:

Sample and interpolation clearance for film, TV, or advertising; working knowledge of publisher and label licensing workflows; experience negotiating co-writer splits or buyouts.

REQUIRED ACROSS BOTH TRACKS

– 3+ years in music licensing, clearance, or rights management.

– Working knowledge of U.S. copyright law covering musical works and sound recordings — sync, mechanical, master rights, and fair use.

– Experience communicating and negotiating directly with rights holders, publishers, labels, or legal representatives.

– Strong record-keeping discipline — able to manage an active pipeline of cases and report status clearly.

– Ability to simultaneously track and manage multiple infringements and their statuses. 

– “Expert Emailer”

– Self-directed with the ability to work independently.

NICE TO HAVE

– In-house experience at a music publisher, record label, or rights management company.

– Familiarity with monitoring tools such as Third Chair

– Familiarity with Salesforce

– Knowledge of international copyright frameworks and global CMO relationships.

– Legal experience and or education

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS

Type: Independent contractor

Hours: Part-time, flexible

Location: Remote

Rate: Commensurate with experience

TO APPLY

Please send a brief cover note describing which track(s) you are applying for and your relevant experience, along with your resume or LinkedIn profile, to info (at) defendmusic.com. Candidates with sync clearance or licensing backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.