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 Permissions and Copyright Coordinator reports to the Director of Intellectual Property in the Books Division of the University of Chicago Press. The Permissions and Copyright Coordinator manages all aspects of permissions granting for re-use of the Press’s books and journals content by third parties. This position also coordinates the copyright registration for all of the Press’s books and journals. These activities enhance the global presence and impact of the Press and its authors and make key contributions 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

• Serves as primary contact for publishers, agents, authors, and the general public regarding permission requests to re-use Press’s books and journals content.
• Analyzes publication agreements and assesses rights held by the Press in order to make independent decisions regarding re-use of Press’s intellectual property.
• Drafts and issues all permissions letters and invoices on behalf of the Press for re-use of both books and journals content and approves requests in Copyright Clearance Center.
• Maintains permissions granting policies, templates, and boilerplate language.
• Maintains permissions metadata for all books and journals in internal databases and in Copyright Clearance Center.
• Maintains the digital archive of permissions documents related to books and journals content.
• Serves as a liaison to other internal departments to facilitate the granting of permissions for re-use of Press’s intellectual property (e.g. first serial rights, reprinting of book chapters and journal articles, etc.).
• Ensures that the Press’s intellectual property policies and procedures are implemented in regards to re-use of Press content.
• Works closely with the Business Office and Royalties Department to ensure receipt and reconciliation of permissions income.
• Provides reporting on permissions activity and income to internal stakeholders.
• Coordinates the copyright registration of all books and journals with the Library of Congress Copyright Office.
• Maintains the copyright data in internal databases and the digital archive of copyright registration documentation.
• Assists with anti-piracy efforts and responses to copyright infringement.
• Assists with training and supervision of student assistants.
• Additional office and clerical functions as needed.
• 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:

• At least two years of relevant 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.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Handle large number of documents and projects with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Represent organization positively to internal and external clients.
• Ability to train others.
• Familiarity with scholarly content and communications.
• Familiarity with contracts and copyright law.

Working Conditions

• Requires 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

$18.28 - $23.65

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.