Contracts Manager (Book Publishing / Legal)

New York, NY (In-Office) \| Full-Time \| $85,000 - $110,000/year

About the Role

A major independent, employee-owned book publisher is hiring a Contracts Manager to join its contracts department. Reporting to the Contracts Director, this person will have primary responsibility for contracts related to the publisher’s children’s books program while also working on adult trade agreements.

The role involves drafting, negotiating, and redlining a wide range of book and subsidiary rights contracts, advising editorial staff on contractual issues during acquisitions, and creating and updating all boilerplate language. The manager will also review agreements prepared by Contract Associates and Assistants and serve as a resource on contracting practices and procedures across the organization.

This position is based at the publisher’s New York City headquarters.

What the Role Covers

• Drafting, negotiating, and redlining book and subsidiary rights contracts across children’s and adult trade publishing
• Creating and updating all contract boilerplates
• Advising editorial staff on contractual issues and assisting with acquisitions
• Reviewing and correcting agreements prepared by Contract Associates and Contracts Assistants
• Preparing unique agreements and letters as needed
• Advising employees on contract drafting practices and procedures
• Assisting the Contracts Director as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) required
• 5\+ years of industry experience in book publishing and/or literary agency, reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts
• Experience with children’s publishing contracts preferred
• Comfort with both traditional and non-traditional publishing arrangements
• Fluency in financial and legal issues relevant to publishing agreements
• Thorough understanding of copyright and intellectual property law
• Ability to conduct complex negotiations
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational ability
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office 365 and DocuSign
• Must be able to work from the New York City office

Compensation and Benefits

• $85,000 - $110,000/year depending on experience and skills
• Profit-sharing bonus eligibility
• 401(k) with discretionary employer contribution matching
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and summer Friday afternoons starting in July
• Health benefits including PPO, EPO, and high-deductible medical options, plus vision, dental, FSAs, and gym reimbursement
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-provided laptop and employee book discounts

Visit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.