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