GBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.
At GBH, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are hybrid and work both from home and onsite. Our current hybrid approach requires staff to work onsite a minimum of two days each week, every Tuesday and Wednesday, Hybrid staff are also welcome to come in additional days each week or may be asked to come in on other days by their manager.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
NOVA is the most popular primetime science series on American television, demystifying the scientific and technological concepts that shape and define our lives, our planet, and our universe. The PBS series is also one of the most widely distributed science programs around the world, and is a multimedia, multiplatform brand reaching more than 55 million Americans every year on TV and online. NOVA’s important and inspiring stories of human ingenuity, exploration, and the quest for knowledge are regularly recognized with the industry’s most prestigious awards. As part of its mission to make the scientific enterprise accessible to all, NOVA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all its work, from the production process to the range of stories we tell and voices we feature. In addition, science educators across the country rely on NOVA for resources used in the classroom as well as in museums, libraries, and after-school programs. NOVA is a production of WGBH Boston; more information can be found at pbs.org/nova, or by following NOVA on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
JOB OVERVIEW
Under the supervision of the Business Director, the Senior Business Manager manages the day-to-day finances and administration for NOVA, is a trusted advisor to senior leadership, and supports GBH strategic planning and change management initiatives. As a member of NOVA’s business team, the Senior Business manager plays a crucial role in advising NOVA employees and contractors on GBH policies and procedures and a contributing role in grants management, production finance, and financial reporting processes for the department. As a member of the GBH National Productions Production Operations & Finance group, the Senior Business Manager is also a key player in GBH-wide process and system projects to enhance business-management efficiency and effectiveness. The Business Manager serves as the point of contact for NOVA business needs and works collaboratively with NOVA employees, accounting, IT, legal, production finance, human resources and other departments as well as external producers, suppliers, and talent.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Advise the Senior Business Associate in negotiating, preparing and paying union and non-union talent contracts consistent with GBH’s union agreements with WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and AFM; monthly budget tracking, journal entries, payroll, accounts payable processes, project code management; and technology assets and physical plant needs for a busy department of 30+ full-time employees.
Review monthly project expenses, track budgets, and meet with department managers to ensure adherence to grant terms and efficient use of resources.
Negotiate and approve production budgets, schedules, cashflows and payment schedules for production agreements as assigned; and review financial reports and detailed production expenses with external producers for cost containment and subcontractor monitoring purposes.
Manage milestone approval processes and invoice payment for broadcast and digital subcontracts, track payment schedules, and maintain required delivery and approval documentation.
Respond to information and documentation requests for Mass Film Tax credits and internal audits.
Responsible for the department’s monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year end closing processes and accruals.
Serve as a key member of GBH’s Production Operations & Finance Team and represent NOVA in GBH-wide strategic planning initiatives -- identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, provide feedback on proposed policies, procedures, and system implementation plans.
Support the financial, operational, and strategic interests of NOVA’s Co-Executive Producers and Senior Director of Business Operations and coach NOVA colleagues of all levels on financial management, compliance, and grants management best practices.
Remain current on GBH accounting and HR policies and serve as advisor to staff on specific application to NOVA projects.
Prepare quarterly financial review materials, forecasts, and cashflows; as well as customized proposal budgets, timelines, and funder reports as assigned.
Advise NOVA Senior Leadership on staff resource management, independent contractor and staff hiring/contracting policies, processes and implications.
SKILL SET
- Nonprofit management
- Proven ability to develop and manage complex project budgets, generate accurate detailed reports in a variety of formats, reconcile multiple systems, and troubleshoot variances
Production and talent contract negotiations and contract administration
Knowledge of charitable foundation grant compliance regulations
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cultivate productive working relationships with internal and external clients
Experience with accounting processes including accounts payable, journal entries, and accruals
Proven ability to work independently, set priorities and manage deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Fluency in Excel and Word required
Preferred skills:
Grants' management experience
Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and Workday preferred; familiarity with QuickBooks a plus.
Financial system (Workday), budget templates, Union agreements (AEEF, NABET, WGA, AFTRA, and AFM) and contracts management system (PIM)
Background in media and/or production
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree and 6–8 years of experience in finance, budget management, and operational oversight, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
JOB SPECIFICS
Staff position
Hybrid position- We are in office on Tuesday's and Wednesday's
LOCATION
1 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135
This position is located in Boston, MA, and requires on-site presence.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; 6-8 years in finance, budget management, or operational oversight
- Fluency in Excel and Word
- Experience with accounts payable, payroll coordination, journal entries, accruals, and month/quarter/fiscal close processes
- Proven ability to develop and manage complex project budgets, forecasts, cashflows, and detailed financial reports
- Experience negotiating and administering production and talent contracts (WGA, SAG-AFTRA, AFM) and contract payment processes
- Knowledge of charitable foundation grant compliance regulations and grants management practices
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, coach colleagues on financial management, and liaise with internal/external stakeholders
- Grants management experience
- Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and Workday
- Familiarity with QuickBooks
- Familiarity with union agreements, budget templates, and contracts management systems (PIM)
- Background in media and/or production
What We Do
Public Media Company is a nonprofit strategic consulting firm dedicated to strengthening and supporting local public media. They provide expert guidance, business resources, and connections in areas such as strategy, growth, accounting, and finance. By partnering with nonprofit and noncommercial media organizations across the U.S., they help these entities achieve long-term business sustainability, amplify their service, and deepen their impact within their local communities.
