Description:
About the job
NETworks is looking for a highly talented individual to serve as Director of Business Affairs and Labor Relations, playing a critical role in structuring the overall strategic approach for all theater development and production deals, including rights research and analysis, as well as drafting and negotiating all forms of theatrical development, production, financing, marketing and license agreements. The position will be working closely with, and provide counsel to, the company’s officers, outside productions counsels, executive producers and general managers. This individual will also provide advice onvarious matters related to labor relations/collective bargaining agreements. The Director of Business Affairs & Labor Relations will be a talented team-player with an entrepreneurial spirit who can work both independently and collaboratively. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Manage all aspects of Business Affairs and Labor Relations strategies, policies and procedures for NETworks in coordination, as necessary, with outside counsel.
- Provide legal analysis relating to status of rights, copyright, and other chain-of-title review; draft and negotiate rights acquisition agreements for literary rights and other third-party intellectual property; draft and negotiate other rights agreements such as quitclaims and assignments.
- Draft and negotiate agreements for creative team.
- Draft and negotiate, as necessary, international license agreements.
- Provide advice on various matters relating to development, production, and exploitation of theatre productions, including but not limited to clearances, labor relations/collective bargaining agreements, credits/billing, as well as marketing, promotional and sponsorship agreements.
- Provide advice on various matters related to labor relations/collective bargaining agreements.
- At the direction and with the support of outside counsel, support the grievance procedures, including arbitration and assists.
- Engage with outside counsel on production and litigation matters.
Basic Qualifications:
- Significant legal experience with a minimum of 5 years in the entertainment industry, preferably in the live stage industry.
- Superior drafting, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills. Significant experience drafting and negotiating theatre industry agreements.
- Significant work in the labor relations and collective bargaining agreement arena
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team environment, independently as well as act as a resource to colleagues.
- Preferred depth of knowledge about the theatrical and touring industries and legal issues and has functioned as a strategic partner for business affairs and new business initiatives.
- Exceptional organizational, prioritization and time management skills with the ability to work under deadlines and execute efficiently against multiple, high-priority and high-volume projects, demonstrating a clear ability to manage within a fast-paced production environment.
- A collegial and collaborative lawyer who brings a commitment to the creation of a positive working environment within the organization.
Education and Experience:
- 5+ years total experience (at least 2 years doing Business Affairs)
- J.D. degree and 3-5 years practicing at a nationally recognized law firm (or comparable in-house theatrical or broader media, legal affairs or labor relations experience).
