IATSE Local 161 is a Motion Picture local that covers Script Supervisors, Production Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Production Accountants, Assistant Accountants and Payroll accountants working in the film & television industry.

Our membership is 2/3 w o m e n . Local 161 has jurisdiction in 23 states: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL (except Cook Co), LA, ME, MD, MA, MI (except for Script Supervisors in six counties in the Detroit area), NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV and Washington, DC. This position will be based out of the New York office.

The Job:

The Local 161 Business Agent is the highest level staff person responsible for representing the union’s members.

The BA supervises an Assistant BA and at least one Field Representative and oversees the running of the union’s office administration staff. Duties include running external and internal organizing, political and contract campaigns, leading contract negotiation and administration, grievance handling, membership advocacy, new projects and other duties related to the goals of the Union.

The job requires setting priorities, meeting deadlines, compiling and analyzing data, helping prepare and stay within the annual budget, conduct year-end reviews, preparing documents to issue checks, monitoring the union’s bank accounts and overseeing bookkeeping requirements.

• The BA is responsible for insuring compliance with all laws regarding Right to
• Work, Organizing, Political Action and Union reporting responsibilities.
• The BA reports to the Executive Board.
• Requires some travel as well as limited evening and weekend work.

Qualifications:

• At least three years working for a union/labor organization representing members,
• organizing, bargaining and administering contracts and the ability to perform the
• other duties identified above and listed below.
• Ability to articulate the Union’s message and vision to the membership
• Ability to cultivate relationships with Studio Labor Relations departments.
• Ability to provide leadership to the Executive Board and Committees to develop strategic plans.
• Ability to develop and implement long-term programs for recruitment and
• organizing.
• Proficiency in the following programs: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience in the application of new technologies in the workplace.
• Successful experience resolving member complaints at lower levels of the grievance procedure to avoid unnecessary arbitration.
• Relevant degree in labor relations, law, or a related field is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license is required
• Availability to travel as needed

Other Duties:

• Visit members in offices and on sets
• Travel to our regions to meet with members and Representatives of other IATSE Locals.
• Communicate and collaborate with other industry union’s Representatives across
• the country on issues requiring cooperation between Local 161 with other Locals and unions.
• Attend District Meetings and the General Executive Board meetings as well as
• meetings and training offered by the IATSE.
• Assist and counsel members on matters such as prepping for a job interview,
• strategizing negotiations above scale, dealing with difficult people on the job,
• understanding the contract, workers rights, members responsibilities, etiquette and
• industry standards and other situations members face on the job.
• Listening to members issues away from work which affect their work and providing referrals to sources of help where appropriate.
• Serve as a Trustee on the 161/52 401K plan (if appointed)
• Supervise the membership department.

Excellent starting salary, commensurate with experience, and an excellent benefits package.

To Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications and ability to carryout

the duties of the position as described above to Ken Margolies, Union Search, kam47@cornell.edu. Confidential calls accepted 845 499 6636.