Education, Apprenticeship & Training Fund Director

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is accepting applications for the position of Education, Apprenticeship & Training Fund Director.

The Education Director reports to the National Director as well as to the Trustees of the USA 829 Apprenticeship & Training Trust Fund. This role is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive, ongoing education plan, which includes collaborating with members, Local leadership, staff, and external partners to develop and support a robust training and education department within the Local Union.

From classes centered on the crafts we represent to courses and workshops on labor, mental health, and technology, this position stewards and enhances internal and external educational efforts representing the union from a regional to national level and will work to support the Local’s strategic planning mission, vision, values, and goals through educational opportunities and initiatives for the membership.

In addition to building a comprehensive and expansive education department across the Local, this role directs the union’s Apprenticeship & Training Fund—a separate 501c3 organization that initiates and fosters educational opportunities for our membership. Specifically, the Apprenticeship Program is a multi-year training program for emerging Scenic Artists that combines paid on-the-job training and classes led by working Scenic Artists in a variety of specific craft skills as well as health and safety. This position is based in our New York City office.

Of note: The Education, Apprenticeship & Training Fund Director dreams big and believes in instilling member-led and collaborative engagement, delivering consistent and strategic classes and resources, strengthening community and relationship building, providing opportunity, and celebrating our members as artists and workers.

Description of Duties:
USA 829 Education Department

– Oversee the Education Department, set work priorities, manage schedules and budget, and ensure the operational effectiveness of all Local trainings and classes
– Collaborate with staff—specifically the Communications and Safety Departments—to develop content creation around various trainings, workshops, resources, opportunities, and partnerships
– Develop curriculum, training resources, and effective departmental structures to bolster departmental and organizational sustainability
– Work to foster member leaders via trainer development, member onboarding, and committee engagement—specifically advising the union’s Education Committee
– Coordinate several trainings, which includes comprehensive logistical oversight (administration, venue procurement, budget/payroll, communications planning, supply ordering, etc.)
– Maintain an education calendar and work to schedule classes on an ongoing basis
– Relationship building: Engage external partners and organizations to offer trainings for members
– Help develop and brainstorm new trainings, while ensuring the union can offer several similar classes on a yearly basis
– Work with the IATSE Training Trust Fund to facilitate use of their resources and training for our members nationally

USA 829 Apprenticeship & Training Fund
– In coordination with the ATF trustees, direct the Apprenticeship & Training Fund and manage budget and fund contributions, meetings, logistics, curriculum development, compliance, and communications
– Manage Apprenticeship Program, which includes placements, payroll, and scheduling and logistical issues as necessary
– This includes the ability to be proactive in syllabus and goal development, supply procurement, and needs assessment for all stakeholders
– Oversee IATSE Training Trust Fund applications: create and send questionnaires, reimbursement requests, expense reports, sign in sheets, and invoices in accordance with the IATTF specifications and deadlines
– Work with Apprentice Committee for ongoing reevaluation of Scenic Artist Apprenticeship Training program, practices and procedures, updating policies as necessary, and overseeing recruitment and testing process
– Develop and monitor a clear communication channel for Apprentices and relevant stakeholders
– Bolster the USA 829 Apprentice & Training Fund to incorporate and engage all USA 829 crafts represented in the Local; this includes new class development, broader internal and external engagement of members and partners alike
– Attend classes, interface with members and instructors, learn on the job, and work to improve our offerings from class to class
– Help to build our ATF with effective and efficient organizational structures and strategy via identifying funding opportunities, branding, and standards

Skills Requirements:
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
– Educational experience including either curriculum or program development
– High degree of computer literacy (such as Microsoft Office) and ability to learn/utilize new technology or communication platforms to aid the department and ATF
– High level of organization and effectiveness, participate in and lead multiple projects simultaneously to meet tight deadlines
– Keen interest in learning about the entertainment industry—including the detailed specifics about our members’ work—to better and bolster educational offerings.
– Can lead a team, but also work independently while setting own and departmental SMART goals
– High sense of emotional intelligence; experience working with people from a diverse array of backgrounds
– Naturally enterprising, genuinely curious, and a passion for the value and necessity of the labor movement
– Ability to work extended hours and /or weekends as needed (comp and flex time available)

About the Candidate:

The successful applicant will have good language skills both verbal and written, experience in education, program development, and/or labor training.

Previous experience as an educator or within the entertainment industry, labor movement, or other advocacy organizations is a plus. In addition, personal working experience within the entertainment industry in one of our represented crafts is highly valuable, but not mandatory. The ability to enterprise, innovate, and collaborate with many audiences are key components of this position.

The salary range for this position is $90K-$110K, plus an excellent benefits package. This position is based in our New York City office.

To Apply:
– Please provide a cover letter, résumé, and any applicable materials (this could include curriculum you’ve developed, items from programs managed, or materials that speak to the above requirements of this position).
– Send all materials via e-mail to Operations Director LeVonne Barry at: JOBSEARCH@USA829.ORG.
– No phone calls or office visits will be considered.

For more information on Local USA 829, visit: www.usa829.org.

Local USA 829 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.

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.