Contracts Manager

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 Wednesday, 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 Contracts Manager supports the legal and business affairs needs of various departments at GBH. Under the attorneys' supervision, the 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; and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding contract requirements, timelines, and status updates..

The ideal candidate must have demonstrated experience in reviewing, drafting, and analyzing 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 managing multiple contract matters and applying sound judgment within established guidelines. 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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, including data entry in GBH's proprietary contract management system.
• Support internal clients on routine contract matters and refer complex legal issues to supervising attorneys. Assist with negotiations using approved terms and escalate non-standard provisions.
• 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.
• Independently manage standard contracts and assist attorneys with non-standard agreements.
• Attend regular meetings with clients and Department staff, and other meetings as necessary.
• Maintain a weekly work-in-progress log.

SKILL SET

• A minimum of 3 years' paralegal, contracts manager or related legal experience is required.
• This experience must include 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.
• General media production knowledge is preferred 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.
• Must have experience with Macintosh operating system, Word and Excel, and document comparison programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A college degree is required.

JOB SPECIFICS

Staff

This position is a hybrid.

Salary Range

$66,000 - $84,000

Compensation offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and internal pay equity.

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.