Who We Are

SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. SAG-AFTRA employees support our members and thrive on securing the strongest protections by negotiating the best wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits. We preserve and expand members’ work opportunities, vigorously enforce our contracts and protect our members against unauthorized use of their work. ​

What You’ll Do

Under the direction of the Portland and Seattle Executive Director, the Broadcast Labor Counsel will represent the interests of SAG-AFTRA and its members by the enforcement of the News and Broadcast collective bargaining agreements and shall be responsible for all matters related to SAG-AFTRA’s broadcast jurisdiction including but not limited to serving as lead negotiator, managing grievances and arbitration and representing SAG-AFTRA in matters before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).  This position also includes participating in labor management committee meetings, member outreach, internal/external organizing efforts for broadcast stations in the same geographical area, and may assist in broadcast representation in other regions on an as needed basis.

(This section provides a general summary of the most significant job duties performed. It does not explain in detail every single duty performed.)

• Serve as lead or support negotiations with employers in Portland and/or Seattle Locals; may be asked to provide CBA administrative support to other locals engaged in bargaining or other disputes.
• Work in conjunction with the Portland and Seattle executive director on all broadcast matters arising out of Portland and Seattle Local CBAs.
• Provide consultation for personal service contracts.
• Work in alignment with national strategy on issues such as minimum contractual standards. 
• Responsible for coordinating with the Portland and Seattle executive director with respect to all representational and associated legal work before the NLRB and PERC.
• Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts, and various regulations related to applicable laws, in relation to News & Broadcast matters and as assigned.
• Conduct legal and factual research.
• Manage and collaborate in the handling of arbitration matters (both simple and complex), concerning News & Broadcast-related grievances.
• Manage and assist in the representation of SAG-AFTRA state and federal court as well as administrative proceedings, regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA, with respect to News & Broadcast issues.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the various stakeholders; e.g., SAG-AFTRA members and staff, member representatives, news and sports directors, station managers, program directors, producers, entertainment unions and other organizations.
• Participate in labor management committee meetings, member outreach, internal/external organizing efforts for broadcast stations in the same geographical area. 
• Perform other duties as assigned, or as the situation dictates.

What You’ll Need

We want to make sure you’re successful. To be considered, you must have:

(The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong contract interpretation skills
• Able to successfully deal with challenging personalities
• Ability to formulate and implement effective strategies; detail oriented
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic, and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds both internally and externally 
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity. 
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines
• Able to work under pressure
• Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA’s sole discretion
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

A Juris Doctor or LLB degree from an ABA accredited law school or equivalent and at least two years’ experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in labor law, contract law and other forms of collective bargaining enforcement, or equivalent.

Certificates, licenses, and/or registrations: 

• Active membership in the State Bar of Washington.
• Must have a current driver license, automobile (in reliable working condition), and current automobile insurance that meets the state minimum requirements.

What You’ll Get

We are a great place to work because we offer:

• The annual salary for this position is USD $90,017.20 along with excellent employee benefits and perks.
• Colleagues that are passionate about what we do and how they contribute to our mission
• Balance between work and home life responsibilities
• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks