International Rights Manager

Position description

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 International Rights Manager in the Books Division of the University of Chicago Press reports to the Director of Intellectual Property and is responsible for promoting the licensing of translation rights and English-language reprint rights for Press books, as well as the acquisition of rights for translations published by the Press. The IR Manager also oversees the work of the International Rights Associate. These activities enhance the global presence and impact of the Press and its authors and contribute 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

• Develop strategies for promoting frontlist and backlist titles for subrights licensing in the appropriate international markets.
• Work closely with Marketing and Sales to identify promising or emerging markets.
• Work closely with Acquisitions to understand the potential of the list and individual titles.
• Represent the International Rights Department in editorial meetings.
• Grow and maintain relationships with international publishers and agents.
• Communicate rights activities and deal information to authors and internal stakeholders.
• Attend three-four international book fairs annually and other trade events.
• Conduct virtual meetings with international partners, authors, and clients as needed.
• Maintain and update licensing agreement templates on an ongoing basis in accordance with evolving trends in intellectual property and industry best practices.
• Draft new contractual boiler plates for specific licensing situations, as needed.
• Maintain data for contacts, inquiries, and completed deals in the Press databases.
• Negotiate and complete incoming translation and English-language reprint rights deals.
• Handle renewals and cancellations.
• Supervise the tracking of contractual documents through signature process.
• Assist editors in acquiring English-language rights.
• Apply for subsidies to support English-language translations and
• Draft and maintain proprietor translation agreement boiler plates.
• Communicate proprietor translation policies and procedures internally and update guidelines as needed.
• Project, track, and report on revenue, licensing activity, and trends.
• Assist Director of IP with management of departmental budget.
• Work with Press IT to make improvements to internal reports and revenue tracking capabilities on an ongoing basis.
• Provide subrights revenue estimates to help guide acquisitions strategy as needed.
• Work closely with the Business Office to ensure receipt and reconciliation of royalty reports and payments.
• Supervise and train the International Rights Associate and a student assistant.
• Hire employees for temporary departmental projects (e.g. seasonal highlights translation).
• Implement division of territories and responsibilities with International Rights Associate and assess and adjust on an ongoing basis.
• Devise improvements to departmental workflows and implement technology solutions to improve efficiency on an ongoing basis.
• Coordinate work of other IP Dept staff in providing support on proprietor translation activities.
• Devise annual strategy for international rights participation in at least four international book fairs and other international business meetings according to market trends and licensing priorities.
• Oversee the preparation of tip sheets, rights catalogs, and other promotional materials.
• Oversee strategy for international rights newsletter and other targeted email campaigns.
• Contribute to setting the Press’s intellectual property policies and procedures in regards to international rights licensing and ensure that these policies are implemented.

• Develops marketing communications, advertising, or publicity materials with a moderate level of guidance from others. Develops, plans, and coordinates the development and production of marketing and publicity materials and campaigns, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.

• May train the work of lower level marketing staff.

• 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:

• One year of supervisory experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Microsoft Office.
• Adobe Creative Suite.

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.
• 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.
• Manage stressful situations.
• Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Represent organization positively to internal and external clients.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to train others.
• Familiarity with scholarly content and communications.
• Familiarity with contracts and copyright law.
• Knowledge of at least one foreign language.
• Negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of specific international markets.

Working Conditions

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

Application instructions

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