Sr Manager, Contracts (remote US)

Overview

The organization is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to join its Contracts Department. This role manages contracts and amendments for imprints within the Children’s and Trade publishing groups, with a primary focus on inbound brand and content licensing agreements with intellectual property owners, including corporate brands and consumer-product licensors.

This position may be based in New York City on a hybrid schedule, or performed remotely from an approved location. Occasional travel or in-office attendance may be required based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage inbound brand and content licensing agreements from request through execution, including drafting, negotiating, and finalizing contracts and amendments within established guidelines.
• Independently prepare, draft, negotiate, and finalize other publishing agreements and amendments, which may include author, illustrator, contributor, and related agreements.
• Review contract requests submitted by Editorial for completeness, accuracy, appropriate approvals, and alignment with agreed business terms.
• Partner with Editorial, Royalties, Publishing Operations, Finance, and Legal to support timely contract execution and effective administration.
• Review and communicate key business and legal terms, including advances, royalties, approvals, territories, formats, exclusivity, term, renewal, and termination rights.
• Identify and escalate material legal, financial, or business risks to department leadership or Legal, as appropriate.
• Track contract status, approvals, obligations, and key deadlines, and maintain accurate records in contract-management systems.
• Interpret contract terms and provide clear guidance to internal stakeholders and third parties regarding rights, obligations, approvals, and related requirements.
• Advise on author estate matters as required.
• Support contract templates, workflow improvements, special projects, and other responsibilities aligned with the needs of the Contracts Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Four or more years of experience independently drafting and negotiating contracts, including significant experience with brand licensing agreements, within book publishing or the licensing function of a consumer-products, entertainment, or media company.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property concepts, contract terminology, approval rights, royalty structures, and licensing practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication, contract drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, prioritize effectively under pressure, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Collaborative, team-oriented working style.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000–$110,000.
• Comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including elective benefits employees may select to best fit their needs.

Location

• New York City (hybrid schedule) or remote from an approved location.
• Occasional travel or in-office attendance may be required based on business needs.

Additional Information

• Cover letters are strongly preferred.
• Equal opportunity employer.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application and/or interview process.