Broadcast Manager & Labor Counsel (Chicago Local)

Who We Are

SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. SAG-AFTRA employees support our members and thrive on securing the strongest protections by negotiating the best wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits. We preserve and expand members’ work opportunities, vigorously enforce our contracts and protect our members against unauthorized use of their work. ​

What You’ll Do

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Chicago, the Broadcast Manager & Labor Counsel will be responsible for the negotiation, administration, member outreach and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements for radio and television stations as well as related arbitration and NLRB work for those agreements in the region serviced by the Chicago Local.

(This section provides a general summary of the most significant job duties performed. It does not explain in detail every single duty performed.)

• Under the direction of the Chicago Local Executive Director and Chicago Local Broadcast Director, serve as a lead or second for negotiations and administration of broadcast contracts for television and radio stations and other media operations, as assigned.
• Conduct meetings with bargaining units before, during, after and negotiations.
• Draft proposals and process documentation for negotiations to include, sending reopeners, keeping notes, and sending membership meeting notices.
• Administer dispute resolutions processes related to assigned broadcast contracts and/or assist with the same.
• In coordination with the National Director/Senior Labor Counsel, News & Broadcast, acts as lead or support counsel for proceedings with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including filling and pursuing unfair labor charges, representational filings, and collaborate with national and local staff and union counsel in the handling of arbitration matters (both simple and complex), concerning grievances.
• Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts, and various regulations related to applicable laws, in relation to broadcast matters.
• Assist in the representation of SAG-AFTRA state and federal court as well as administrative proceedings, regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA.
• Perform legal and factual research.
• Provide advice and counsel to members related to Personal Services Contracts.
• Work with national and local staff to create and implement and facilitate internal and external member education and engagement activity, organizing initiatives and directives, comprehensive strategies, initiatives and procedures that build, activate and best serve the representational needs of SAG-AFTRA members.
• Identify, recruit, and train shop stewards and other activists.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the various stakeholders; e.g. SAG-AFTRA members and staff, member representatives, news and sports directors, station managers, program directors, producers, entertainment unions and other organizations.
• Report to the Local and National Boards as well as the National and Local Broadcast Steering Committee.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need

We want to make sure you’re successful. To be considered, you must have:

( The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.)

• Exceptional people skills.
• Strong contract interpretation, negotiation and union organizing skills.
• Ability to formulate and implement effective strategies.
• Ability to effectively create positive working relationships with members and other industry stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within a team/department setting.
• The ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines.
• Stong interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact. Must be able to cultivate strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse background; internally and externally.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity.
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others are encouraged.
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA’s sole discretion.
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs.
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
• Proficient in PC applications and Internet-based systems.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral; consultative skills to gain the respect and trust from staff and leadership alike in building impactive solutions.
• Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality on compensation matters.
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple assignments and projects; able to thrive in a highly dynamic work environment; able to develop creative solutions..
• Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor but ability to work well with minimum direction.
• Detail oriented.
• Demonstrate ability and initiative to take on unanticipated problems and assume responsibilities beyond normal duties.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality of information.
• Proficiency in Spanish a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• 3-5 years working with collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance and arbitration, NLRB or administrative agency matters, interpretation and/or labor relations experience.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.

Certificates, licenses, and/or registrations:

• Admission to a state bar.
• Must have current driver’s license and current automobile insurance that meets the state minimum requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous management/supervisory experience.
• Broadcast Industry experience preferred, but not required.

What You’ll Get

We are a great place to work because we offer:

• The annual salary for this position is $104,446.00 along with excellent employee benefits and perks.
• Colleagues that are passionate about what we do and how they contribute to our mission
• Balance between work and home life responsibilities
• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks