Manager, Rights and Permissions

Role Summary

The Rights and Permissions manager organizes and oversees the daily workload of licensing coordinators and assistants, ensuring efficient execution of core tasks such as tracking inbound assets, verifying licenses, and entering data into rights management systems. This role monitors task progress, guides team members on standard procedures, clarifies licensing issues, troubleshoots routine problems, and escalates significant risks or contract concerns. The manager reinforces procedure adherence, supports team understanding of copyright basics, and leverages AI tools to optimize workflows for greater accuracy and speed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for licensing coordinators and assistants, assigning tasks and ensuring timely completion of asset tracking, license checks, and data entry in rights management systems.
• Monitor task progress, provide guidance on standard procedures, and resolve licensing queries to maintain workflow momentum.
• Troubleshoot routine issues, escalate high-risk contract concerns or compliance gaps, and coach team members to prevent recurring errors.
• Reinforce adherence to procedures and build team knowledge of copyright fundamentals through practical training and feedback.
• Utilize AI tools (e.g., Copilot Studio, NotebookLM, or similar) to automate and optimize rights workflows, such as data validation, error detection, and reporting.
• Respond promptly to product/business teams' inquiries on asset ownership and licensing status.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achieve high team accuracy in inputting and updating licensing data.
• Minimize overlooked or expired licenses through proactive tracking.
• Ensure timely completion of all clearance activities.
• Reduce preventable errors across the team.
• Maintain sustained compliance with workflow standards.
• Conduct effective coaching conversations to address and eliminate recurring mistakes.

Behavioral Expectations

• Respond quickly and clearly to product/business teams' questions on asset ownership and licensing.
• Analyze error trends, encourage learning from mistakes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Coordinate workload handoffs with adjacent departments to enable seamless collaboration.
• Model fairness, share practical copyright insights, and build team confidence in handling complex permissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law/Publishing/Business OR a related field; advanced certification in intellectual property (IP) OR content compliance preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in rights and permissions management, content compliance OR licensing, with at least 1 year in a people management role.
• Proven background in either rights/permissions (e.g., asset clearance, contract negotiation) or content compliance (e.g., risk assessment, regulatory adherence).
• Demonstrated expertise in AI tools for workflow optimization (e.g., AI-driven automation in Excel, Power BI, Copilot Studio, or NotebookLM) to streamline data-heavy processes like permissions tracking and reporting.
• Knowledge of copyright law, licensing agreements, and/or compliance workflows.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and rights management systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while balancing accuracy and deadlines.