VP, Music Acquisitions, Firebird Music Rights

About the role

Firebird is seeking a VP, Music Rights Acquisitions to lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of music catalog and rights acquisitions for Firebird Music Rights. This position is a senior, deal-focused role sitting at the intersection of music, finance, and strategy; responsible for leading transactions from origination through close with excellence and efficiency. Reporting to the President of Firebird Music Rights, this individual will build a world-class catalog acquisition operation, leading the evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and execution of music rights investments across recorded music, publishing, neighboring rights, and other music-related IP assets. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of music rights, strong transaction experience, and a genuine passion for the music industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end acquisition processes for music-related IP assets, from identification and initial valuation through due diligence, deal structuring, and close
• Represent Firebird in the marketplace as a trusted and creative capital partner to rightsholders and their advisors
• Develop investment theses and return frameworks for prospective acquisitions along with establishing systems and workflow processes across the full music rights acquisition process
• Lead investment underwriting including building and maintaining financial models to assess catalog value and returns
• Collaborate with our Label Services and Data + Insights teams to analyze and execute active management initiatives
• Prepare investment memos and materials that clearly communicate deal rationale, risk, and upside; and present materials to senior management (Investment Committee, Board)
• Partner with Business Affairs and external legal teams to structure and negotiate deal terms
• Support post-acquisition integration, working with Finance, Royalties, and Label Services to ensure assets are effectively onboarded and performing to thesis
• Conduct market research on catalog sales activity, buyer behavior, and trends to inform Firebird's acquisition strategy and pricing thesis
• Stay current on music industry trends including regulatory changes, emerging rights categories, streaming economics, and M&A activity across the music rights landscape

Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in music rights valuation and catalog acquisitions, with a demonstrated track record of leading the underwriting, negotiation, and execution of music rights transactions
• Deep understanding of music publishing and recorded music economics: royalty structures, revenue streams, licensing, and catalog valuation methodologies
• Expert financial modeling skills: DCF, multiples-based valuation, scenario analysis, and sensitivity modeling
• Ability to interpret and translate complex contract terms into clear financial and strategic insights
• Strong network across the music industry: rightsholders, attorneys, managers, and deal intermediaries
• Exceptional communication skills; able to present complex analysis clearly
• Proficiency in Excel for modeling; familiarity with rights management or catalog management tools
• About Firebird
• Join us!
• We're a team of ~40 music industry veterans, data nerds, operators, and builders who really love music. We put artists first because when they win, we all win. That simple principle guides everything we do.
• We have teams in New York, Los Angeles, and London supporting artists around the world. We're at that exciting growth stage where what you build and who you help break will shape the next era of this company and the industry.
• How We Take Care of the Flock
• Ownership : Equity participation for everyone
• Health & Wealth : Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plus 401(k) with company match
• Performance Rewards : Annual bonuses tied to results
• Flexibility : Flexible PTO and hybrid in-office schedules for those in NYC
• Access : Live shows, festivals, and the music community you're helping create
• Growth : Learn from people who've built careers at majors, independents, and startups
• Who We Hire
• We hire based on talent, passion, and potential. We don't discriminate based on race, color,

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