Contract Manager

Job Title: Contract Manager

Location: New York, NY or Remote EST

Start Date: ASAP

Whalar, part of Accenture Song is the leading, most awarded Creator and Social agency. We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators.

We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.

With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global.

About the role:

We are seeking a Contracts Manager to serve the US-based Client Services team. You will draft, negotiate, and execute creator/talent agreements (for the benefit of our clients) and review creator content for intellectual property risks and other applicable regulations. 

This role will also expand into supporting the production studio division (currently called Whalar Studios) with production needs - paperwork, clearances, and other logistics.

The Contracts Manager will work closely with every member of the BA team including the Sr. Director, Business Affairs to support our key US-based stakeholders.

You will have a background in social media marketing, advertising, influencer management, or entertainment, and considerable exposure to contracts, contract principles, and negotiation experience in one or more of the areas listed above. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a passion for contract negotiation, and are a collaborative team player with a glass-half-full mentality in all aspects of your work.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Review, draft, and negotiate creator/talent agreements.
• Advise, plan, and coordinate applicable creator contracting workflow tasks.
• Work cross-functionally to communicate timelines and deadlines with internal teams.
• Communicate with creators, agents, managers, and legal counsel to ensure creator agreements are completed in a timely manner.
• Manage and mitigate risk; consult and provide direction & training on compliance and best practices.
• Remain up to date on all FTC and other regulatory body guidelines.
• Identify and confirm content complies with FTC regulations, client guidelines, or third party guidelines.
• Manage all aspects of production-related paperwork (e.g., insurance, background checks, etc.), as needed to complete a project. Working knowledge of union regulations (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, AFM, DGA, etc.) is a plus.
• Support the Sr. Director, Business Affairs, with ad hoc requests (e.g., background checks, NDAs, independent contractor agreements,  location agreements, etc.)
• Support our exciting Whalar Studios production paperwork (e.g., freelancers, content production, licenses, etc.).
• For the right candidates, the role can expand to support with client Scopes of Work and NDAs.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 3-6 years of experience in the creator economy, social media marketing, marketing/advertising, or entertainment.
• Passion for contract management, social media, and serving others.
• Very experienced with drafting and editing of a high volume of creator/talent agreements.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Solid understanding of FTC guidelines and IP, and content clearance & licensing principles.
• Able to work independently to fulfill business needs with minimal direct supervision.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and a responsible individual who learns and adapts quickly.
• Must be able to work comfortably under pressure and be willing to follow up effectively.
• Lead presentations to internal teams, as needed.
• Can juggle multiple projects and works well under pressure.
• A high degree of professionalism with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Values teamwork and positivity, and has a can-do attitude and growth mindset. 
• Proactive thinker committed to driving operational efficiencies.
• Willing and able to work extended hours when necessary or required based on client project needs.
• Strong attention to detail in all aspects of daily responsibilities, especially when drafting contracts.
• Have a positive attitude and a can-do perspective that contributes positively to our creative environment.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000 and serves as a general guideline for the potential compensation. The final salary offer will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as the candidate's experience, expertise, alignment with the position's requirements, location, and, ultimately, budget approvals.

Our values:

At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. 

The perks:

Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner's Home office allowance 
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Volunteer days
• Identity theft protection & Legal assistance
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance Policy
• Voluntary Hospital and Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Pet insurance
• Employee Resource Groups

Whalar provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.