Department

Press Books Contracts And Intellectual Property

About the Department

Since its origins in 1890, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

Job Summary

The Intellectual Property Manager reports to the Director of Intellectual Property in the Books Division of the University of Chicago Press. The IP Manager provides support for the acquisition and publication of new content in the Books and Journals Divisions, assists the Director of Intellectual Property with audio rights strategy and licensing, and oversees the work of the Copyright and Permissions Coordinator, which includes the processing of permissions requests for re-use of the Press’s books and journals content and registering copyright for all Press publications. These activities enhance the global presence and impact of the Press and its authors and make key contributions to the Press’s income. The position is based on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus and location in the Chicago area will be required.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and issues all original book publication and series contracts as well as amendments, cancellations, subsidy agreements, and specialized contributor agreements; assists the Director of IP with the drafting and issuing of co-publication agreements.
• Assists the International Rights Manager with the acquisition of translation rights, including process tracking and submitting advance payment requests.
• Assists the Paperbacks Editor with the management of backlist reprint title renewals, including process tracking, data management, and reviewing renewal agreements proposed by licensors. 
• Maintains and updates contracts and permissions templates and boilerplate language on an ongoing basis in accordance with evolving trends in intellectual property and industry best practices.
• Maintains contracts, rights, and permissions data in Press databases.
• Maintains the digital archive of legal documents related to Press books content.
• Acts as a liaison to other Press departments to help facilitate the publishing process, especially consulting on 3rd party permissions issues, serial licensing agreements, and use of materials from Books Division titles for publicity, marketing, and design/production purposes. 
• Serves as a liaison to publishers, agents, authors, and the general public regarding Press IP. 
• Analyzes publication agreements and assesses rights held by the Press in order to make independent decisions regarding future use or re-use of Press IP.
• Provides training and guidance to Publishers, Managing Editors, and other journals staff on questions pertaining to 3rd party permissions issues.
• Maintains a digital archive of legal documents related to journal acquisitions and licensing agreements.
• Trains and supervises the Permissions & Copyright Coordinator and student assistants, oversees the Coordinator’s work evaluating and granting permissions requests and filing for copyright registration, ensuring compliance with Press policies and governmental requirements, and providing guidance to enhance decision-making accuracy and efficiency.
• Analyzes permissions activity to help determine updates to fee structures and identify opportunities to increase process efficiency.
• Ensures that best-practice documentation used by the Coordinator and student assistants is kept up to date as legal and organizational factors change. 
• Devises improvements to departmental workflows and implements technology solutions to improve efficiency on an ongoing basis including representing the IP dept in interdepartmental groups dedicated to on-going development projects, and attending meetings with IT department when necessary.
• Contributes to setting the Press’s intellectual property policies and ensures that procedures are implemented in regard to publication agreements, licensing agreements, 3rd party permissions, and re-use of Press content.
• Works closely with the IP Director on audio rights licensing and manages relationships with a portfolio of audio publishers for Press Books titles, including fielding inquiries and offers, negotiating terms, and developing template agreements.
• Communicates and coordinates with stakeholders to effectuate audiobook licensing, approvals, advance/file fee payment, and production.
• Develops and/or maintains audio strategy spreadsheets for tracking front- and backlist audiobook production options and workflows.

• Checks typeset proofs before author review. Reviews typeset proofs or revised written copy returned by authors and approves or rejects changes. Enters author changes as appropriate and checks typeset pages.

• Coordinate all stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate work.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in publishing or a related field.
• One year of supervisory experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Microsoft Office.
• Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Creativity.
• Supervisory experience.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emails and queries.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work as part of a team.
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Handle large number of documents and projects with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Manage stressful situations.
• Represent organization positively to internal and external clients.
• Ability to train others.
• Familiarity with scholarly content and communications.
• Familiarity with contracts and copyright law.

Working Conditions

• Requires some domestic travel.
• Requires extended periods of time at a computer.
• Must be able to lift boxes of books.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$51,000.00 - $66,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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