Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

We’re RPA: an independent advertising agency that puts People First. It’s a unique philosophy for a different kind of agency: where we aspire to create work that truly matters to people, for brands that respect and value people, with a team we empower and treat like people. And we do it all in the heart of sunny Santa Monica, California.

Why You’ll Never Want to Leave

Our People First philosophy means creating a culture where people like you can thrive, do meaningful work, and — we hope — stick around for a while. In an industry known for high turnover, people at RPA seem to recognize the value of an environment that truly wants to support our Associates’ lives and career growth.

Who You’ll Be Collaborating With

Every day, you’ll be teaming up with a diverse, enthusiastic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals with a smart sense of humor and a strong desire to grow and develop.

Job Summary

RPA is currently seeking a dynamic and engaged addition to our Business Affairs team. In this role, you'll oversee contracts and agreements related to talent, music, and online asset usage. You'll be a dynamic thinker who consistently seeks a solution that is legally prudent, financially responsible, and in keeping with the campaign objectives. You'll be a partner to Creatives and Producers - rather than saying "No!” , you'll say, "What about this option?".

This role requires 5+ years of relevant Business Affairs and talent payment experience as well as strong knowledge of traditional broadcast TV, radio, Internet/digital/social and industrial projects. Experience in negotiating over-scale talent contracts, influencer, music, stock, and copyright licensing. Must have working and thorough knowledge of SAG-AFTRA and AFM Commercial Contracts with solid talent payment experience.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Leading the Business Affairs team through well-earned experience, knowledge and advice on any pertinent issue.
• Extensive knowledge of the SAG, AFTRA, AFM union contracts.
• Oversee and handle accounts pertaining to business affairs for all television and radio commercials, industrial/non-broadcast, content and Internet/digital/social projects.
• Negotiate over-scale and celebrity/influencer agreements, MSAs and SOWs, reinstatements, special use contracts, music synchronization and master licenses, stock footage and stock music licenses, copyright issues, clearances, releases, legal and talent issues.
• Celebrity talent and music searches with ability to work closely with all agents and music company representatives.
• Creative and script review with producers from a talent, licensing or IP standpoint.
• Advise on best production method for TV to digital and social from a talent usage perspective for cost effectiveness for all clients.
• Prepare addendums for casting specs and negotiate with talent agents on terms, to include renegotiation expertise.
• Talent estimating, payroll and tracking for billing whether commercial or content spots (varies per client).
• Track and bill talent payments to performers, musicians, and singers (varies per client).
• Settle claims with talent unions and the SAG Pension Plans, if any.
• Work well with all outside vendors, such as talent agents, union members, licensors, music, and production company employees.
• Have a solid background in legal issues while working closely with legal counsel to determine all concerns and issues are handled in a timely manner.
• Both ER and TEAM Companies platform knowledge a plus but one is mandatory.

How You’ll Excel In Your Role

• Strong leader to promote positive outcomes within the department and RPA to be seen throughout the agency.
• Ability to share hard earned experience within and outside the team.
• Willingness to collaborate with differing and various viewpoints.
• Being honest and maintaining confidentiality.
• Handle a variety of clients simultaneously within work groups.
• Strong and effective negotiating skills and ability to manage budgets.
• Good business judgment and confidence in decision making.
• Complete attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in fast paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Superb written communications and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated to achieve personal and company goals.
• Positive, motivated, proactive, assertive, and organized multi-tasker.

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

The semi-monthly salary range for this position is $4,941.67, with an annualized equivalent of $118,600.