Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.  

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.  

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.  

WHAT YOU'LL DO

We are seeking an Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist to join our highly collaborative and dynamic team. As a member of the Rights Department, you will use your strong project management skills to manage copyright clearance for third-party content, research and compile image choices for product selection, and employ creative problem-solving to generate innovative solutions for representing concepts in an educational environment. Much of your day will be spent meeting with your Content Strategy and Production counterparts about current and upcoming projects, analyzing content, tracking project progress, coordinating tasks with outside vendors, corresponding directly with authors and SMEs, and negotiating rights with copyright holders.

The IP Specialist manages multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing effectively, utilizing vendors and freelancers to complete specific permission and media research tasks, and provides expertise and insight in all areas of copyright while simultaneously employing creative problem-solving to generate innovative solutions for representing concepts in an educational environment.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position offers the flexibility of remote work in the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Develop and implement comprehensive licensing plans and strategies for product lists, enhancing content selection and acquisition
• Provide proactive guidance to Production and Content Development teams regarding content acquisition activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Collaborate with authors, content managers, art/media creators and product teams to guide them toward low risk, low cost, enriching content choices during the creation process
• Lead multiple projects and partnerships simultaneously, ensuring that project goals, schedules, and budgets are consistently met while maintaining Ascend Learning's legal compliance
• Assign Rights Vendors to review content, license elements, and provide accurate data entry services with adherence to legal requirements, budgets and schedules, facilitating smooth project execution
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, expedite processes, and drive process improvements
• Review rights contracts to ensure compliance with rights profiles and prepare necessary rights and copyright clearances
• Stay informed on current Copyright Law and industry trends to ensure compliance and strategic advantage
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities and implement innovative solutions to overcome challenges
• Troubleshoot independently, with the discernment to elevate issues to management when necessary
• Train and mentor junior employees and other departments on Rights & Permissions processes and initiatives, serving as a knowledgeable delegate for the team
• Conduct post-analysis to identify issues and develop recommendations for process improvements and future content choices

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Liberal Arts, or an arts-related field, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in risk analysis and interpretation of IP
• Strong understanding of content acquisition, clearance processes, corporate copyright policies and strategy, including knowledge of fair use and public domain parameters
• Microsoft Office proficiency with an emphasis on Excel. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud and database software. FileMaker and Smartsheet experience are desirable
• Strong understanding of copyright law preferred

BENEFITS 

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging 

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.  

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.