Director, ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society (PRS)

September 25, 2020

ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society (ACTRA PRS) operates as a not-for-profit corporation responsible for the collection and distribution of use fees, royalties, residual fees and all other forms of compensation for use of product for which ACTRA members and others may be entitled by reason of their work in the entertainment and related industries. ACTRA PRS also receives and disburses remuneration from tariffs and levies for Neighbouring Rights through the ACTRA Recording Artists Collection Society (RACS) division of ACTRA PRS.

Position Scope:

Under the direction of the National Executive Director, the Director, PRS will lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies to promote the rights of our members and assignees and to maximize, obtain and distribute use fees/residuals and royalties on behalf of ACTRA members in a timely manner.

This role partners with cross-functional leadership to improve and operationalize overall strategy and is responsible for taking action to support such strategy to guide ACTRA PRS towards continual improvement and ultimate success.

The director will cultivate a harmonized, inclusive, and engaged team through the leadership, support, and promotion of a continuous improvement culture. The director will actively promote ACTRA as an industry leader by being visible, participative, and collaborative with industry partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

The Director is responsible for successfully implementing strategic plans as determined by the National Executive Director. The Director will take an active role on ACTRA’s Senior Management team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ACTRA PRS’s operations.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Direct supervision of ACTRA PRS Staff including fostering a collaborative and positive work culture which includes ensuring adherence to ACTRA National’s collective agreements and staff policies and working collaboratively with our HR team. Leading by example, assessing mentoring, and training needs and conducting performance evaluations with a focus on performance enhancement.
• Overseeing the development and improvement of internal systems, processes, and policies.
• Administration and enforcement of collective agreements that relate to Use fees, Royalties and Residual fees and management of disputes or actions related to the Administration or enforcement of these fees.
• Actively participate in arbitrations, mediations, grievances, or any action required to satisfactorily settle outstanding claims including any legal action required.
• Preparing legal documents and correspondence, file and pursuing claims to a successful conclusion.
• Acting as liaison between the ACTRA Branches, Canadian, U.S. and International Producers, Distributors and Broadcasters, their affiliated organizations, rights holders, Unions and Guilds.
• Liaising with performers, agents, lawyers, managers, executives, international societies, government agencies and others within the industry fostering collaborative and positive alliances for the benefit of members/assignees.
• Managing and maximizing royalty collection and distribution for RACS Assignors and streamlining and implementing solutions to maximize efficiencies with the collection and distribution processes.
• Identifying opportunities in new territories, negotiating, and implementing new International agreements.
• Representing ACTRA by attending and participating in industry related board meetings as determined by the National Executive Director.
• Preparation and operationalization of regular PRS Board and committee meetings, ensuring appropriate Board support and training for good governance.
• Preparing necessary reports and documents for ACTRA National and other ACTRA meetings.
• Financial responsibilities, including but not limited to preparing budgets, reviewing monthly financial statements, and implementing strategies to maximize revenue and reduce expenses.
• Ability to adapt duties as the business grows, technology and needs change.
• Representing ACTRA PRS on external committees and at industry events.
• Maintaining knowledge of industry changes and submitting recommendations to ensure PRS remains current and competitive.
• Work in compliance with ACTRA polices and procedures.
• Provide the National Executive Director with accurate monthly metrics on royalty disbursements and residual payments.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

• Five to seven years of demonstrated senior management experience including direct staff supervision, mentoring, training, team building and performance tracking; preferably in a unionized environment
• University degree (Business or Law an asset).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the film and television industry with specific experience in film and television distribution and music licensing.
• Have existing relationships with key industry stakeholders and general knowledge of challenges facing the industry.
• Familiarity with collective agreements and the ability to interpret and draft contract language.
• Strong technical industry expertise including knowledge of neighbouring rights and music licensing.
• Working knowledge of financial statements, budgets, and spreadsheet analysis.
• Willing to travel as needed.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with staff members at various levels of the organization.
• Successful track record with internal communications throughout all functions and ability to build excellent professional working relationships.
• Proven ability to build systems and operations-based strategies and communication flows that are efficient and drive success for the team.
• Computer skills – Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strategic, creative, and innovative thinker.
• Experienced negotiator with an ability to work within a complex deal framework with stakeholders with diverging interests as well as the ability to prepare and execute grievance and arbitration matters.
• Articulate and skilled at effectively communicating information and ideas in written and verbal format to senior level contacts, board members, staff, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting and to influence others.
• Self-starter, solutions oriented and the ability to drive results.
• The ability to analyze and anticipate changes in the industry and prepare accordingly.

Application Process:

Interested applicants are invited to submit a 1 to 2-page letter of interest as well as their resume to humanresources@actra.ca

ACTRA is committed to employment and pay equity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from equity groups including individuals of Indigenous descent, racialized individuals, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ persons. We also provide accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources.

Thank you for your interest in joining us. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.