Director of Licensing

Job Description

Directors UK is the professional association of UK screen directors. We are a membership organisation representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of over 7,500 members - the majority of working TV and film directors in the UK. We negotiate rights deals and collect and distribute royalties to our members. We also campaign and lobby on our members behalf and provide a range of services including legal advice, events, training and career development. Directors UK works closely with fellow organisations around the world to represent directors rights and concerns, promotes excellence in the craft of direction and champions change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all. Job role and duties:To lead Directors UKs negotiations with broadcasters, streaming services and other parties, developing a licensing strategy that maximises royalty income for Directors UK members in a changing media landscape.Reporting to: Chief Executive.Direct Reports: No direct reports but will draw upon the expertise of various members of the team.Key Responsibilities include: Manage the licensing negotiation process for Directors UK, planning thoroughly ahead for key negotiations, overseeing the analysis needed to develop fee proposals, working with key members and the Directors UK Board to secure their buy-in. Act as the lead negotiator on all negotiations, working alongside the Chief Executive on the most major ones. Develop a licensing strategy for Directors UK which ensures that the value of directors rights is protected and enhanced, both through the renegotiation of existing licences and through new licences with new services and previously unlicensed services. Work with the Director of Distribution to ensure that data reporting and processing needs are considered in Directors UK licences so as to support efficient and timely distribution of royalties to members. Develop a network of contacts at the major broadcasters, streaming services, production companies and distributors, trade bodies such as Pact, and other collective management organisations both in the UK and internationally. Attend board meetings and prepare and present papers at these. As a member of the senior management team, work with colleagues to support Directors UK in achieving its goals. Represent Directors UK on industry forums and at other external events.The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the role.Personal specification:Applicants should have the following qualities;Essential Skills and Experience: A capable and experienced commercial negotiator who has successfully led complex, high value negotiations. A clear thinker with strong analytical skills, the ability to navigate through complex business issues, and the creativity to develop new approaches. A people person who can build and nurture key relationships with industry stakeholders. An effective, persuasive, and articulate communicator, able to deal confidently with people at all levels. Strong presentational skills, both written and verbal, able to summarise complex issues for different audiences. Someone who works well in a small team and is supportive of their colleagues. Good time management skills, able to work independently to deadlines. A good understanding of copyright law and intellectual property rights.Desirable Skills and Experience: An in-depth understanding of the rights involved in television and film production and the economics of the value chain from content creation to consumption.Terms of employment: Reporting to: Chief Executive, Directors UK Salary: £72k to £80k per annum depending on experience Hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm. Work Days: Monday to Friday Location: Due to COVID-19 staff will be working from home pending re-opening of our offices located at Stukeley Street, London, WC2B. The post holder may be required to travel on an ad hoc basis within the UK or internationally. Contract: Full Time PermanentBenefits: Holidays: 25 days per year (plus all public and bank holidays) pro rata Company Pension Scheme opt in entitlement Company Cycle to work Scheme Company Perkbox discounts membershipDirectors UK is an equal opportunities employer; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.This appointment is subject to satisfactory references and completion of a 3-month probationary period. Application procedure: Please send a personal statement as to why you consider yourself suited to this role along with a full CV by e-mail via the button below.Applications closing date: Sunday 7th March 2021Interviews are due to take place: Week commencing 15th and 22nd March 2021 via online video call (please let us know of any access arrangements that may be necessary)Please note that only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.Candidate Privacy Notice: Please see our document here for full details in regard to the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.