Contracts Assistant

6w1 month ago

Bertelsmann

New York City, US · Full-time · $51,000 – $51,000

About this role

The contracts department at Penguin Random House seeks a Contracts Assistant to join The Crown Publishing Group and Sourcebooks contracts team. This role is integral to drafting, negotiating, and executing contracts. Partners with editorial, legal, royalties, agents, authors, and publishing entities to finalize rights acquisitions.

Day-to-day work includes managing inquiries from Editorial, Subsidiary Rights, and Royalties departments. Routes contracts for signatures, conducts research, scans files, and maintains databases. Liaises with Royalties for accurate payment data and optimizes processes with the team.

Supports an unrivaled roster of award-winning titles across children’s books, young adult fiction, adult non-fiction, memoirs, self-help, and leadership books. Works closely with Contracts Director and Associate Contracts Director. Handles rights for all titles at Penguin Random House and Sourcebooks.

Ideal for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter who manages diverse responsibilities efficiently. Prove ability to draft and negotiate independently, then step back for the big picture. Assumes greater responsibilities over time while comfortable asking for help.

Requirements

Self-starter with impeccable attention to detail when drafting and reviewing contracts
Proactive and independent approach to work, with strong ability to problem-solve autonomously
Able to apply organizational methods to meet deadlines and manage a busy Outlook inbox
Timely follow-up skills with contracts team, authors, agents, and departments; prioritizes multiple projects in a detail-focused environment
Curious mind that enjoys research projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe (PDF), and Excel; ability to learn new applications
History or interest in communications, literature, or publishing field is a plus

Responsibilities

Drafts and negotiates author, illustrator, and writer-for-hire contracts and amendments, and handles rights reversions
Manages contracts inquiries from Editorial, Subsidiary Rights, and Royalties departments
Routes contracts and amendments to appropriate parties for signature
Conducts contract research
Scans files and performs database maintenance
Liaises with Royalties to ensure accurate data for payments or changes to payment due dates
Coordinates with team and internal resources to optimize processes and workflow
Supports additional project work for the group as needed