Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
IATSE Local 161

Business Agent

Based in New York City, NY

 

Local 161 seeks a Business Representative who will be responsible for advocating on behalf of their membership, fighting for favorable conditions in collective bargaining agreements at the negotiating table, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and the IATSE Constitution and Local 161’s Constitution and Bylaws. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, empathy and a willingness to learn the needs and nature of the crafts of our membership, and a deep understanding of labor relations and labor law, particularly as they pertain to the IATSE framework.

Responsibilities:
*To manage union office staff and act as a liaison between the office staff and the local’s officers and executive board.

• Handle member grievances and disputes, providing guidance and support to resolve issues effectively.
• Make regular set visits to interact with members to check on their welfare and address any job specific concerns they may have and keep them up to date on developments where necessary.
• Ensure that the local is in compliance with labor laws (for their staff), be a reference point on union policies and constitution, the IATSE constitution, and all applicable/relevant collective bargaining agreements.
• Work tirelessly to improve the working conditions, wages and benefits of our members both on set and at the bargaining table while advocating for their rights.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of grievances, report on attended conventions and union events, negotiations progressions, and other relevant business and activities.
• Work with the officers and executive board of 161, other union reps, legal and other relevant parties to promote the union’s mission, effectively represent our membership, and advance the union’s goals.
• Prepare and present timely, organized and detailed reports to 161 officers, executive board, and the membership on their activities, relevant industry updates, potential setbacks, and their solutions/resolution actions in progress.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent field experience (5 years) in labor studies, labor relations, labor law, or a related field. Prior work with a recognized labor union/labor organization is a plus.
• Certifications in public speaking/executive presence, labor relations, human capital, and negotiations are a plus.
• A strong understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining, organizing, and union operations.
• Able to travel as needed
• Valid driver’s license required

Skills:
Candidate should have-

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• The ability to lead and motivate both the office staff, and motivate the membership
• Strong time-management and organizational skills
• Able to effectively and efficiently use basic office applications and software (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace), and to quickly learn new databases.
• Financial management - being able to understand a budget, and to manage finances effectively
• Generally possess good ethics, morals, and empathy, and the ability to employ each in good judgment with membership, officers, and executive board, especially when representing the local.
• Be adaptable and open to collaboration
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with members, employers (studio labor relations), and other business agents.
• Able to develop and implement long-term programs for recruitment and organizing

Compensation:

• $115,000 – $149,000
• Additional benefits commensurate with experience

To Apply:
Please send cover letters, résumés, and all inquiries to president@local161.org