SUMMARY

The person in this role will report to the Vice President of Business Legal Affairs (BLA) and be part of a legal team that takes a collaborative approach with its internal and external business partners to help foster innovation in the documentary film space. This position will handle a wide array of responsibilities related to the licensing, development, production and distribution of ITVS’s programming.  Responsibilities include: structuring, negotiating and drafting agreements necessary to license, develop and/or produce ITVS’s slate of high-profile documentaries, docu-series, and digital programming; managing rights and clearances issues;  handling a variety of ITVS’s day-to-day entertainment and commercial agreements; and assisting supervising producers and filmmakers with a wide range of legal issues and questions as they arise. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Negotiate and draft agreements necessary to license, develop and/or produce ITVS’s slate of high-profile documentaries, docu-series, and digital programming.
• Deliver thoughtful, strategic, and proactive legal and business advice on a wide range of media issues related to contract interpretation, legal insights and negotiation strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with business partners and external legal counsel; proactively managing their respective priorities and expectations. 
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand and achieve key business objectives; balance potential legal, regulatory, and brand risks against multiple business objectives
• Partner with the Program and Production team, as well as acquisitions, marketing, and distribution teams to ensure that program legal deliverables comply with ITVS requirements, including reviewing  copyright registrations, insurance policies, underlying rights acquisition agreements, funding agreements, and distribution agreements.
• Create and update contract templates and team playbooks; support the development of internal policies and guidelines for contract management.
• Conduct legal research as necessary and liaise with outside counsel as needed.
• Review presentations and other marketing materials
• Act as a mentor to legal interns.
• Other duties may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

COMPETENCIES

• A commitment to social impact work and engagement in a variety of social, economic, and cultural perspectives.
• Cares about principles associated with diversity, equity and inclusion; willing and wanting to support the voices and visions of underrepresented communities, and reflect the interests and concerns of a diverse society.
• Ability to drive execution in a team environment, integrating legal advice and business knowledge while providing balanced advice regarding risks and benefits.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and “can do” attitude; superior telephone etiquette, verbal and written communication skills; clear and professional communicator.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced and constantly changing environment. 
• Ability to navigate difficult and complex issues.
• Possesses good judgment and strong analytical, client counseling, and negotiation skills
  Ability to stay focused, highly organized and pay close attention to details, while juggling multiple projects effectively under pressure. 
• Willingness to tackle matters outside area of expertise; intellectually curious.
• Enjoys working as a team member as well as independently.
• Willing to support leadership’s decision and direction in a positive, professional and cooperative manner. Great sense of humor is helpful too!

REQUIREMENTS

Required: 4 years of licensing, development and/or production experience in television or film with direct experience drafting all forms of acquisition, licensing and production agreements.
Required: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Required: Current member in good standing of a State Bar with the ability to become barred or a registered in-house counsel in California.
Preferred: Experience with Asana, FileMaker and/ or FilmTrack.
Preferred: Familiarity with the development, production, and multi-platform distribution of documentaries, docu-series, and digital programming, and/or financing and sales agency agreements. Prior non-legal experience in the film industry a plus. 
Preferred: Fluency with related documents/issues (e.g., content acquisition, production services agreements, talent agreements, chain-of-title review, insurance) and/or experience negotiating television distribution agreements appreciated. 
Preferred: A broad understanding of television distribution (including digital distribution), and experience drafting and negotiating commercial and/or licensing agreements.
Preferred: Operational background with experience advising film production and/ or marketing teams
Preferred: Experience providing in-house support and managing outside counsel.

COMPENSATIONS

This is an exempt position that offers a base salary of $95,000.00 with a robust benefits package.

COVER LETTERS

It’s important for you to know we love cover letters, they help us understand why you are interested in working at ITVS and they show us how you express yourself in writing. We will prioritize applicants who provide a cover letter. 

ITVS aspires to make the online job application process accessible to any and all users.

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the application process, and would like to request assistance or accommodation, please contact us at jobs@ITVS.org

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any bias including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability or national origin. 

Lastly, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.