Contracts Assistant, Random House

Job Description

Contracts Assistant, Random House (Ballantine Bantam Dell, One World, Harmony Rodale & Roc Lit 101)

Contracts Assistant, Random House (Ballantine Bantam Dell, One World, Harmony Rodale & Roc Lit 101)

The Contracts Department at Penguin Random House represents an unrivaled roster of award-winning and celebrated titles across an editorial breadth that includes notable children's board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade books, break-out young adult fiction and non-fiction, adult fiction, narrative history, science, memoirs, study aids, self-help, personal development and topics of particular interest to women, as well as practical and prescriptive books and impactful titles on themes like teamwork, success, and leadership. The division partners closely with agents, authors, and publishing entities to finalize the acquisition of rights.

We are currently seeking a Contracts Assistant to join the Random House Publishing Group contracts, team. The Contracts Department represents an unrivaled roster of award-winning and celebrated 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 complete execution of contracts and provides the opportunity to interact with our Editorial and Royalties departments regularly; however, our group works with many different areas of the company affording the Contracts Assistant the opportunity to gain an encompassing view of the publishing industry. The Assistant will support the Associate Contracts Director while liaising with editorial, legal, royalties & accounting, and the various contracts teams.

Please apply using our ATS system and include your cover letter and resume to be considered.

The Role:
• Will work with the Ballantine Bantam Dell, One World, Harmony Rodale, and Roc Lit 101 imprints and draft and negotiate author and writer-for-hire contracts, 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
• Scan files and perform database maintenance
• Liaise with Royalties to ensure data for payments or changes to payment due dates is accurate
• Coordinate with team and internal resources to optimize the efficiency of processes and workflow
• Support additional project work for the group 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.

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-gxve7q-18-118-1-158-42 in your application.