The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Job Description

New York Times Opinion is looking for an experienced contracts administrator to manage the department’s guest-contributor contracts for content across various mediums, including essays, multimedia  projects, audio productions and video initiatives. 

This is a hybrid position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance. 

Responsibilities:

• Track content publishing across the department and ensure proper contracts are in place

• Collaborate with journalists and the legal department to negotiate and draft legal agreements

• Communicate and resolve complicated legal issues to Opinion leadership

• Manage contract databases to ensure all contract details are captured accurately 

• Oversee updates and exceptions to our standard contract protocols

• Work in close collaboration with editors, writers and NYT Licensing to ensure effective rights compliance 

• Continuously review practices, policies, systems and tools used for contracting freelancers to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance and smooth workflows

• Manage freelance relationships including those with our Contributing Writers

• Manage the Associate Operations Manager

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• This role reports to the Managing Editor, Opinion. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience

• 3+ years of experience working in a legal environment with contracts

• A demonstrated understanding of the legal issues facing creators and media organizations in a digital environment. 

• Experience with a heavy volume of requests

• Accessibility after hours or on weekends when circumstances require

Preferred Qualifications:

• Shows an interest in journalism, new media,  and understands the contours of the ever-shifting media business

• An adaptable disposition willing to change and face new challenges

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• The ability to work under deadline pressure

The annual base pay salary for this role is between