EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUDIOVISUAL ANTI-PIRACY ALLIANCE

The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) is a membership organisation which provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge, information and expertise amongst its members companies and with law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

AAPA currently has 25 members who are active in different parts of the audiovisual industry value chain. These include rights owners, platform operators, broadcasters, telcos, OTT companies and content protection technology and service providers. Further information is at www.aapa.eu. Central to AAPA’s activities are member-led, focussed Working Groups covering: Disruption; Hosting Providers; social media; Apps; Policy and Regulation; Training and Awareness; and Communications. AAPA also maintains successful relationships with Europol, Eurojust, INTERPOL and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) Observatory on IP Infringements.

Following over 12 years’ service the incumbent Executive Vice President plans to retire at the end of 2023. AAPA is, therefore, now inviting applications for a successor who would join in the autumn to allow for a handover period.

The Executive Director is responsible to all the members of AAPA but for management and operational purposes reports to the two Co-Presidents; currently Mark Mulready from Irdeto and Oliver Pribramsky from DFL. Currently an Executive Assistant, who reports to the Executive Director, provides operational support for AAPA. A Brussels-based consultancy supports the policy and regulatory work. AAPA does not itself undertake enforcement work.

Key responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

·     Managing relationships with Members;

·     Implementing the strategy agreed by Members;

·     Fostering relationships with the European Commission, Europol, Eurojust, INTERPOL, WIPO and the EUIPO Observatory;

·     Developing and sustaining effective relationships with external stakeholders who can help to reduce piracy;

·     Ensuring the delivery of projects commissioned by AAPA;

·     Participating in Working Groups and chairing Working Groups as agreed;

·     Identifying and co-operating with other stakeholders who share a common vision;

·     Representing AAPA at conferences and key events, including making presentations and speeches; 

·     Preparing the agenda for AAPA meetings and identifying and inviting guest speakers;

·     Preparing the annual budget; and

·     Managing the Executive Assistant.

The successful applicant must have the following skills and attributes:

·     An understanding of copyright and copyright law. An understanding of legislation used in anti-piracy cases, such as money laundering; computer fraud; would also be helpful;

·     Familiarity with piracy methods and business models and anti-piracy measures. This requires an appreciation of technologies used to offer pirate services, to protect content and to detect infringements;

·     A diplomatic approach;

·     A team player;

·     Experience in developing and managing networks of stakeholders;

·     Experience in working with the EU institutions;

·     Experience in advocacy;

·     Communications skills, including public speaking;

·     Written and oral fluency in English;

·     5-10 years of experience working in a relevant area involving intellectual property; and

·     Trade association management would be beneficial.

The successful applicant will not be permitted to engage in any paid or unpaid activity for an AAPA member.

Terms and conditions

The position is home-based. However, the ability to travel (mainly within the EU) is essential.

The successful applicant could be either an employee of AAPA or a consultant (subject to meeting any tax, etc. obligations). The position involves 4-5 days a week.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV and statement highlighting their experience against at least two of the following criteria:

·     An understanding of copyright and copyright law.

·     Familiarity with piracy methods and business models and anti-piracy measures;

·     5-10 years of experience working in a relevant area involving intellectual property; and

·     Experience in developing and managing networks of stakeholders.

Submissions should be made by e-mail to Sheila.cassells@aapa.eu no later than 1700CET on 31 July 2023. Interviews will be held (virtually) in early August 2023.