Director, National Industrial Relations and Associate Counsel

About Us

The Canadian Media Producers Association is Canada’s trade association for independent producers. We represent hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels. The CMPA works on behalf of our producer members to ensure a bright future for domestic media production and Canadian content.

The CMPA is currently seeking a Director, National Industrial Relations and Associate Counsel to manage the day-to-day administration of the CMPA’s national and regional labour agreements outside of British Columbia, and acts as the Vice-President, National Industrial Relations (NIR) and Counsel’s deputy in industrial relations matters, including in collective bargaining, where they work alongside to ensure the smooth preparation for and execution of all negotiations.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As Director, National Industrial Relations:

Builds and maintains strong relationships with colleagues across all CMPA offices, members, unions and guilds, and other industry stakeholders to ensure labour relations stability within the film, television and digital media industry.

Manages the day-to-day administration of the CMPA’s national and regional labour agreements outside of British Columbia.

Supports members with respect to grievances and labour disputes including providing information regarding the administration of applicable labour agreements and industry practice, advocating in support of the Producer, if appropriate, and facilitating resolutions.

Plays a central role in collective bargaining of the CMPA’s labour agreements at the direction of the Vice-President NIR and Counsel.

Assumes primary responsibility for the preparation of bargaining materials (proposals, etc.), at the direction of the Vice-President NIR and Counsel.

Prepares and provides research, economic analysis, background, and recommendations to the Vice President, NIR and Counsel, National Industrial Relations team and producer-member bargaining committees before and during negotiations.

Coordinates with CMPA – B.C. Producers Branch Industrial Relations staff to ensure a consistent approach to industrial relations matters.

Coordinates with members and other industry stakeholders on behalf of the CMPA regarding industrial relations issues and initiatives.

Manages and oversees the work of other members of the Industrial Relations team, as delegated by the Vice-President, NIR and Counsel.

Participates in the advancement of the CMPA’s employment and labour-related government relations files.

Leads the various industry health and safety initiatives to which the CMPA is party.

As Associate Counsel:

Supports the Vice-President, NIR and Counsel by providing legal and strategic advice and consultation for matters relating to the National Industrial Relations department.

Conducts legal research into employment and labour-related matters (including human rights, privacy, immigration, occupational health and safety, and workers’ compensation) affecting the CMPA and its members and provides advice to the CMPA respecting same.

Oversees litigation as directed, including the development of strategy, preparations for and attendance at arbitrations or other proceedings.

Manages external counsel, as directed.

Represents the CMPA in grievance meetings and throughout the grievance procedure, and other proceedings where external counsel is not retained.

Monitors legislation and jurisprudence impacting the independent production sector and identifies and reacts to applicable changes.

Additional Duties:

Assists with CMPA-wide initiatives as assigned.

Act as staff lead or support on CMPA committee(s) and/or working group(s) as assigned.

Other duties as assigned, and in keeping with the level of the position.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a recognized university

Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario

Minimum of two to four years’ experience in labour relations, including experience with collective bargaining

Previous experience working in the film, television and digital media industry is considered an asset, but is not required

Collaborative and Creative Thinker

Strong Relationship Building

Strong advocacy skills

Integrity

Pragmatic problem-solver

Excellent Facilitation and Negotiation Ability

Excellent Communication Skills – Written and Oral

Analytical

Be willing and able to travel regularly

Strong proficiency with MS365 such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams and SharePoint

Notes:

REPORTS TO: Vice President, National Industrial Relations (NIR) and Counsel

LOCATION: Full-time position based in Toronto, ON. Currently hybrid work schedule

The CMPA is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in our organization, and in our work. We strive to create a workplace that honours a diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, abilities, and identities, and to foster and maintain a working and learning environment that is inclusive and equitable. We welcome all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Interested applicants should apply through our CMPA careers website at: cmpa.bamboohr.com/jobs/ on or before February 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.