Contracts and Permissions Assistant

Description

Chronicle Books seeks an analytical and detail-orientated individual to join our Contracts team. The Contracts Assistant is an entry-level role and provides departmental support to the Director of Contracts and the Contracts Manager, advancing the work of the team. Additionally, this role administers our Permissions Requests process. We seek someone with exceptionally developed communication and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will have an exposure/interest in publishing (through internships, etc.). Additionally, a demonstrated ability to successfully manage simultaneous, highly-detailed tasks and work to deadline is critical. We seek a calm, goal-directed task master who is interested in the legal side of publishing.

Please note: While this role supports our legal work, we do not seek and nor is a JD required. Additionally, while this role does work closely with our Editorial departments, it does not track directly into Editorial work.

Who We Are

One of the most admired and respected publishing companies in the United States, Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. Our independent company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format across a list that is as diverse as it is distinctive. We seek and hire people who are committed to the frank exchange of ideas and who foster an atmosphere of mutual accountability and trust to help us succeed.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Field all contract requests submitted to the department, setting up requests in folders and in an database, review request forms for completeness and follow-up with requestor when necessary to obtain additional information.
Assist the Director of Contracts and Contracts Manager in drafting contracts and amendments for our publishing groups, using boilerplate templates and precedent agreements
Track and follow up on unsigned contracts and amendments; Record and manage contract requests on the CBK database.
Process final contracts, including preparing and submitting on-signing and royalty payment requests and rules in the Publisher’s royalty accounting system, distributing and filing paperwork, and maintaining and updating electronic archive of final signed contracts and amendments for all publishing groups.
Track, process, and respond to permissions requests, record permissions activity in the database.
Negotiate appropriate fees for permissions licenses using precedent licenses and fee guidelines as resources.
Assist in filing for copyright registration with the Copyright Office
Commit to the open exchange of ideas and help sustain and champion an atmosphere of collaboration, mutual accountability, and trust at Chronicle Books.
Observe and model policies that promote the company’s vision and a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
Employees at Chronicle Books follow a flexible hybrid schedule of working a minimum of 2 days per week and up to 4 days per week in our San Francisco office, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all activities required of the employee.

Requirements

BA or equivalent, and up to one year of professional environment work experience (full time or internships).
Previous publishing experience or interest is preferred; previous exposure to publishing licensing/contracts is highly valued.
Exceptional project management abilities, with a strong attention to detail and time management skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset and independent motivation is expected.
Excellent collaboration, communication (written and verbal), and customer service skills.
Proficiency in Word and Excel is a critical requirement.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. We look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company’s vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. Chronicle Books is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply.

Hiring Salary Range: $47,500 – $54,625. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the expected salary for this position and will be determined by factors including but not limited to: applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and geographic location as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is also eligible for our profit share plan.

Benefits

Chronicle Books offers a full suite of benefits, including but not limited to: medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, a profit share plan, three weeks of paid vacation to start, two weeks of sick time per year, and company holidays, including a paid winter break between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, paid family, maternity, and paternity leave, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, annual tuition assistance, annual wellness stipend, and more.