VP, Employment Law & News Talent Cntrcts

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

This role will provide strategic and practical legal counsel to Versant’s Human Resources professionals and business executives regarding employment laws, as well as negotiate and draft employment agreements with on- and off-air News Talent and executives.  This will be a key role as we build a Labor & Employment group for this newly-formed media company. 

Job Duties 

• Advise business executives and Human Resources on all aspects of employment law, including discrimination and harassment claims, accommodations and family and medical leave issues, performance management, business restructurings and acquisitions, employment policy development, wage-and-hour and compensation issues, independent contractor analyses, and pay equity 
• Provide counsel and oversight on internal investigations of employment-related complaints, ensuring that claims are addressed promptly, thoroughly and appropriately 
• Negotiate and draft employment agreements for executives and talent providing services in Entertainment, News, and Sports content 
• Strategize and build a contract process using legal technology to ensure consistency and equity in application of contract provisions and approach  
• Provide legal support in connection with the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit plans and programs
• Represent Versant, in collaboration with internal litigation group lawyers, and outside counsel as appropriate, in the mediation and litigation of employment claims
• Draft settlement and separation agreements, mediation briefs, and federal, state and local agency position statements
• Support labor matters as needed 
• Create and deliver training on timely employment law topics to management, Human Resources and business lawyers 
• Lead, manage and support enterprise-wide employment law project teams 
• Stay current on developments in employment and employee benefits law, including legislative and regulatory changes. 

Requirements 

• Law degree from an accredited law school 
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of New York, or member in good standing of another State Bar and registered as in-house counsel 
• Minimum of 10 years of employment law experience 
• Employment-related production experience a plus 
• Entertainment and media experience a plus 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach 
• Ability to identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and practically 
• Ability to approach complex legal scenarios in a thoughtful and analytical fashion 
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts, build consensus, think creatively and collaborate with clients to address business needs 
• Ability to build relationships across a large organization 
• Familiarity with web-based case management systems 

Additional Requirements 

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on Manager discussion or business need.
• This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $200,000 - $280,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible) 

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.