Senior Specialist, Labor & Talent Relations

The Senior Specialist, Labor & Talent Relations is responsible for overseeing the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, and personal services (talent) agreements engaging union talent (i.e. on-camera and off-camera performers, directors, writers and designers, etc.) in support of WNET’s productions and on-air continuity. The position provides production units with timely counsel on collective bargaining agreements and talent agreements, in addition to assisting outside counsel during labor negotiations. The Senor Specialist is also charged with responding to unions and guilds regarding grievances, current and past productions reporting, pension and health fund inquiries and audits, and ensuring correct application of company policies to collectively bargained for employees.

Responsibilities:

• Administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements;
• Responds to internal inquiries regarding work rules, collective bargaining agreement interpretation on jurisdiction and other matters rate of pay information and on-going audits, and responses to union grievances/correspondence;
• Provides oversight and counsel in all areas of talent contract administration;
• Ensures that WNET policies, processes and standards are observed and upheld to ensure consistent and correct application of company policies;
• Collaborates with and advises Production staff in the identification and resolution of potential collective bargaining issues;
• Cultivates effective relationships with all members of WNET’s production teams, union leadership (i.e. SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IBEW, etc.) and all salary/hourly/freelance personnel;
• Provides advice and guidance to production executives, production unit managers/supervisors on talent contract related issues;
• Interacts and negotiates with outside representation on talent agreements and drafts agreements;
• Advises on application of company policies and procedures to collectively bargained for employees;
• Assists Senior Management and outside counsel on union grievance resolution;
• Assists outside counsel with grievance and arbitration meetings/hearings and preparation as required;
• Ensures consistent administration and interpretation of work rules, collective bargaining agreements and company policies;
• Other relevant duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will possess strong presentation and communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to gain cooperation and trust among individuals and departments, as well as the ability to follow through on commitments and producing timely work requirements. Additional qualifications include:

• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Labor Relations or equivalent, preferred (J.D. a plus);
• Ability to effectively analyze, negotiate, and problem-solve labor relations matters and individual talent agreement matters;
• Ability to interpret legal contracts and financial documents;
• Understanding of laws and regulations pertaining to labor and employment issues;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with document / content management software (i.e. Hummingbird).

This is a hybrid position. The WNET Group reserves the right to change and/or modify the hybrid schedule at its discretion.

The WNET Group

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10019-7435

www.wnet.org

The WNET Group believes that diversity is about learning from others who are not the same, and that differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and other statutorily protected characteristics or other ideologies can enhance the work we do in public media. We believe that as a diverse and inclusive organization, recognizing the unique and multiple perspectives of our employees, we can better fulfill our mission. As a public media institution, our message is enhanced by our diverse workforce where everyone is empowered to make a difference.

WNET is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, marital and partnership status, familial status, arrest or conviction record, union membership, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sex offense, unemployment status, caregiver status, credit history, salary history, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, an employee's or an employee's dependent's sexual and reproductive health decisions, as well as all other classifications protected by applicable laws.

The WNET Group offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary ranges are based on benchmarked nonprofit and industry related data provided by an outside consulting firm and are commensurate with skills and experience. The hiring salary range for this position is $80,000 - $91,000. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer.