Director, Contract Optimization & Risk Evaluation - MediaLink
$150k - $180k USD
MediaLink’s Contract Optimization & Risk Evaluation Team (C.O.R.E.) is a strategic advisory practice renowned for its market intelligence, business insights, and legal expertise across the global media, marketing, entertainment, and technology landscapes. We are expanding our team to meet growing global demand, and we are seeking a Director with deep industry knowledge and strategic insight to drive growth and deliver exceptional contract advisory services.
In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to leading advertisers across industries—including CPG, Auto, Retail, Pharma, FinServ and Entertainment—optimizing agreements representing billions of dollars in annual media buying and marketing value through agency partners. You will leverage analytical rigor, legal expertise, and strategic judgment to identify risks, uncover opportunities, and drive enhanced performance across complex, multi-channel contracts.
You will support the Principal, Head of Global Contract Advisory to drive industry thought leadership and empower client organizations to navigate the evolving commercial landscape shaped by emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and industry transformation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication, precision, and analytical thinking, applying experience across data governance, omni-channel media, and global agency partnerships to address critical business challenges, future opportunities, and legal constraints affecting brand performance. Additionally, you will play a key role in new business development, helping to expand client relationships, identify growth opportunities, and bring C.O.R.E.’s advisory services to new markets and partners.
You are a strategic thinker and trusted advisor who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments. You combine legal expertise with business acumen, bringing both precision and pragmatism to contract challenges. You communicate effectively across organizational levels, build strong client relationships, and take initiative in identifying new opportunities and innovations.
Your judgment is sound, your work is meticulous, and you have the credibility to guide negotiations and resolve disputes. You stay current with industry trends from regulatory and compliance shifts to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and you can translate these developments into practical contract strategy for clients. You are eager to grow with MediaLink and contribute to our expanding global platform while developing thought leadership that shapes industry conversations.
The salary range for this role is $150,000 to $180,000 commensurate with experience and skills.
What You Will Do
Client Partnership & Legal Coordination
Serve as an advisor to in-house client legal teams on complex media buying, creative, production, and distribution agreements
Manage workflow and communication across all contract lifecycle stages
Work collaboratively with legal, procurement, media, advertising, and marketing teams to guide negotiations and drive outcomes
Strategic Analysis & Risk Assessment
Lead teams of consultants and legal experts in conducting current-state evaluations and research across client organizations
Analyze cross-functional workflows and stakeholder roles to identify critical touchpoints that impact contract negotiations and outcomes.
Prepare comprehensive assessments of risk profiles, compliance issues, and associated financial implications and synthesize findings into actionable insights to inform contract inputs, risk assessment, and optimization strategies.
Apply best-in-class contracting methodologies to shepherd brand and media strategies
Identify emerging risks including those related to artificial intelligence, regulatory changes, and industry dynamics
Contract Lifecycle Management
Lead improvements and innovations across media and creative agency engagements, platform agreements, technology partnerships, and media vendor relationships
Guide contract negotiations and escalate complex legal and technical issues to stakeholders
Advise on advertising industry trends and negotiation strategies
Support oversight of agreements representing significant annual media buying commitments
Compliance & Administration
Conduct compliance reviews of existing contracts with extensive research and statistical analysis
Provide input and support to key client business functions on ongoing contract administration
Maintain internal client files and update legal resources as needed
Knowledge Sharing & Thought Leadership
Conduct training sessions on contracting processes and contract terms for client business teams, equipping on-the-ground teams with knowledge to lead scoping presentations and ensure ongoing compliance
Craft thought-leadership pieces for internal and external distribution on critical topics including transparency in media and advertising ecosystems, guild issues and their impact on commercial contracts, artificial intelligence risk mitigation strategies, and advertising agency master service agreement trends
What You Will Need
Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related discipline from an accredited university or college (preferred)
Paralegal certification
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree (preferred)
Professional Experience:
5+ years in media & marketing, including experience in digital with data operations/infrastructure preferred
2+ years in legal affairs, contract administration, or equivalent contract-focused role
Experience with large-scale media and advertising agreements
Demonstrated ability to lead teams in contract analysis and risk assessment
Track record of developing and applying contracting methodologies
Core Competencies:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
Experience with data governance and omni-channel media
Knowledge of global agency partnerships and international contracts
Proven ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges
Leadership capability and team management experience
Industry acumen regarding media buying, creative production, advertising, and technology partnerships
Ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable business insights
#LI-CL1
What You Will Get
The unique and exciting opportunity to work at one of a leading global entertainment companies
Access to the tools, leadership, and resources you will need to create and drive a center of excellence
The opportunity to do the best work of your career
Work in an inclusive and diverse company culture
Competitive programs to support your well-being
Experience working in a collaborative environment with room to grow
About UTA
UTA unites ideas, opportunities, and talent. The company represents some of the world's most iconic, barrier-breaking artists, creators and changemakers—from actors, athletes and musicians to writers, gamers, and digital influencers. One of the most influential companies in global entertainment, UTA's business spans talent representation, content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with some of the world's biggest brands. Affiliated companies include Digital Brand Architects, KLUTCH Sports Group, Curtis Brown Group, and MediaLink. UTA is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York, and London.
For more information: https://www.unitedtalent.com/about/
UTA and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities.