We're Hiring: Assistant Business Representative in the Live Performance Department

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE
Assistant Business Representative | Live Performance
Based in New York City

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Job Description:

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Business Representative in the Live Performance Department in New York City.

This position reports to the Business Representative and Head of the Live Performance Department and supports all aspects of the department’s work—both in the office and in the field. The role involves engaging directly with artists working across multiple industries and design categories, participating in site visits, and managing the intake, tracking, and dissemination of information. Responsibilities also include compiling and organizing data required for Business Representatives to identify and address contract violations, such as remittance reports, monthly benefit reports, and timecards.

Additional responsibilities of the Assistant Business Representative include:

• Participates in contract and benefit processing for the Live Performance Department nationwide; 
• Works closely with the Department Head and other Business Representatives to ensure consistent interpretation and application of union contracts, align labor relations strategies, and coordinate responses to workplace issues.
• Coordinates with other Live Performance staff in the National/Eastern Region office in New York City to support contract administration and enforcement efforts.

This position involves frequent interaction with union members, both in person and via phone and email, along with detailed data entry responsibilities. The position is based in our National/Eastern Regional Office in New York City and requires full-time, in-person attendance.

Description of Duties:

• Contract and benefits data entry, processing, and reporting for the Live Performance Department nationwide.
• Assist Business Representatives with the administration of multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements and other union contracts with theatre, opera and dance producers, scenery suppliers/scene shops and other Live Performance employers. 
• Accompany Business Representatives on routine worksite visits for to ensure contract compliance and identify any potential grievances.
• Maintain communication with Shop Stewards working at Scenery Suppliers and Scene Shops. 
• Identify, communicate, and resolve issues that may delay or prevent contract processing.
• Research and information gathering, including compiling contract violation data and tracking missing documents and remittance reports.
• Track current and upcoming productions under USA 829 jurisdiction.
• Serve as point of contact for third-party administrators of the Union’s benefit funds to ensure contributions are reported and processed timely and accurately.
• Assist Live Performance Business Representatives and the National Business Agent with contract negotiations, grievance handling, and member engagement efforts, including research, preparation, and administrative support as directed.
• Communicate with members, potential members, agents, and employers to answer questions about Union membership, agreements, benefits, etc.
• Coordinate with and support regional offices in Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles, as needed.
• Support Business Representative for Safety to ensure prompt and efficient response to safety issues encountered at Local USA 829-covered worksites.
• Assist with the intake, tracking, and dissemination of information and follow up related to site visits and member needs.
• Aid other negotiation, safety and organizing efforts as necessary.

Skills Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High degree of computer literacy and mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (incl. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams) required; prior experience with databases preferred.
• Experience analyzing financial data a plus.
• Comprehension of contract language such as benefit, wage, and overtime premium provisions.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
• Working knowledge of the Live Performance and broader entertainment industry and/or labor unions.
• Experience working with people from a diverse array of backgrounds.
• Strong attention to detail.

The successful applicant will have good language skills both verbal and written, professional discretion, and care for confidential information, mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite (incl. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams), well-developed organizational and logistical skills, attention to detail, proven interpersonal intelligence, and the ability to work with a variety of personalities. Experience and professional knowledge within the Live Performance industry, particularly in legitimate theatre, opera, and dance, are strongly preferred.

The salary range for this position is $70K to $75K plus excellent benefit package including defined benefit pension and generous 401(k) match.

United Scenic Artists is committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are interested in candidates who are not historically represented in our field and encourage applications from under-represented groups. 

To Apply:

• Send letter and résumé, via email, to LeVonne Barry at: JOBSEARCH@USA829.ORG. 
• No phone calls or office visits will be considered.
• For more Information on United Scenic Artists, please visit  www.usa829.org

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications?  Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill and average of 60% of the criteria, yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.  We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role and how your background and experience responds to the desired skills and qualities.