Executive Director, New England Local

SAG-AFTRA•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Executive Director is the chief executive of the SAG-AFTRA New England Local. Reporting under the direction of the Executive Director, Locals Operations and the Locals’ Boards of Directors, this role administers the Local’s business affairs, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, and oversees policies and programs adopted by the Local’s Board in conjunction with SAG-AFTRA’s national strategies and policies. The role oversees Local operations, including governance compliance, member outreach and communications, organizing, budgeting, and negotiation, administration, and enforcement of broadcast and non-broadcast contracts. It leads or supports negotiations, resolves complex disputes, supports grievance and arbitration proceedings, cultivates member leadership, develops member programming, and serves as a liaison to member committees. The Executive Director also builds relationships with industry and community stakeholders, coordinates local broadcast issues with national staff, supports legislative advocacy, and supervises Local staff and human resources compliance. The position requires advanced management and leadership experience, negotiation and dispute-resolution skills, knowledge of federal labor law, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage budgets and develop staff. A current driver’s license, reliable automobile, and required automobile insurance are necessary. The role requires availability for extended hours, including weekends and holidays, and travel as business needs dictate.

Requirements

Advanced management experience and demonstrated leadership skills to manage and develop a team and individual contributors.
Demonstrated negotiation and/or collective bargaining skills and fundamental knowledge of federal labor law.
Ability to negotiate with tact and diplomacy.
Experience in dispute resolution.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including explaining complex subject matter, promoting collaboration, building consensus, and persuading others.
Responsible, self-directed, proactive, and able to follow through effectively.
Effective problem-solving skills.
Superlative interpersonal skills, including patience and tact.
Ability to build respectful, strategic, and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to hold oneself and others accountable for high performance and integrity.
Understanding and awareness of workers’ rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members.
Ability to invite, accept, and give constructive feedback.
Ability to project and manage the Local’s budget and related financial matters.
Availability and willingness to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
Availability and willingness to travel as needed.
Undergraduate degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years of management or supervisory experience.
Experience in labor negotiations and collective bargaining agreement enforcement, labor organizations, union organizing, or nonprofit administration.
Current driver’s license, reliable automobile, and current automobile insurance meeting state minimum requirements.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the entertainment and/or news and broadcast industry, including issues affecting creative artists and professional workers.
Juris Doctor or advanced degree in labor relations.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of SAG-AFTRA New England Local operations, including governance compliance, member outreach and communications, organizing, budgeting, and contract negotiation, administration, and enforcement.
Lead and/or support negotiations of Local collective bargaining agreements covering members working at television and radio stations.
Resolve complex issues and disputes with performers, agents, and studio or producer representatives; process grievances and support arbitration proceedings and matters before the NLRB.
Oversee administration and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements covering performers in commercials, television and radio programming, feature and independent films, corporate-educational programs, interactive games, sound recordings, and other covered work.
Cultivate member leadership and develop or provide leadership training and other programming for member leaders, including work with local and national committees.
Serve as liaison to relevant member committees, directly or through appropriate staff.
Manage internal decision-making processes to promote timeliness and consensus.
Maintain regular communications with members through outreach, print and email communications, training, and guidance.
Oversee development of programming for members.
Develop and maintain relationships with industry stakeholders and strategic partners in the Local’s jurisdiction.
Align Local broadcast work with national strategy and coordinate bargaining, contract and employer campaigns, and organizing with the Chief Broadcast Officer and national and local news and broadcast staff.
Provide consultation related to personal service contracts.
Work with the Local Board to develop and carry out internal and external organizing efforts.
Lead, assign, or participate in legislative advocacy related to state film tax credit programs and other matters affecting members.
Supervise, manage, and participate in assessment of Local staff performance; recruit, retain, train, and develop staff.
Ensure the Local office complies with human resources and organizational policies.
Perform other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.