At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to drive membership growth and enhance the music publishing industry.
- Company: Join the MPA, a key player in protecting music creators' rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days holiday, pension contributions, and hybrid working.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the music industry while promoting equity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in music publishing and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Us
The MPA works on behalf of its wide-ranging membership to protect and enhance the rights of the music publishers and creators at the heart of British music’s extraordinary cultural and economic success story. We protect and enhance the rights of music publishers and creators, and we're committed to making the industry more equitable, representative and inclusive. The MPA also owns and operates two subsidiary businesses MCPS and PMLL (together known as The MPA Group).
The Role
This is a senior leadership role with broad operational responsibility, working closely with the CEO to deliver the MPA's strategic plan. As MPA Managing Director, you will lead a talented and diverse team, drive membership growth and engagement, and take accountability for delivery across the MPA's strategic pillars.
What You'll Do
- Strategy and Leadership
- Work in close partnership with the CEO and MPA Board to maintain, enhance and deliver the MPA's strategic plan
- Take accountability for driving improvement across Membership, DEI, Sponsorship and Events, Marketing and Communications, and Office Management
- Anticipate developments that may impact members' businesses, referring to the CEO and appropriate committees as required
- Collaborate with the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer to maintain an up-to-date overview of government policy and legislative changes relevant to music publishing
- Negotiate and manage relevant MPA agreements in conjunction with the General Counsel
- Work with the MD, PMLL to develop and implement anti-piracy initiatives in support of publishers
- Membership
- Devise and implement a Board-agreed strategy to grow and retain the MPA's membership base
- Act as a conduit between members and MPA leadership, ensuring member interests inform the work of the CEO and Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective members
- Lead the MPA's member surveying activity, ensuring findings inform strategy and service delivery
- Maximise value for money from MPA membership, negotiating and managing member benefits and responding to member needs through new initiatives
- Plan for, manage and deliver the annual MPA Publisher Census
- Sponsorship, Events and Education and Training
- Oversee the planning and delivery of the MPA's annual programme of events, working closely with the Partnerships and Events Manager on all sponsorship, training and professional development activity
- Ensure sponsorship targets are met each year
- Seek out and develop opportunities for revenue generation beyond core membership subscriptions
- Take strategic ownership of the Education and Training pillar, ensuring programmes are relevant, impactful and aligned with the MPA's broader objectives
- DEI
- Provide strategic oversight of the MPA's DEI pillar, working closely with the Head of DEI to ensure DEI commitments are embedded across operations, member engagement and external profile
- Marketing and Communications
- Oversee the MPA's marketing and communications strategy, press plans, website management and event communications, ensuring a consistent and compelling external profile
- Financial
- Partner with the COO on the annual budget process, contributing substantively to budget setting and taking responsibility for managing budgets across areas of accountability
- Review monthly management accounts in partnership with the COO, monitoring expenditure and receipts
- Monitor member subscription levels throughout the year, working to agreed revenue growth targets
- Co-ordinate the annual review of membership subscription fees, securing Board approval in line with the MPA's Articles of Association
- Board, Committees and Member Meetings
- Represent the CEO across relevant Board sub-groups and committees
- Take responsibility for managing and progressing the agendas of Board committees and sub-groups
- Attend the MPA Board to present written and verbal updates across all areas of responsibility
About You
You are a senior leader with significant experience in music publishing and the commercial acumen to drive growth across a complex and varied portfolio. You will be a confident, trusted presence across member, industry and Board settings - someone who leads with clarity and delivers.
You'll bring:
- Significant and recent experience in music publishing, with a strong understanding of the industry landscape, its key players and the issues facing publishers today
- Proven track record in a senior leadership role, delivering against short, medium and long-term strategic objectives
- Experience leading and developing diverse teams through clear direction, coaching and accountability
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets and identifying opportunities for revenue growth
- A skilled relationship builder, able to engage effectively at every level - from individual members to Board and industry bodies
- Demonstrable experience of membership, stakeholder or client relationship management
- Excellent diplomatic skills and the ability to bring together diverse views and achieve consensus
- Senior-level negotiating experience
- Proven ability to manage complex, concurrent workstreams to a high standard
- A critical thinker and confident problem solver, with the judgement to anticipate and resolve issues before they escalate
Desirable
- Knowledge of and interest in intellectual property law and policy
- Experience working within or alongside a trade association, membership body or not-for-profit organisation
Package
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension contribution
- Critical Illness and Income Protection Insurance
- Death in Service benefit (after 2 years)
- Hybrid working mode
Our Commitment
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the creators and communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout our recruitment process - please let us know what you need and we will work with you.
Closing Date: 6 May 2026
Senior Director/Executive Director in City of London employer: Music Publishers Association (UK)
Contact Detail:
Music Publishers Association (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director/Executive Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared for interviews! Research the MPA, understand their mission, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence and knowledge go a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director/Executive Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in music publishing and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the MPA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your approach to leading diverse teams. Share examples of how you've driven growth and engagement in previous roles, and how you plan to do the same at the MPA.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Music Publishers Association (UK)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the MPA's mission and values. Understand their strategic pillars and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in music publishing or related fields. Highlight how you've driven growth, managed diverse teams, and navigated complex challenges. This is your chance to demonstrate that you're the confident, trusted presence they need.
✨Engage with DEI Initiatives
Since the MPA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Share how you've implemented DEI strategies in previous roles and how you plan to enhance these initiatives at the MPA.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the MPA's current challenges and opportunities. Inquire about their future plans for membership growth or how they envision the role evolving. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in the organisation's future.