Contracts Assistant

Job Description

Contracts Assistant, Penguin Random House

We are currently seeking a Contracts Assistant to join the Penguin Random House contracts team. The Contracts Department represents an unrivaled roster of award-winning and celebrate titles across an editorial breadth. The division partners closely with agents, authors, and publishing entities to finalize the acquisition of rights.

The Contracts Assistant is an integral part of the drafting, negotiating, and full execution of contracts and provides the opportunity to interact with many other departments, authors, illustrators, agents as well as attorneysThe applicant will support the contracts group while liaising with legal, royalties & accounting, and the various contracts teams across the Penguin Random House editorial and licensing breadth from adult titles to kids.

The Role:
• Float across the various publishing contract divisions and imprints at Penguin Random House and draft and negotiate contracts (domestic and international rights), permission releases, and contract amendments, and handle rights reversions
• Manage contracts inquiries from other departments such as Editorial, Subsidiary Rights (a team that sells translation and other rights), and Royalties
• Route contracts and amendments to appropriate parties for signature
• Conduct contract research
• Generate, maintain, and distribute any status reports
• Scan files and perform Ad Hoc file/database maintenance
• Liaise with Finance to ensure data for payments or changes to payment due dates is accurate
• Coordinate with team and internal resources to optimize efficiency of processes and workflow
• Support additional project work for the group or other groups within the Contracts Department as needed

The Essentials:
• A self-starter with impeccable attention to detail when drafting and reviewing contracts
• It is essential that the candidate possesses a proactive and independent approach to work, including a strong ability to problem solve autonomously
• Able to apply organizational methods and strategies to meet deadlines and manage a busy inbox on Outlook.
• Timely follow-up skills with the contracts team, authors, agents and other departments and able to prioritize and complete multiple projects in a rapidly changing, details-focused environment
• A curious mind that enjoys research projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe (PDF), and Excel and an avid interest and ability to learn new applications
• A history or interest in journalism, communications, literature, or a related publishing field are a plus, please note that this position will not report to the Penguin Random House Legal Department

Entry-level salary for this position is $45,000. Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program, kindly include your cover letter and resume in our application system.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rox482-13-58-252-8-42 in your application.