Senior Contracts Manager

at  Hachette Book Group

The Senior Contracts Manager will be responsible for drafting and negotiating a wide variety of author agreements (and associated documents) for Hachette’s very active juvenile and gift imprints (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), Running Press (RP) and WorthyKids (WK)). The individual will work closely with a Director of the department, and will actively manage the work of a Contracts Coordinator, and/or Contracts Assistant (including handling reviews, assignment of work and facilitation of training needs). The job will also entail participation in technology projects and in devising strategies to streamline workflow.
This position is based in our NY office on a two-day a week hybrid model.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 3-5 years of drafting experience and high level of expertise with standard juvenile publishing contract terms
• Direct experience negotiating with agents
• Expertise in word, power point, excel and other standard computer programs (experience with a title management system is a plus)
• Good communicator and team playerc
  As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
  Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
  The compensation range for this position is $75,000-$80,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
  The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Drafting and negotiating author and illustrator agreements and amendments for LBYR, RP and WK
• Drafting and/or reviewing all work-for-hire agreements for LBYR, RP and WK including responding to editor queries about such agreements
• Assigning, reviewing and checking the work of the Contracts Associate and Contracts Assistant.
• Drafting (as applicable), reviewing and negotiating third party licenses to UK publishers
• Drafting (as applicable), and reviewing intercompany term sheets with Hachette UK affiliated companies
• Reviewing and signing payment requests
• Reviewing, advising on and approving deal memos/offer terms
• Reviewing responses to publishing rights reversion requests for LBYR, RP and WK.
• Assigning, reviewing and checking the work of the Contracts Coordinators and/or Contracts Assistant.
• Fielding queries from editors, agents and other colleagues
• Other duties as may reasonably be assigned