Intellectual Property Manager

University of Chicago•Indianapolis, IN

1d•$51,000 - $66,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Intellectual Property Manager reports to the Director of Intellectual Property in the Books Division of the University of Chicago Press. The position supports the acquisition and publication of new content in the Books and Journals Divisions, assists with audio rights strategy and licensing, and oversees the Copyright and Permissions Coordinator, including permissions requests and copyright registration for Press publications. These activities support the Press’s global presence and impact and contribute to its income. The position is based at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus and requires location in the Chicago area. The manager handles publication and related agreements, maintains rights, contracts, permissions records, and digital archives, and advises Press staff and external parties on intellectual property matters. The role also supervises and trains the Permissions & Copyright Coordinator and student assistants, contributes to IP policies and process improvements, and works with the IP Director on audiobook licensing and strategy. Additional editorial duties include reviewing typeset proofs and coordinating manuscript editing and proof review through book production. The role requires some domestic travel, extended periods working at a computer, and the ability to lift boxes of books. Scheduled weekly hours are 37.5. The position is salary, exempt, and benefits eligible. The stated pay range is $51,000–$66,000.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Two to five years of work experience in a related job discipline, or knowledge and skills developed through that experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Interpersonal, customer service, organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills; attention to detail and creativity.
Ability to respond promptly and appropriately to emails and queries, maintain confidentiality, work collaboratively and independently with initiative, manage multiple projects and deadlines, handle many documents accurately, manage stressful situations, and represent the organization positively.
Ability to train others.
Familiarity with scholarly content and communications, contracts, and copyright law.
Ability to undertake some domestic travel, spend extended periods at a computer, and lift boxes of books.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Graduate work.
Two years of experience in publishing or a related field.
One year of supervisory experience.
Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Draft and issue original book publication and series contracts, amendments, cancellations, subsidy agreements, and specialized contributor agreements; assist with co-publication agreements.
Assist with acquiring translation rights, tracking processes, and submitting advance payment requests.
Support backlist reprint title renewals through process tracking, data management, and review of renewal agreements proposed by licensors.
Maintain and update contracts and permissions templates and boilerplate language in accordance with intellectual property trends and industry best practices.
Maintain contracts, rights, and permissions data in Press databases.
Maintain digital archives of legal documents related to Press books content, journal acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
Liaise with Press departments on publishing matters, including third-party permissions, serial licensing agreements, and use of Books Division content for publicity, marketing, and design or production.
Serve as a liaison to publishers, agents, authors, and the public regarding Press intellectual property.
Analyze publication agreements and Press-held rights to make independent decisions about future use or reuse of Press intellectual property.
Train and guide publishers, managing editors, and journal staff on third-party permissions issues.
Train and supervise the Permissions & Copyright Coordinator and student assistants; oversee permissions requests and copyright registration for compliance with Press policies and governmental requirements.
Analyze permissions activity to inform fee structures and identify process-efficiency opportunities.
Keep best-practice documentation for the Coordinator and student assistants current as legal and organizational factors change.
Improve departmental workflows and implement technology solutions, including representing the IP department in interdepartmental development groups and meeting with IT as needed.
Contribute to setting Press intellectual property policies and ensure procedures are implemented for publication agreements, licensing, third-party permissions, and reuse of Press content.
Work with the IP Director on audio rights licensing and manage relationships with audio publishers for Press Books titles, including inquiries, offers, negotiation, and template agreements.
Coordinate audiobook licensing, approvals, advance and file-fee payments, and production with stakeholders.
Develop or maintain audio strategy spreadsheets tracking frontlist and backlist audiobook production options and workflows.
Check typeset proofs before author review; review proofs or revised copy returned by authors, approve or reject changes, enter author changes as appropriate, and check typeset pages.
Coordinate manuscript editing and proof review through book binding, and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.
Perform other related work as needed.