Rights Manager

Responsibilities

• Assist in the configuration of a centralized system for tracking all Word on Fire licensing agreements across all media platforms.
• Monitor contract terms, including expiration dates, print runs, and usage limits.
• Manage renewals of licensing agreements as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of all rights-related agreements across books, digital content, video, audio, and other media.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations across departments.
• Manage all requests to license third-party content (text, images, video, audio, music, etc.) for Word on Fire projects.
• Cook up with Publishing, Design, and other departments as appropriate, to facilitate permissions requests (e.g., excerpts for books, anthologies, or media projects).
• Identify rights holders, initiate contact, negotiate terms when needed, and execute agreements.
• Track all correspondence and documentation related to permissions.
• Ensure all licensed materials are properly credited and compliant with contract terms.
• Respond to external requests to reproduce or excerpt Word on Fire content across all media formats.
• Evaluate requests in light of organizational policies and existing agreements.
• Draft and execute licensing agreements for approved uses.

Requirements

• 5 years of rights management experience (publishing or media industry preferred).
• Strong commitment to the mission of Word on Fire and promoting high-quality, diverse Catholic media products.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing rights in a creative environment.
• Prior experience establishing processes.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong written communication skills, especially in professional correspondence and relationships.
• Familiarity with basic legal/contract terminology, workflows.
• Comfort with using technology to track rights usage through a process- and systems-based approach.
• Proficiency in Google (especially Docs and Sheets) and Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word).

Qualifications

• Experience in publishing, media, or intellectual property management.
• Familiarity with rights and permissions workflows in book publishing.
• Familiarity with systems including but not limited to Ironclad and Firebrand.
• Experience with contract management systems or databases.