Job Description

Job Title: Contracts Manager

Location: Seattle, WA

Industry: Publishing / Media / Legal

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5+ Years)

Client Type: Global Publishing Leader

About the Role:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to join our client’s dynamic publishing team. In this role, you’ll take the lead on drafting, negotiating, and managing a high volume of contracts for book and audio publishing deals. Supporting editorial, production, and studio teams, you’ll serve as a key point of contact across multiple departments, helping to ensure smooth and timely execution of publishing agreements.

This position offers more autonomy than a typical legal support role, allowing you to take ownership of end-to-end contract processes while contributing to exciting cross-functional projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft contracts using established templates
• Negotiate contract terms using internal playbooks and maintain strong, positive relationships with external partners
• Act as a primary point of contact for editorial and downstream teams (e.g., studios, production)
• Explain contractual terms to non-legal stakeholders in a clear and approachable manner
• Maintain and update Excel-based contract tracking databases
• Manage a high volume of agreements efficiently while maintaining close attention to detail
• Join weekly team syncs and engage in day-to-day communications via Slack
• Optionally participate in cross-functional initiatives when time allows

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in contract drafting and negotiation
• Demonstrated ability to manage contract processes independently
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, especially when conveying legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word , Excel , and familiarity with Salesforce and SharePoint
• Bachelor’s degree required

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience in book publishing, audio publishing, or literary agencies
• Background supporting contractual agreements in media or intellectual property rights
• Understanding of rights acquisition or publishing deal structures

Team & Culture:

This role supports two major arms of our client’s publishing group:

• Publishing Division – supporting the acquisition of literary and media rights
• Audio Publishing Division – facilitating contracts to acquire audio rights for audiobook production

You’ll work alongside a collaborative and fast-paced team known for managing a high volume of contracts with efficiency and care. This is a great opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a global brand’s publishing success while growing in a role with real autonomy.

Ready to help shape the future of publishing? Apply now to join a forward-thinking team where your legal and negotiation skills will directly impact the world of books and audio content.

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