Director, Licensing & Business Development

Who We Are

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a leading sports, media, entertainment and lifestyle platform. As the owner of some of the most iconic and beloved intellectual property in the world, Authentic acquires and invests in brands to create long‑term value for all of its stakeholders. A digital‑first, asset‑light platform, Authentic sits at the intersection of culture, commerce and technology. It brings brands to life and cultivates fandom through powerful storytelling, premium content and unforgettable live experiences. Together with nearly 2,000 best‑in‑class licensing partners across 150 countries and an expansive distribution network, Authentic’s brands drive more than $38 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide.

Why Iconic Images x Authentic

If you love working with photographers and have a keen interest in music, film, fashion and celebrity, especially artists who worked in the 1960s-1970s, Iconic Images holds millions of images from nearly 40 photographers with an eye toward expansion. Iconic Images is a company dedicated to working with fine‑art photographers with all aspects of their art. From fine‑art print sales to editorial licensing, licensing, merchandising and publishing, Iconic Images strives to bring photographic archives to the forefront. Iconic Images is owned by Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a brand development, marketing and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of global media, entertainment and lifestyle brands.

What You’ll Do

As Director, Licensing and Business Development, you’ll be developing and executing strategies for expanding Iconic Images' base of licensing partnerships, utilising owned and represented photographic archives ultimately delivering top‑line revenue for the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to be a part of a fast‑growing department, including growth opportunities within the department. If you’re a strategic thinker with a creative spirit and are driven to win, we’d like to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and understand Iconic Image’s photographic archives
• Research the market and identify new licensing opportunities that map to Iconic Images photographic portfolio
• Identify target contacts and decision makers inside target companies and establish contact via cold calling, email outreach, and other means as necessary
• Secure new deals across all aspects of image licensing, with a focus on commercial merchandise, apparel, and high‑end brands for licensing opportunities
• Build and Manage Sales Pipeline
• Continually drive prospects into leads through high‑volume outbound sales activity
• Partner with Business Development leadership and Licensing Assistant to develop pitch decks that clearly align Iconic Images proposition with the prospect’s interests and capabilities
• Drive the Licensing Deal to Close
• Work in partnership with Business Development leadership and Creative Director to develop business plans and formulate product licensing proposals
• Lead and manage efficient and productive negotiations of deal terms, taking full ownership of the deal process
• Assemble detailed term sheets with concise business terms and work closely with legal counsel to draft licensing agreements
• Track sales activity in CRM consistently and accurately
• Manage productive and goal‑oriented deal processes
• Prepare accurate sales forecasts per Iconic Image’s sales reporting process
• Prepare reports and presentations of sales performance as needed
• Maintain brand integrity across licensees and all internal and external communication
• Manage Licensee Partner Relations & Facilitate Effective Licensing Operations
• Consolidate and organize key business development tools and materials for licensees
• Partner closely with each licensing partner to understand respective business models and product development, securing all rights clearance and due copyright lines
• Participate in strategy discussions and in setting a bulls‑eye target
• Assist in overseeing the direction, implementation, execution and continuous improvement of the licensing processes

Compensation

Sales Executives are eligible for Iconic Image's Uncapped Commission Plan.

Must Haves

• 5 years min experience in new business development in licensing for photography
• Experience in full‑cycle sales from lead generation through closing the deal
• Knowledge and understanding of licensees and copyright law and third‑party rights clearances
• Eager demeanour with a fearless and professional drive to win; cold calling and other forms of outreach are required
• Success at negotiating licensing contracts and creatively developing new business ideas
• Ability to partner closely with licensees to understand their creative needs
• Understanding of licensing sales successes and challenges
• Understanding of best practices for licensees
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as the role requires

Equal Opportunity Statement

Authentic is an equal‑opportunity employer and we value and embrace the diversity and inclusion of all Team Members. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, disability, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Accommodations for Disabilities or Religious Obligations

Please contact talent@authentic.com for accommodations.