Publishing Rights Permissions Jobs in Chicago, IL

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

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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

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.