Senior Contracts Manager (Legal)
GBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.
At GBH, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are hybrid and work both from home and onsite. Our current hybrid approach requires staff to work onsite a minimum of two days each week, every Tuesday and one other day, to be determined by their business unit. Hybrid staff are also welcome to come in additional days each week or may be asked to come in on other days by their manager.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Legal and Business Affairs Department provides legal and business advice and support to all GBH projects and departments. The Department ensures that the business of GBH, including contracting, rights clearances, and royalty reporting, is handled effectively and runs smoothly. The Department works with internal clients to prepare or review all contracts, and offers legal and business guidance on pre-production, production and post-production matters, and vets programs and projects prior to broadcast or release to the public. The Department also manages legal disputes that may arise; legal compliance with government funders, FCC, immigration and other government regulatory issues; copyright, domain name and trademark registrations and questions; and training staff regarding proper legal procedures. Talent Relations, which is part of the Department, handles all matters relating to talent in national television productions, including talent contracts, union work rules, waivers, grievances, arbitrations, residual reporting to guilds and guild members, and union contract negotiations (SAG/AFTRA, WGA, and AFM).
JOB OVERVIEW
Reporting to in-house attorneys, the Senior Contracts Manager supports the legal and business affairs needs of various departments at GBH. Under the attorneys' supervision, the Senior Contracts Manager will: manage a high volume of contracts through intake, review, drafting, editing, tracking and processing; research background project information by reviewing contract files and compiling information from clients; liaise with the production unit to facilitate their legal needs and to manage compliance with GBH policies; research legal issues; provide day-to-day support to attorneys; communicate effectively with business leaders on critical contract/legal-related matters, including proactively educating clients on contract review and submission processes.
The ideal candidate must have significant and demonstrated experience in reviewing, drafting, analyzing and interpreting complex documents; the interpersonal skills and maturity to respond effectively to client's concerns, questions and issues or, as appropriate refer to the supervising attorney; and the ability to work independently in handling and prioritizing a variety of complex issues, including, negotiating agreements with third parties. He or she must also have good judgment, excellent follow-up and organizational skills, and the ability to communicate and work effectively with staff in all areas of the company to obtain information relevant to the issue(s) at hand. This position is located in Boston, MA, and requires on-site presence
What you get to do:
Draft and proofread legal documents, contracts, memos and cover letters, etc.
Research background project information by reviewing contract files, compiling information from clients, and completing standard forms.
Process contracts.
Handle a variety of complex issues with various clients – referring matters to the supervising attorney as needed. As requested, negotiate agreements with third parties.
Review and ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation and metadata in GBH's contracts and rights management database for all assigned projects. Review rights clearance documentation as necessary.
Work independently on both templated and non-templated contracts.
Attend regular meetings with clients and Department staff, and other meetings as necessary. Maintain a weekly work-in-progress log.
What skills you need:
General media production knowledge also is desired, but not required.
Must be able to work proactively and cooperatively with artists and business colleagues in a fast-paced production-focused environment.
Typing and computer skills required.
Thorough understanding of the contract administration process, including contract drafting evaluation, negotiation, approval, tracking and execution.
Ability to problem solve and work independently and as part of a team including the ability to simultaneously manage multiple, large projects at various stages both alone and by delegating to others as needed.
Must have a positive attitude, be collaborative, and possess excellent attention to detail.
Excellent reading, writing, verbal, organizational, negotiating, communication and analytical skills required.
Demonstrated project management ability and the proven capability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
A minimum of 5 years' paralegal, contracts manager or related legal experience is required.
Experience must include significant contract drafting and negotiation skills including knowledge of business terms and conditions.
Experience with and knowledge of intellectual property, copyright law, and rights clearances and permissions is desirable.
Must have experience with Macintosh operating system, Word and Excel, and document comparison programs.
JOB SPECIFICS
Staff position
Hybrid position
LOCATION
This position is located in Boston, MA, and requires on-site presence
Guest Street
Brighton, MA 02135
GBH is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve are diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, GBH does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment, or promotion based on race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Application Process Assistance
GBH will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate an accommodation request, contact the Human Resource department by sending an email to human_resources@wgbh.org or by calling 617-300-2000.
