Business Affairs Manager

Whalar, part of Accenture Song is the leading, most awarded Creator and Social agency. We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators.
We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.
With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global.

About the role:

Operating with a high degree of professional autonomy, the Sr. Manager, US Business Affairs serves as a main point of contact for US Brand Partnerships creator agreements, working in close collaboration with the Sr. Director, Business Affairs. You will leverage your extensive expertise in creator economy, social media marketing, advertising, influencer management, or entertainment, to drive the contract process with advanced capabilities in contract drafting, legal principles, and complex negotiations. You thrive in a creative, fast-paced environment and bring a solutions-oriented, highly collaborative approach to all contract administration and Business Affairs tasks.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Autonomously draft, review, and negotiate complex creator/talent agreements, production releases, and amendments, ensuring alignment with client paperwork and internal business goals.
• Identify key contractual and legal risks during negotiations and proactively propose solutions that protect Whalar’s commercial interests.
• Serve as a primary Business Affairs advisor on assigned tasks, coordinating with internal teams, senior leadership, and external partners across various time zones.
• Oversee contract workflow, tracking key terms, status, and obligations while maintaining standardized agreement templates and systems.
• Manage all aspects of production-related paperwork (e.g., risk waivers, appearance/location releases, insurance, background checks, vendors, etc) as needed.
• Solid understanding of FTC and relevant regulatory guidelines, Intellectual Property rights and clearance & licensing principles.
• Working knowledge of union regulations (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, AFM, DGA, etc.) is a plus.
• Lead presentations to internal teams, as needed.
• Support the Senior Director, Business Affairs with ad hoc requests (e.g., NDAs, independent contractor agreements, background checks, etc.)
• Some assist with our exciting Whalar Studios production paperwork.
• For the right candidate, the role can expand to support client Scopes of Work and NDAs.
• Mentor and guide junior Business Affairs staff.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 6-10 years contract management experience within the creator economy, social media marketing, marketing/advertising, or entertainment.
• Passion for business affairs, contract management, social media, and the creator economy.
• Advanced expertise in drafting and negotiating complex creator and talent agreements with talent representatives, managers, and legal counsel within the creator economy.
• Strategic problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex deal terms into clear contractual language and resolve novel legal or commercial challenges without precedent.
• Comprehensive understanding of US contract law and creator agreement structures, balancing legal risk with business priorities.
• Can juggle multiple projects and agreements and prioritize well under pressure.
• A high degree of professionalism with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proactive thinker committed to driving operational efficiencies.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $115,000 and serves as a general guideline for the potential compensation. The final salary offer will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as the candidate's experience, expertise, alignment with the position's requirements, location, and, ultimately, budget approvals.

Our values:

At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. 

The perks:

Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner's Home office allowance 
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Volunteer days
• Identity theft protection & Legal assistance
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance Policy
• Voluntary Hospital and Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Pet insurance
• Employee Resource Groups

Whalar provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.