JOB OPENING : Writers Guild of America, West

EMPLOYMENT ACCESS DIRECTOR
The Employment Access Department is currently seeking qualified applications for the position of Director. This is a full-time, exempt position with complete benefits. The Grade Level is 14.

The Employment Access Director administers and enforces the protected class and freelance writer provisions of the MBA, designs, develops and implements programs and activities to increase access to employment opportunities for writers and, as the Executive Director‚s designee, supervises and correlates the work of the Age Awareness, Black Writers, Disabilities, Freelance, Asian-American Writers, Gay & Lesbian Writers, Latino Writers, and Womens Committees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Administers and enforces the protected class writer provisions of the MBA including the Data Submission program and Writers Training Program.
2. Negotiates, develops and administers new employment access programs with companies, such as the Disney Fellowship Program, the ABC and NBC Latino Writer Access Programs and CBS Access Program.
3. Drafts contractual agreements with companies through negotiations with creative executives, labor relations attorneys and business affairs representatives.
4. Works with legal counsel to protect and further the Guild‚s interests in the area of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for protected class writers.
5. Provides legislative analysis, as required.
6. Supervises the staff liaison to the Age Awareness, Black Writers, Disabilities, Freelance, Asian-American Writers, Gay & Lesbian Writers, Latino Writers, and Women‚s Committees.
7. Develops and participates in special projects and programs including the Hollywood Writer‚s Report and the Young Writers Program.
8. Serves as the primary contact with production companies, studios, networks and independents for purposes of employment access and performs general industry outreach networking.
9. Serves as the day-to-day representative and spokesperson for the WGA in the area of affirmative action and employment access.
10. Administers and enforces the freelance access provisions of the MBA.
11. Oversees the compilation of the Authorized Representative list, the TV Market List, and periodical Freelance Compliance Reports.
12. Coordinates arrangements for numerous special events, meetings, and seminars.
13. Works closely with Public Affairs to facilitate numerous requests for Guild support form a variety of civil rights organizations, government agencies, media advocacy groups and professional media associations.
14. Supervises department staff.
15. Attends meetings of the Media Image coalition, Los Angeles Area chamber of Commerce, Department of Labor Office of Affirmative Action Compliance, and others, as the Guild's representative.
16. Writes waiver requests in connection with training and access program.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OR DUTIES
Performs additional duties as directed or required and attends special functions, serves on industry panels, give press interviews.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The qualified applicant has an undergraduate degree; law degree, preferred; five years experience in the area of affirmative action, civil rights and the entertainment industry. Understands EEOC and Department of Labor affirmative action guidelines and policies. Must be computer literate. Must have valid California driver‚s license and own transportation for off-site events.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the ability to: be responsible for the work of and supervise a small staff; comprehend and interpret policies and procedures; perform activities on schedule, maintain regular attendance and punctuality and interact with others professionally and with discretion. Must have the ability to multi-task and remain calm and focused under pressure.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Requires very low exposure to work near hazardous equipment or machines.
Very low exposure to noise, dust, gas, odors, fumes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sedentary work. Should be able to occasionally lift and carry five-pound boxes and files; bend, stoop, reach, sit, twist, and move.

Please send resumes no later than Tuesday, February 21, 2006 to:
Human Resources
Writers Guild of America, west
7000 W. Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048