International Rights Associate

Department

Press Books Contracts And Intellectual Property

About the Department

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 Associate in the Books Division of the University of Chicago Press reports to the International Rights Manager and supports the licensing of translation rights and English-language reprint rights for Press books as part of the Intellectual Property Department. These activities enhance the global presence and impact of the Press and its authors and contribute to the Press’s income. Depending on experience and skills, the International Rights Associate may focus on specific languages and territories. The position is based on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus and location in the Chicago area will be required.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the International Rights Manager to develop strategies for promoting Press titles to international markets.
• Grow and maintain relationships with international publishers and agents in assigned territories.
• Contribute analysis and reporting on trends in assigned territories to internal stakeholders.
• Identify and cultivate promising or emerging markets within assigned territories.
• Communicate directly with international publishers and agents worldwide.
• Create promotional materials and targeted pitches for each seasonal catalog, for special market segments, and for backlist titles.
• Design international rights newsletter and targeted email marketing campaigns.
• Respond to rights inquiries and routine correspondence concerning the administration of new and existing translation licenses.
• Negotiate and conduct auctions for new subrights licenses and renewals in assigned territories in cooperation with International Rights Manager.
• Issue translation licenses, letters of cancellation, amendments, and license extensions.
• Track contractual documents through signature process.
• Work closely with the Intellectual Property Department and the Business Office to maintain accurate records of licenses and rights inquiries in databases and physical files.
• Attend international book fairs.
• Follow up on meetings at international book fairs on behalf of the International Rights Manager and Director of IP.
• Conduct virtual meetings with international partners, authors, and clients as needed.
• Attend editorial meetings as needed.
• Assist with training and supervising student workers in providing appropriate office support.  
• Assists in developing marketing communications, advertising, or publicity materials with a moderate to high level of guidance from others.
• Performs one or more of the following marketing functions: marketing communications /advertising; Web blogs or digital marketing; market research; development or review and update of the marketing infrastructure and management of external sales agency relationships.
• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.  

Experience:

• Two years of experience in publishing or a related field.    

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Microsoft Office.
• Adobe Creative Suite.
• HTML marketing campaign software.
• Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• Ability to represent organization positively to internal and external clients.
• 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

• Some domestic and international travel.
• Extended periods of time at a computer.
• Must be able to lift boxes of books.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$18.31 - $23.69

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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