Associate – Audiobook Licensing, Author Partnerships
Job Description:
- Identify and evaluate audiobook catalogs from independent authors, hybrid publishers, independent presses, and distribution partners
- Negotiate audiobook licensing agreements and commercial partnerships
- Build trusted relationships with independent publishers, distributors, and authors as their primary strategic contact
- Develop creative partnership structures supporting sustainable growth and creator and publishing-business needs
- Use market insights, performance analytics, and commercial data to inform acquisition strategies and identify partnership opportunities
- Partner with creators and publishers to optimize catalog performance, improve discoverability, and resolve operational challenges
- Collaborate with Product, Editorial, Growth, Operations, Finance, and other cross-functional teams
- Advocate internally for independent creators and publishers and help shape product capabilities and strategic initiatives
- Contribute to catalog expansion, subscriber value, listening growth, operational excellence, and blended cost per content hour optimization
Requirements:
- 3+ years of experience in publishing, digital media, business development, content licensing, content partnerships, or a related field
- Experience negotiating and closing commercial licensing, distribution, or partnership agreements
- Strong understanding of the independent publishing ecosystem, including indie authors, hybrid publishers, audiobook distributors, and digital publishing models
- Understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurial creators and independent publishing businesses
- Ability to build trusted relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to use data, financial insights, and market trends to inform commercial decisions and partnership strategies
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- Comfort navigating ambiguity, taking ownership, and finding practical solutions to complex business challenges
- Passion for audiobooks, storytelling, and the evolving creator economy
- Bachelor's degree required; an MBA or other advanced degree is beneficial
- Comfortable collaborating across multiple time zones and willing to travel when needed
Benefits:
- health insurance
- six-month paid parental leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
- monthly meal allowance
- 23 paid days off
- paid flexible holidays
- paid sick leave
- equity