Job Abstract

Hachette Book Group, a leading book publisher, is looking to appoint a Contracts Director reporting into the VP, Head of Contracts and based in New York.  The Contracts Director will be responsible for a variety of high-profile Author contracts and for the templates and protocols by which contracts are negotiated. This will include representing HGB in negotiations with agents, supporting Editor and Publisher negotiations and managing a variety of matters of internal communication. The area of focus will be Hachette’s very active adult imprints. The individual will work closely with 2 other Contracts Directors, additional senior staff and will actively manage the work of junior staff members (including handling reviews, assignment of work and facilitation of training needs). The job will also entail participation in projects and in devising strategies to streamline workflow, as well as help in restructuring.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Drafting and negotiating high profile author agreements, including writing clauses and helping to shape new contracts boilerplates and identifying areas of recurrent negotiation pressures; 
• Applying and maintaining industry knowledge on the terms of publishing agreements including with authors, illustrators, and other types of contributors, to ensure HBG secures optimum rights for successful projects, while maintaining fairness and relationships with negotiation partners and agents; 
• Develop and implement procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with company policy. As appropriate, contribute to or influence company policies;
• Managing and directing junior members of the Contracts Department; 
• Responding to editors/publishers during acquisition process, including advising on auctions and deal memos;
• Assigning, reviewing and checking the work of junior staff members and providing active mentorship; 
• Drafting (as applicable), reviewing and negotiating third party licenses;
• Exploring solutions and procedures to make contracts processing more time efficient and implementing these. Encouraging the use of good, shared practice throughout the department;
• Other duties as may reasonably be assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Sound understanding and knowledge of the book publishing industry and book publishing agreements, including financial literacy of the industry
• A minimum of three years’ experience at a senior level within the contracts/legal function of a media company, ideally, a book publishing company
• Direct management experience of a team/department
• A sound knowledge of publishing related rights, and familiarity with key concepts within intellectual property contracts
• Ability to draft and negotiate both commercial and legal terms of agreements with excellent degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• High level of written and verbal communication skills
• Flexible and able to prioritize demands on time and re-order priorities as required
• Positive attitude, collaborative and able to operate at both strategic and operational level
• Expertise in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other standard computer programs (experience with a title management system is a plus) 

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.          

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.          

The compensation range for this position is $125,000-$140,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.           

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.