Business Affairs Manager
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled Business Affairs professionals in the tech industry has grown significantly, with a 25% increase in job openings in the past year. As companies like Openai continue to innovate and expand, the need for experts who can navigate complex marketing projects and contracts has never been greater. With the rise of AI and digital marketing, professionals with a strong understanding of rights management, contracts, and compliance are in high demand. Openai, a pioneer in AI technology, is looking for a Business Affairs Manager to join their team, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the company's emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail.
Job Description
About the Role
The Business Affairs Manager will play a critical role in supporting Openai's Hardware team, overseeing Business Affairs workstreams for marketing projects from concept to launch. This position requires a unique blend of strategic judgment and hands-on execution, as the successful candidate will need to shape scalable Business Affairs processes while driving day-to-day details. The role involves partnering closely with various teams, including Hardware, Product Marketing, Creative, Production, Legal, Procurement, Security, and Comms, to ensure that all marketing work is compliant, well-documented, and built to scale.The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the marketing landscape and the ability to navigate complex projects with ease. They will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing multiple tasks, and managing competing deadlines. The Business Affairs Manager will also be responsible for developing and implementing Business Affairs operating models for Hardware's confidential and restricted-access projects, ensuring that all external partners and vendors are properly briefed, contracted, and managed.
As part of the Marketing team, the Business Affairs Manager will be embedded in the project work, ensuring that all rights, clearances, contracts, vendor requirements, documentation, and risk decisions are managed end-to-end. This role requires someone who can move fluidly between strategic judgment and hands-on execution, shaping scalable Business Affairs processes while driving the day-to-day details that keep complex projects moving.
What You Will Do
- Own Business Affairs workstreams for Hardware marketing projects, including confidential product launches, campaigns, films, events, experiential activations, partner moments, and emerging creative.
- Manage BA requirements from project kickoff through delivery, including rights, clearances, contracts, usage terms, vendor requirements, documentation, approvals, and post-launch asset usage.
- Drive the day-to-day execution of project workflows, including clearance trackers, talent and public figure deals, music, locations, third-party IP, product footage, likeness rights, paid media usage, global extensions, and renewal needs.
- Inform and manage BA guardrails for confidential and tented Hardware work, including NDA requirements, need-to-know access, vendor onboarding, secure asset handling, prototype or product restrictions, documentation standards, and access removal.
- Own project-level risk management, identifying issues early, recommending paths forward, and escalating when needed.
- Develop BA operating models for Hardware's confidential and restricted-access projects, including how external agencies, production partners, talent, creators, photographers, and vendors are briefed, contracted, permissioned, and offboarded.
- Manage BA requirements for product-in-market and pre-launch product work, including restrictions around prototype visibility, product claims, unreleased features, photography, footage, demos, and asset distribution.
- Partner with Security and Legal to ensure Hardware marketing projects have the right confidentiality controls in place before external work begins.
- Partner with current BA counterparts to build clear BA guidelines that help the wider Marketing team move at the speed of the business while protecting the brand, managing risk, and ensuring compliance.
- Inform Marketing Operations counterparts on all BA-related tools/systems, rights-management systems, DAMs, content-management workflows, and asset lifecycle governance.
- Have an AI-first mindset, finding reliable ways to optimize the function of BA with our tools and scaling them.
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in Business Affairs, preferably in a marketing or advertising agency environment.
- Strong understanding of marketing and advertising law, including copyright, trademark, and right of privacy.
- Experience managing contracts, licenses, and other agreements related to marketing and advertising.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Experience with Excel and other productivity software.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and outside the box.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Nice to Have
- Experience working in the tech industry, preferably with a company that specializes in AI or machine learning.
- Knowledge of AI and machine learning technologies and their applications in marketing and advertising.
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Certification in marketing or advertising law, such as the Certified Marketing Professional (CMP) designation.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a pioneering company in the AI industry.
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs.
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance.
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Highlight your experience with Excel and other productivity software, as these skills are essential for the Business Affairs Manager role.
- To stand out, showcase your ability to think critically and outside the box, with a strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.
- When preparing for interviews, research Openai's products and services, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and mission.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience managing contracts, licenses, and other agreements related to marketing and advertising.
- Tip: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements of the job, and be sure to proofread carefully to ensure error-free submissions.
- During salary negotiations, be prepared to discuss your expectations and requirements, and be open to feedback and discussion.
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