Description

Wondery is seeking a Senior Business Affairs Lead to join the growing team in Los Angeles. Reporting to the Principal, Business Affairs , this experienced business affairs executive will be responsible for initiating, structuring, negotiating and closing talent and production services deals for Wondery, both in the US and in key international territories.

Specifically, this business affairs executive will own the negotiation of talent deals including for hosts, reporters, producers, writers as well as production services agreements and other related deals. A working knowledge of podcast industry deal-making and intellectual property rights (as applicable to the podcast industry) is required, along with excellent negotiation, communication (written and verbal), organization and interpersonal skills. A successful candidate is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues at Wondery including Content, Legal, Marketing and Finance, and across Amazon, effectively advising senior-level executives under time-sensitive conditions and managing a varied, high-volume workload efficiently and smoothly within corporate parameters, and remaining cool and level-headed in pressurized situations.

Key job responsibilities

Key job responsibilities

• Representing Wondery's business interests on a variety of podcast development and production deals including talent (e.g., host, reporters, etc.), production services and rights with limited oversight.

• Overseeing and maintaining sole responsibility over all aspects of deal negotiations in tight and fluid timeframes, including drafting term sheets and continual close collaboration with Legal on longform agreements through execution.

• Reviewing budgets and other financial data associated with the development and production of Wondery programming.

• Working on significant new, and unique business opportunities domestically and across key international territories.

• Using good judgment to advise senior-level executives and cross-functional teams including Content, Marketing, Legal and Finance under time-sensitive conditions.

• Effectively managing relationships with external producers, agents and creative partners via clear and effective communication.

• Managing, tracking and reporting on Wondery's production deals with external producers and creative partners.

• Executing on the goals for the Business Affairs Team and Wondery as a whole.

About the team

Wondery, an Amazon company, is a premium podcast studio known for character-driven, binge-worthy stories including Dr. Death, British Scandal, Even the Rich and Business Wars, as well as distribution of hit partner shows MrBallen, Morbid, and How I Built This. Wondery was behind six of the “Top 25 New Shows of 2023” (according to Podtrac) and is the #3 podcast network in the US (according to Podtrac and Triton) including Exposed, Ghost Story, Stolen Hearts, MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries, Frozen Head, and Spellcaster. 54 shows from Wondery have hit #1 on Apple Podcasts. Many Wondery podcasts have been adapted for scripted television or streaming series, including Dr. Death and Joe vs Carole on Peacock and The Shrink Next Door and WeCrashed on Apple TV+. Wondery has gained critical acclaim and commercial success for its immersive approach to sonic, emotionally driven storytelling. The Wondery app offers a unique, personalized, podcast-first listening experience, including access to its premium offering Wondery+. With Wondery+, fans get a premium listening experience, including exclusive podcasts, early access to new episodes of hit shows, ad-free listening, merch discounts, live streamed events, and more.

Basic Qualifications

• 6+ years of studio, production company or television network experience

• 6+ years of entertainment industry deal negotiation experience

• Experience negotiating complex agreements with a firm understanding of legal terminology and reasoning

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D., or MBA

• Experience in content negotiation, acquisition or business development

• Knowledge and understanding of audio and podcast business models, along with the ability to operate effectively and efficiently within the podcast ecosystem

• 7+ years of work experience negotiating entertainment deals for a production company, studio, network and/or entertainment law firm including multiple years representing or working for a podcast production studio.

Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $130,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $215,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.