Associate – Audiobook Licensing, Author Partnerships

Spotify

Associate Manager overseeing audiobook licensing and author partnerships. Collaborating with independent publishers and creators to enhance Spotify's audiobook catalog.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeRemote • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify and evaluate audiobook catalogs from independent authors, hybrid publishers, independent presses, and distribution partners that will resonate with Spotify listeners.
Negotiate audiobook licensing agreements and commercial partnerships that create long-term value for Spotify and our publishing partners.
Build trusted relationships across a diverse portfolio of independent publishers, distributors, and authors, serving as their primary strategic contact.
Develop creative partnership structures that support sustainable growth while meeting the evolving needs of creators and publishing businesses.
Use market insights, performance analytics, and commercial data to inform acquisition strategies and identify new partnership opportunities.
Partner with creators and publishers to optimize catalog performance, improve discoverability, and resolve operational challenges.
Collaborate closely with Product, Editorial, Growth, Operations, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to improve partner experience and support Spotify's audiobook strategy.
Advocate internally for the needs of independent creators and publishers, helping shape future product capabilities and strategic initiatives.
Contribute to initiatives focused on catalog expansion, subscriber value, listening growth, operational excellence, and blended cost per content hour (CPCH) optimization.

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of experience in publishing, digital media, business development, content licensing, content partnerships, or a related field.
Experience negotiating and closing commercial licensing, distribution, or partnership agreements.
Strong understanding of the independent publishing ecosystem, including indie authors, hybrid publishers, audiobook distributors, and digital publishing models.
Understanding the unique opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurial creators and independent publishing businesses.
Ability to build trusted relationships and effectively influence a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in using data, financial insights, and market trends to inform commercial decisions and partnership strategies.
Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Comfort navigating ambiguity, taking ownership, and finding practical solutions to complex business challenges.
Passion for helping creators succeed and interest in audiobooks, storytelling, and the evolving creator economy.
Bachelor’s degree; an MBA or other advanced degree is beneficial.
Willingness to collaborate across multiple time zones and travel when needed.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible work arrangements

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Content LicensingBusiness DevelopmentPerformance AnalyticsMarket InsightsCatalog Optimization

Soft Skills

Influencing StakeholdersAttention to DetailNavigating AmbiguityOwnershipProblem Solving

Certifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMBA or Advanced Degree