Contract Talent Manager

Job Title: Talent Manager 
Location-Type: Remote (EST Hours) 
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 6 Month Contract 
Compensation Range: $35-45/hr W2
Hours: 15-25 hrs/week, EST hours
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

We are seeking a Senior Talent Manager to lead the strategy, development, and ongoing management of a scalable talent pipeline supporting branded content initiatives.

This role is responsible for identifying, researching, vetting, sourcing, and preparing talent for both pre-sale proposals and campaign execution. The Talent Manager will also partner with internal stakeholders on talent negotiations, contracting, and deal structures while helping ensure the right voices are selected for each project.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of emerging creators, cultural trends, influencer marketing, and the evolving branded content landscape. Success in this role requires balancing relationship-building with strategic deal-making to identify and secure talent that aligns with both creative and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Pipeline Strategy
  • Build and maintain a diverse network of creators, experts, influencers, celebrities, and thought leaders across multiple industry verticals.
  • Develop a tiered talent framework based on expertise, cultural relevance, notoriety, and campaign needs.
  • Continuously research emerging talent and identify new partnership opportunities.
  • Provide strategic recommendations on the most appropriate talent for creative concepts and client objectives.
  • Evaluate proactive talent collaboration opportunities.
  • Establish standardized deal recommendations, including usage rights, licensing structures, social amplification, and general negotiation parameters.
• Talent Research & Pre-Sale Support
  • Partner closely with creative teams to identify talent aligned with campaign concepts, brand values, and target audiences.
  • Research and curate talent shortlists for proposals.
  • Prepare talent profiles including:
  • Biography
  • Relevant experience
  • Creative rationale
  • Estimated budget ranges
  • Availability
  • Category restrictions or potential conflicts
  • Social metrics where applicable
• Negotiation & Deal Structuring
  • Recommend talent deal structures, including:
  • Usage rights
  • Licensing terms
  • Exclusivity
  • Deliverables
  • Lead negotiations within established business parameters.
  • Partner with internal legal and business affairs teams throughout the contracting process.
  • Support contract execution and talent management throughout campaign delivery.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Talent sourcing and research
• Creator and influencer partnerships
• Talent negotiations
• Contract review and deal structuring
• Relationship management
• Branded content or creative campaign execution

They should demonstrate:

• Exceptional research skills
• Strong editorial judgment and cultural awareness
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities
• Knowledge of creator trends and the influencer landscape
• Experience managing talent relationships from initial outreach through campaign completion

Preferred Background

• Branded content
• Influencer marketing
• Talent management
• Creator partnerships
• Media or publishing
• Entertainment
• Creative agencies
• Content production