POSITION DESCRIPTION Name: Job title: Senior Image and Permissions Researcher Date: September 2018 Department: Global Product Management Reports to: Permissions Research Manager Basic purpose: The Senior Image and Permissions Researcher supports the Permissions Research Manager and undertakes image research and clearance for textual and visual permissions for titles published across the Primary, Secondary and Higher Education publishing departments. Principal accountabilities: Key Outcome Area % of Total Job Objectives and Core Competencies Standards Image research, clearance of copyright for titles published across the Primary, Secondary and Higher Education publishing departments and media asset management 60% Undertake research and clearance of copyright for titles published across the Primary, Secondary and Higher Education publishing departments. Media asset management of all digital products, including clearance of associated rights, obtaining and supplying high resolution files. Photo research and acquisition of images, involving: researching images to meet a specific brief liaising with suppliers and negotiating suitable rates and licensing terms compiling image folders and records for advising final layout details. Preparation and coordination of requests for clearance of copyright for use of all content, including: image, text, footage and all other third-party material. Intermediate to advanced understanding of rights and permissions and copyright laws Proven experience managing multiple projects, budgets, and schedules Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong organisational and project management skills Analytical and abilities with keen attention to detail and follow through Independently manage full workload and shifting priorities while meeting deadlines. Skilled and systematic use of Microsoft Office Suite Quality image research Customer-first focus Develop proactive working relationships Control of expenses in line with budget and business needs Process all permissions for products to agreed CL Cengage permissions standards, pricing, KPI timelines Projects on time and to budget Embraces Cengage core values and competencies Active participation in meetings
Attend manuscript handover briefings and use copyright knowledge to identify problematic permissions items for textual and visual material (including incomplete artwork briefs), alerting appropriate editorial / production / publishing staff and offering alternatives where possible. Meet deadlines and manage work load as per production schedule across mulitple projects. Monitor permissions expenses and keep within allocated budget. Advise Publisher, Production Controller and Editor when projects are at risk of exceeding permissions budget. Problem solve licensing issues including sourcing appropriate alternatives and negotiating with suppliers. Attend author briefings at manuscript development stage and brief author/s on the Permissions process and requirements in accordance with Cengage policy and how to prepare and manage all third-party content. Any other duties as required by the Permissions Research Manager. A proactive and resourceful approach to locating rights holders (including internet research and cold-calling) Ability to negotiate with rights holders and photo vendors Minimal communication problems due to effective listening and communication skills Operational and administrative duties 30% Ensure accurate tracking and record keeping of permissions items and related correspondence on current projects. Ensure accurate and timely data entry of rights-related information into spreadsheets and company system databases. Be responsible for accurate internal time-tracking and invoice processing to project plate. Archive closed projects ensuring records are ordered and complete. Process gratis copies as requested by copyright holders. Undertake research, Organised, keen attention to detail Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proactively addresses business process improvement and drives compliance with established procedures. Conscientious and keen sense of responsibility Willingness to learn and embrace new technologies, policies and procedures Practise industry standard operational excellence Meet current KPI benchmark timelines Accurate and up to date database and filing Systematic archiving Accurate documentation
editorial or administrative duties as requested. Commission photo shoots and taking photographs (if cost/time effective to do so). External vendor and freelancers 10% Assign, train, and manage freelance vendors as required. Responsible for managing project handovers, schedules, budgets, and record-keeping for contracted work. Provide advice and answer queries in accordance with Cengage copyright policy. Develop and maintain proactive working relationship Strong communication and flexible skills Complies with Cengage and GPM global rights policies and standards; vendor contract terms and pricing Projects on time and to budget Maintains quality and performance of vendors Control of expenses in line with budget and business needs Continuous Improvement 10% Support Continual Improvement processes throughout the entire project including supporting Project Managers during the audit process. Seek opportunities to enhance documentation, processes and supported systems to improve processes and procedures. Keep abreast with the continual change in technology developments and share knowledge with manager and team. Actively seek opportunities to extend and enhance personal knowledge and skills in order to better support customers and colleagues. Problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail and follow through A willingness to support and help others Continuous improvement and improved efficiency Self-initiated training and development of knowledge Demonstrated initiative for resolution and new ideas to add value to users Participation and contribution of processes improvement projects A positive attitude to problem-solving Workplace Health and Safety 10% Be aware of duty of care and act in a safe manner. Ensure all company WH&S policies and procedures are adhered to. Be familiar with property security, first aid and fire emergency procedures. Report any hazardous situations, incidents or accidents and take immediate action if applicable to reduce Ability to follow policies and procedures Ability to use initiative and take responsibility WH&S aware Analytical and abilities Adherence to WH&S policies and procedures Increased WH&S awareness A positive attitude to WH&S Reduction of number of WH&S incidents