Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
IATSE Local 161

Assistant Business Agent

Based in New York City, NY metro region or Atlanta, GA metro area

 

Local 161 is a Union of Motion Picture Script Supervisors, Production Coordinators, Assistant Production Coordinators, Travel Coordinators, Production Accountants, Assistant Production Accountants and Payroll Accountants working in the film & television industry. Local 161 has jurisdiction in 25 states in the Eastern United States including the District of Columbia with around 1300 members.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Assistant Business Agent from April 13, 2026 to May 13, 2026. The IATSE Local 161 Office is located in New York City. Strong preference is given to candidates in the New York City metro region and the Atlanta, GA metro area. 

Summary Statement:
The Assistant Business Agent is the second highest-level staff person responsible for representing the union’s members. Job duties include contract administration and enforcement, membership advocacy and assistance, internal and external organizing, drafting grievances and side letter agreements, and assisting the Business Agent as needed with other duties related to the goals of the Union. 

Setting priorities, meeting deadlines, compiling and analyzing data, and developing strategic plans are critical skills for this position. An ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, and exhibit meticulous follow-through. Building and maintaining professional relationships with production management personnel, crews, and other union representatives is imperative. Attendance at staff and various leadership meetings is required, as necessary. This position reports directly to the Business Agent of Local 161 and may require travel, some evenings and weekend work.

Key responsibilities (in no specific order):

• Enforce contracts
• Oversee internal and external organizing projects
• Communicate and collaborate with other union representatives
• Resolve member complaints at lower levels of the grievance procedure
• Visit members in offices and on sets
• Travel within our geographical jurisdiction to meet with members and other union representatives
• Cultivate relationships with Labor Relations
• Attend virtual and in-person meetings, seminars, trainings and conferences as needed (Membership meetings, Industry events, IATSE meetings, and trainings)
• Assist and counsel members on matters such as preparing for a job interview, strategizing above-scale negotiations, dealing with difficult personalities at work, understanding the contract including rates, workers’ rights, member responsibilities, etiquette and industry standards, and other situations members face on the job
• Provide support to our internal committees
• Manage projects and supervise staff

Experience:
Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in union work within the entertainment industry. Knowledge of IATSE’s local union leadership is a plus.

Qualifications -The most qualified candidate needs the following:

• Minimum 2 years experience working for a union or labor organization representing members, organizing, bargaining, and administering contracts and the ability to perform other duties identified in this posting
• Excellent interpersonal and group communication skills
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills appropriate to working with a well-educated workforce; ability to articulate the Union’s message and vision to the membership
• Proficient in the use of computer software and databases including, but not limited to the following programs: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack
• Willingness to learn membership software platforms
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision
• Ability to think strategically and exercise a high level of judgment
• Stay informed on statewide political issues that may impact the entertainment industry
• Flexibility to cooperate with IATSE employees and other IATSE Locals
• Must have a valid driver's license

Salary:
The current salary range is $85,000 – $100,000 based on qualifications and experience. Additionally, the position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. This position includes membership in IATSE Local 161 by virtue of employment and begins with a six month probationary period, which is subject to a membership-wide ratification.

To Apply:
Interested applicants can apply HERE to upload their résumés and cover letters.