Contracts Assistant

Description

Chronicle Books seeks an analytical and detail-orientated Contracts Assistant to join our 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 individual who is interested in the legal side of publishing. 

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

Key Responsibilities: The Contracts Assistant will field all contract requests submitted to the department, assist the Director of Contracts and Contracts Manager in drafting contracts and amendments, track and follow up on unsigned contracts and amendments, process final contracts, and track, process, and respond to permissions requests. They will also record permissions activity in the database, negotiate appropriate fees for permissions licenses, and assist in filing for copyright registration with the Copyright Office.

Hiring Salary Range: $22.84 - $26.26/hr. 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, an applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is 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.

Schedule: Employees at Chronicle Books will follow a regular hybrid schedule in our San Francisco office of at least three (3) in-office days per week and up to five (5) in-office days per week, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the activities required of the employee. 

To Apply: Please follow the link to submit a resume and cover letter via our career site. 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 look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company’s vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace, and we are 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.

About Us: Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists, writers, and business partners who represent the diversity of our world and to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Requirements

Applicants will need proficiency in Word and Excel, and they should have up to one year of professional work experience (full time or internships). Previous publishing experience or interest in publishing is preferred, along with previous exposure to publishing licensing/contracts. They should possess exceptional project management abilities, a strong attention to detail, effective time management skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Lastly, excellent collaboration, communication (written and verbal), and customer service skills are required.