Licensing Operations Associate Manager

HEARST MAGAZINE MEDIA INC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Hearst Magazines is seeking a Licensing Operations Associate Manager to own end-to-end licensing workflows, from contracts to renewals, partnering with Legal on redlines and rights questions. You will build scalable processes, dashboards, and automation to drive efficiency and data accuracy across Sales, Finance, Legal, Editorial, and brand teams.

The role is based in New York City, with a hybrid schedule requiring in-office work four days a week, and offers opportunities to optimize award

Qualifications

• 4+ years in licensing ops or related cross-functional workflows.
• Strong project-management and attention to detail.
• Experience with contract administration, invoicing, and CRM.
• Comfort developing reports and dashboards from data.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end licensing operations including contract routing, onboarding, invoicing, asset delivery, and renewals.
• Manage contract administration, redlines, and rights questions with Legal.
• Build scalable processes, SOPs, and systems for efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify automation opportunities and apply AI to improve productivity and data accuracy.
• Coordinate award submissions, manage timelines, assets, and stakeholders.
• Develop dashboards and reports on sales activity, KPIs, renewals, and metrics.
• Forecast capacity needs and ensure resources like rate cards and assets are up to date.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Legal, Marketing, Editorial, and brand teams.

Skills

Licensing operations

Contract administration

CRM systems

Data dashboards

Process improvement

Automation / AI awareness

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Be Part of What's Next

Help power the operations behind high-impact licensing programs and award initiatives across Hearst Magazines. As Licensing Operations Associate Manager, you'll bring structure, insight, and innovation to a fast-moving business-building smarter processes and ensuring teams have what they need to execute successfully.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S. inspires and entertains audiences wherever they are across every platform. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world-and together, we are shaping what's next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Own end-to-end licensing operations, including contract routing and execution, client onboarding, invoicing coordination, asset delivery, renewal tracking, and CRM management.
• Manage contract administration and recordkeeping, partnering with Legal on redlines, amendments, rights questions, and other contractual matters.
• Build and optimize scalable processes, SOPs, and systems that improve operational efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and business continuity.
• Identify and implement opportunities to automate manual workflows and leverage AI and other technologies to increase team productivity and data accuracy.
• Coordinate award-submission and licensing operations, managing submission intake, entrant and winner information, key timelines, PR contacts, embargo and live dates, asset deadlines, reporting, and licensing materials in partnership with Editorial and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting across sales activity, KPIs, deal stages, renewals, and other business metrics, surfacing trends, opportunities, and operational needs.
• Anticipate capacity and resource needs by maintaining visibility into upcoming award programs, submissions, licensing cycles, renewals, and deadlines, while ensuring Sales has current rate cards, one-sheets, emblems, award information, and other approved resources.
• Partner across Sales, Finance, Legal, Marketing, Creative, Editorial, and brand teams to execute licensing programs, resolve operational issues, and train team members on processes, systems, and operational best practices.

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)

• 4+ years of experience in licensing operations, sales operations, business operations, project management, or a related field, with experience managing complex, cross-functional workflows.
• Strong operational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholders while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Experience with contract administration, CRM systems, reporting, invoicing coordination, or similar business processes.
• A process-improvement mindset and demonstrated ability to build clear, scalable workflows and documentation.
• Comfort working with data and developing reports or dashboards that translate business activity into actionable insights.
• Curiosity about automation, AI, and emerging technologies, with an interest in applying new tools to improve productivity, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across business, creative, editorial, financial, and legal teams.
• This role is based in New York City and requires working in the office four days per week.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary range for this role is $66,300-$72,000. This position is not eligible for bonus or commission compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.