Senior Manager, Production Clearances & Licensing Operations

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry's most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.

Overview & Responsibilities

Our team is looking for a Senior Manager of Production Clearances + Licensing Operations! In this role you will collaborate with the Senior Vice President and Vice President to achieve desired results related to branded and promotional content across various ViacomCBS networks.  You will formulate licensing strategies and negotiate favorable rates for the use of all media assets.  You will be at the forefront of the production process including script review and creative concept vetting, partnering with Creative, Production Management, Business and Legal Affairs, IP Litigation, executing in alignment with the client’s and business’ day-to-day needs and strategic vision in a fast-paced environment. This role oversees the day-to-day activities of Employees and/or Interns as required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead all aspects of copyright research, quote negotiation, licensing, and rights tracking to secure use from copyright owners of film, TV, photography, video games, digital content, books, magazines, estates, record label content, etc.
• Draft and analyze complex license agreements and contracts to draw conclusions from knowledge of issues that impact copyright & trademark law and union/guild issues
• Liaise between Production Management, Production Executives, creative ad agencies and additional internal and external partners to execute Networks’ programming and marketing strategies and proactively identify rights issues/necessary permissions
• Working alongside Legal, review content for legal matters including Public Domain, Fair Use, Defamation and Rights of Publicity
• Proactively propose innovative ways for problem solving during the content production and execution process to achieve desired results when reviewing scripts to identify footage, photos and third-party intellectual property requiring clearance
• Manage clearance budgets, maintain, and review clearance reports.  Ensure timely and accurate payments and legal delivery of clearance documentation
• Manage and provide growth opportunities for employee(s) with similar responsibilities as well as freelancer(s) and/or interns

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a production company, advertising agency, film studio, television network, music publisher, or record label. Direct experience with agency work and or Brand Promotion and Marketing a plus.

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to lead effective presentations on rights and licensing related topics to client groups, to educate and build dynamic working relationships across functions
• Established relationships within the licensing community including stock agencies, film studios, estates, etc.
• Deep understanding of licensing in Third Party IP (including music, footage, photos, logos and fonts) and their use in advertising, promotions, and third-party brand integrations
• Must have a strong understanding, along with practical implementation, of the law regarding Public Domain, Fair Use, Defamation and Rights of Publicity
• Strong managerial and people skills
• Comprehensive understanding of music and media industry needs and trends to provide strategic direction for new partnership and cross promotional opportunities
• Be a proactive contributor who can work both independently and collaboratively to balance multiple priorities at a time.
• Have phenomenal communication negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate expert negotiating experience a must. Tech-savvy individual proficient in all current document and database systems.

ViacomCBS is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. 

At ViacomCBS, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. ViacomCBS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access. https://www.viacomcbs.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to viacomaccommodations@viacom.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.