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Publishing Rights Permissions Jobs in Chicago, IL

Word On Fire

Rights Manager

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Coordinate with Publishing, Design, and other departments as appropriate, to facilitate permissions requests (e.g., excerpts for books, anthologies, or media projects) * Identify rights holders ...

Word On Fire

Rights Manager

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Coordinate with Publishing, Design, and other departments as appropriate, to facilitate permissions requests (e.g., excerpts for books, anthologies, or media projects) * Identify rights holders ...

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... publishing using an online content management system. • Write effective headlines, teasers, and ... • Ensure rights and permissions are secured for all content and media assets. • Research ...

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... publishing using an online content management system. • Write effective headlines, teasers, and ... • Ensure rights and permissions are secured for all content and media assets. • Research ...

All JobsPublishing Rights Permissions JobsPublishing Rights Permissions Jobs in Chicago, IL

Publishing Rights Permissions information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$93.9K

$126.2K

How much do publishing rights permissions jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for publishing rights permissions in Chicago, IL is $93,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $124,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are publishing rights permissions?

Publishing rights permissions refer to the legal rights and licenses granted to use, reproduce, distribute, or adapt content—such as text, images, or music—in various publishing formats. These permissions are essential to ensure that publishers, authors, and creators do not infringe on intellectual property laws when using someone else's work. Obtaining the appropriate permissions may involve negotiating with rights holders, understanding copyright law, and sometimes paying fees for usage. Properly managing rights and permissions is crucial for avoiding legal issues and ensuring ethical publishing practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Publishing Rights Permissions Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Publishing Rights Permissions Specialist, you need a solid understanding of copyright law, licensing practices, and contract management, typically supported by a degree in publishing, law, or a related field. Familiarity with rights management databases, document tracking systems, and digital rights platforms is crucial. Attention to detail, negotiation skills, and effective communication help manage complex agreements and foster positive relationships with authors and rights holders. These skills are vital to ensure legal compliance, maximize revenue opportunities, and protect the interests of both publishers and content creators.

What is the difference between Publishing Rights Permissions vs Music Licensing Specialist?

AspectPublishing Rights PermissionsMusic Licensing Specialist
CredentialsMusic industry knowledge, copyright law understandingMusic industry knowledge, copyright law understanding
Work EnvironmentMusic publishers, record labels, copyright officesMusic publishers, licensing agencies, media companies
Employer & Industry UsageMusic publishers, rights organizationsMedia companies, licensing agencies
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding rights permissions for musicSecuring licenses for music use

Publishing Rights Permissions involve obtaining approval from rights holders to use or reproduce music. Music Licensing Specialists focus on securing legal licenses for music use in various media. While both roles require knowledge of copyright law and industry standards, Publishing Rights Permissions primarily deal with rights clearance, whereas Music Licensing Specialists handle the contractual process of licensing music for specific projects.

What are the typical challenges faced in a Publishing Rights Permissions role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Publishing Rights Permissions often encounter challenges such as navigating complex copyright laws, negotiating usage rights with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring timely responses to permission requests. Managing these challenges effectively involves staying up-to-date on international copyright regulations, maintaining strong communication with authors, agents, and legal teams, and developing efficient tracking systems for permissions documentation. Building strong relationships and maintaining organized records are vital for ensuring compliance and facilitating smooth publication processes.
What are popular job titles related to Publishing Rights Permissions jobs in Chicago, IL? For Publishing Rights Permissions jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Publishing Rights Permissions jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Publishing Rights Permissions jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Publishing Rights Permissions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Publishing Rights Permissions job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 87% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,890 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Rights Manager

Word On Fire

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Rights Manager
Reports to Compliance Director
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Bishop Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into-or back to-the Catholic faith.
The Rights Manager serves Word on Fire (WOF) by overseeing rights management across all intellectual property (including books, digital content, video, audio, and other media) in the ministry. The Rights Manager ensures that all third-party content used by Word on Fire is properly licensed and that Word on Fire's own intellectual property is responsibly managed and protected.
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Employment Type: Full-time
Responsibilities
Contract Lifecycle & Rights Management
  • 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

Third Party Permissions & Licensing
  • Manage all requests to license third-party content (text, images, video, audio, music, etc.) for Word on Fire projects
  • Coordinate 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

Incoming Rights Requests
  • 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

Software Rights
  • Assist Compliance Director with monitoring of software licensing for third-party software licenses and WOF-licensed software

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
  • Ability 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)

Preferred 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

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment which involves frequent repetitive motions of the hands and wrists
  • Ability to work in an open-office environment with moderate noise levels (e.g., computers, printers, conversations/calls, and light traffic)
  • Must be able to inspect documents, view computer screens for extended periods, and navigate software interfaces to perform duties as assigned
  • Frequent communications with internal and external partners; must be able to exchange accurate information, requiring clear speech and the ability to hear or understand verbal communication

Compensation and Benefits
The estimated base pay range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 annually. Word on Fire determines individual compensation on several factors, including but not limited to, experience, skills, alignment with the role's responsibilities, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for annual merit increases based on individual performance.
Word on Fire offers its team members a robust benefits package that includes:
  • Several 100% Word on Fire-paid insurance benefits: life, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Other insurance benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
  • A retirement plan with a 3% target employer contribution
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Paid parental leaves at 100% of base salary
  • Access to Word on Fire's incredible wealth of content and resources and more!

Word on Fire is founded upon and intent on prioritizing its Catholic religious mission and principles above all else. Word on Fire's religious mission may therefore require that it make employment decisions based on an individual's religion and adherence to the principles of the Catholic Church.

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