Job Description:NOTE: This role is based in New York City and encourages a minimum of two days per week in the SoHo office. Some roles or teams may require additional in-office attendance if the essential functions of the role require it.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking an experienced and business-minded Senior Contracts Manager to support our publishing and licensing operations. This role will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, with a strong emphasis on license agreements with major brands and intellectual property owners, as well as publishing agreements with authors, illustrators, and other creative contributors.
The ideal candidate combines strong contract drafting and problem solving skills with practical business judgment, the ability to handle a large volume of contracts and partner effectively with internal business people, and experience navigating complex brand licensing relationships.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including:
- Brand and intellectual property license agreements
- Publishing agreements with authors, illustrators, , work for hire agreements and other contributors
- Amendments, renewals, and related contract documentation
- Negotiate contracts with major brand partners, licensors, agents, and rights holders
- Communicate with business people across various departments to resolve contract issues.
- Provide practical, business-oriented guidance to editorial, licensing and product teams. Advise in-house staff about contract interpretation, industry custom and practice.
- Ensure agreements align with company business objectives while protecting legal and commercial interests
- Identify contractual risks and propose commercially reasonable solutions during negotiations
- Maintain contract templates and support the development of standardized agreements
- Track contract status, key terms, and obligations in collaboration with internal stakeholders
- Coordinate with legal counsel when necessary on complex or high-value agreements
- , Mentor and collaborate with more junior contract department staff and provide a second-level review of agreements.
- Support rights management and compliance with license terms
Some benefits that we offer:
- Full suite of health and wellness benefits (including a $0 deductible Medical Plan)
- Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with options for both Roth and Traditional Contributions
- Tuition-Free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Generous Parental Leave Program
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity for discounted stock at a 15% discount
Thank you for your consideration in choosing Scholastic.
QualificationsHOW YOU CAN FIT
(Qualifications)Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Significant experience negotiating brand license agreements with large IP holders. Experience with toy and media companies is a plus.
- Experience with author, illustrator, and creative contributor agreements
- Strong understanding of intellectual property and publishing rights structures
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
- Ability to balance legal risk with business priorities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with editorial, licensing, and business teams
Key Attributes:- Ability to translate deal terms into an agreement, work independently, problem solve and draft contract language where no precedent is available.
- Business-friendly and solutions-oriented
- Excellent business judgment and practical decision-making
- Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Able to manage multiple agreements and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative and responsive partner to internal stakeholders
Experience: 10+ years of experience in contract drafting and negotiation, preferably within publishing, media, entertainment, or consumer products licensing
Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree is a plus
Time Type:Full time
Job Type:Regular
Job Family Group:Legal
Location Region/State:New York
Compensation Range:Annual Salary: 120,000.00 - 150,000.00
