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Digital Operations Specialist

Merge Records is looking for a Digital Operations Specialist to work in our Durham, NC, office. This person will help with digital audio and video distribution, data analytics, and various other responsibilities in the digital universe. Merge is one of the most respected independent record labels in the world, and this is a great opportunity for someone who loves music and wants to be involved in the increasingly crucial world of digital content.

The Digital Operations Specialist will be responsible for various tasks related to multiple projects/releases; therefore, strong time management and task-prioritizing skills are essential. The ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, flexible, highly self-motivated, and open to our “all hands on deck” office style.

For consideration, email jobs@mergerecords.com with your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements; be sure to include “Digital Operations Specialist” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

DUTIES:

• Manage D2C digital accounts (Merge digital store, Bandcamp, etc.)
• Maintain assets and claims for YouTube, Facebook, and SoundCloud CMS
• Organize Merge digital store and provide vinyl download support
• Organize link consolidation service (Linkfire et al.) for each release
• Submit metadata to charting services and update databases
• Maintain DSP royalty reporting, i.e., track and upload statements in royalty software
• Clear overlapping claims and disputes on SoundExchange
• Set up track/video premieres on SoundCloud, YouTube, etc.
• Fulfill internal file delivery requests as well as backing up and organizing relevant assets in the Merge Digital Library
• Perform other related tasks as requested

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Familiarity with digital audio and video formats, encoding, and metadata tagging
• Familiarity with the existing landscape of digital music services and social networks
• Experience in reading and interpreting data analytics

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with content management systems
• Understanding of digital distribution and large-file delivery processes

Senior Publicist

We have a full-time opening for a Senior Publicist who will report directly to the Label Manager. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes full benefits and ample paid time off.

While most of our staff are currently working remotely as a COVID-19 precaution, we prefer that the Senior Publicist be based in and work primarily out of our Durham office. However, we will consider qualified remote candidates, particularly those based in Los Angeles.

For consideration, email jobs@mergerecords.com with your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements; be sure to include “Senior Publicist” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our ideal candidate will show insight and excitement for what Public Relations for musicians and labels can be in 2022 and beyond. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about Merge’s artists and already has good relationships with many journalists, editors, television bookers, NPR producers, podcast producers, et al. who cover music; has a track record of spearheading successful national campaigns (20–40 annually) as well as shepherding international publicity campaigns; has a desire to understand the changing landscape of the music business; is engaged with new trends and methods of communication; and finds joy and pride in successes large and small.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and foster relationships with press contacts as well as national public radio and TV/podcast producers across the US and Canada in order to generate press/promotion for Merge artists.
• Promote Merge as a label and a brand in addition to supporting our roster of artists, both active and catalog.
• Write and disseminate press releases on behalf of Merge and our artists as well as aid in the creation of all biographical materials necessary for a successful narrative album campaign.
• Manage and maintain Merge Records press database, mailing lists, and email lists.
• Solicit photography partners for our artists as needed. Aid in scheduling and negotiating fees according to budget.
• Communicate with other Merge departments and artists/managers about press/promotion that is happening via biweekly press updates.
• Organize and promote festival appearances by Merge artists (e.g. SXSW, Hopscotch).
• Represent Merge and our artists at outside events and press trips.
• Work as a member of the marketing and publicity teams to brainstorm new opportunities for active artists.
• Coordinate worldwide campaign timelines including announcements and release of assets.
• Manage the following pages on the Merge website: News, Artists, Press Room.
• Identify and collaborate with third-party publicity agencies worldwide as needed, ensuring they have the resources and information they need to deliver great work.

REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be very comfortable talking on the phone and communicating with a variety of audiences.
• Passion for music, pop culture, writing, and attending live concerts/events.
• Strong organizational skills. Must be able to independently and effectively manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
• Openness to Merge’s “all hands on deck” office style.
• At least three years of experience leading album campaigns across national and regional press outlets in the US and Canada.
• Familiarity with FileMaker Pro, Google Workspace and Mailchimp recommended.
• Minimum two-year commitment to position.