Counsel, Business Affairs and Legal

This is a Full Time Job

Counsel, Business Affairs and Legal

Zando, a nimble independent publisher, is looking for legal counsel to provide business affairs and legal support across the company, leading deal-making and reviewing, drafting and negotiating a variety of agreements.

This is a full-time position, NY based. Zando offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Company:

Founded by publishing executive Molly Stern, Zando is an independent publisher that connects inspiring authors to the audiences they deserve and helps readers find new books to love. Zando collaborates with Catalyst Partners-influential people, platforms and institutions-to acquire and publish books that reflect those Partners' deeply held passions and missions. Titles are published both under Partner imprints and Zando's own brand. Our goal is to bring attention to new and distinctive ideas and writers, spark meaningful cultural conversations, and upend the bestseller list.

Zando is backed by SISTER, the independent studio formed in 2019 to develop, produce and invest in visionary storytellers.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to Zando's Head of Finance & Operations, Dennis Lee, you will work closely with editorial, finance, marketing, and sales, to lead negotiations, draft and negotiate agreements, and otherwise provide legal advice as needed.

Duties:
- Lead the deal-making process and advise on strategy for transactions of varying complexity, from publishing deals to derivative rights deals to imprint deals and other strategic partnerships
- Draft, negotiate, and advise on wide range of agreements (digital, audio, and print publishing, imprint partnerships, film, television and other derivative rights, sublicensing, marketing, distribution, operations, and other areas)
- Provide clear analysis and advice on contract, copyright, and other matters affecting business operations
- Ensure effective operations and workflow by interfacing with all departments across the organization
- Maintain and hone contract administration and document and rights management processes
- Manage an appropriate balance of internal and external contractual and legal resources, including liaising with external counsel as needed for efficient operations and risk management

Requirements:

- Lawyer licensed and in good standing to practice law in New York State with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
- Legal experience in key areas, including intellectual property, content creation, and commercial contracts
- Experience dealing with agent community as it relates to drafting author contracts and negotiating terms
- Experience drafting and negotiating subsidiary rights contracts
- Experience in drafting and negotiating other commercial contracts including non-disclosure agreements, distribution agreements, work for hire agreements and freelance contractor agreements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe; experience with rights and title management platforms a plus
- Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility to work as part of a small, busy organization
- Practical approach, with the ability to balance legal risk and business needs
- Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Strong verbal and written communication at all levels of the organization
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask, including the ability to manage high volume of wide-ranging, multiple projects simultaneously
- Self-starting, highly motivated
- Integrity and discretion in handling confidential information

Salary: $125,000
Benefits: Health; Dental; 401K

How to apply: