74% positive business outlook
Pros
- Colleagues are generally lovely people trying their best through a really difficult atmosphere - Corporate structure gives it more organization than some other nonprofits (but the emphasis on hierarchy and titles is pretty outdated)
Cons
- This place is run on fear, which causes huge employee turnover, long work hours, and lack of creativity. Good ideas are squashed or never given a chance to come to be. Nobody likes their job, and the staff is composed of people who have either been there 10+ years and are resigned to it, or are brand new and likely to resign. It's the kind of workplace that uses the term "family" to justify poor treatment. -Systems for communication are incredibly outdated and inefficient, which makes the crisis-workflow even worse.
Pros
This is my second time at The Paley Center for Media—and it’s been a great time! Over the past two years, we’ve brought an incredible lineup of public-facing programs to life, from captivating exhibits on a wide range of cultural and media topics to our dynamic PaleyLive and PaleyImpact series, which continue to spark vital conversations around today’s most pressing issues, as well as entertain. We’ve also created unforgettable experiences for families, with engaging podcasts and fun-filled family days. Behind the scenes, our industry programming has been equally electric—featuring powerhouse speakers from government, business, sports, and entertainment who routinely make headlines at our Media Council events and the International Council Summit. With such momentum and creativity, the possibilities for what we can achieve are limitless. I often hear from so many in my professional network compliment the programming and the work we are doing which really instills a great sense of pride that I am part of such respected organization. It’s this dedication to our mission and the hard work of all my colleagues that made it a no-brainer for me to return to Paley. Additionally, I am dealing with an ailing parent, and Paley leadership has been nothing but supportive when I need to take time to deal with this situation. It’s this support that has really helped alleviate what is a very difficult personal situation, as well as provided me with a healthy work/life balance. I can’t say every company is like this, but I am happy to say Paley has been!
Cons
While things at Paley continue to move in an upward trajectory, there is always room for improvement. On the internal side there are systems for employee operations that need to improve, and we really need to take a different approach to the way we share our program content with our partners post event which would go a huge way in continuing to build overall brand awareness.
Pros
Colleagues who support one another through a very challenging culture.
Cons
There have been a recent wave of reviews that are very clearly being posted by Paley executives to increase their ratings average, and drown out the overwhelmingly negative and truthful reviews about the culture at Paley and its leadership. The fact that these reviews specifically name the CEO and praise her when the majority of reviews on here say that she has created a toxic environment by being verbally abusive to staff, among other unethical leadership practices is incredibly telling. All of these reviews are also very similar in what they say and how they are worded. Here is what you should do right now: filter glassdoor reviews so that you can see all reviews from any type of staff member, and sort by date. The story will become very clear. The picture that will be painted is that Paley has created one of the most toxic atmospheres that you will ever come across, and while being quarantined, they are doing damage control. Read the negative reviews. You'll see the pattern, and this goes back years. Here is the truth. Since their posts are repeating the same dishonest things, here are completely honest and real points made by numerous others in other reviews as well: People are talked down to all the time in ways that you could never possibly imagine. They are forced to work long hours. The term "fire drill" is used by the entire staff daily to describe how work is passed down. The CEO only cares about the board, not her staff. There is a very serious problem at Paley and instead of addressing it and fixing it, they care more about the public perception than the reality. If you’re researching the company because of available jobs, don’t write these red flags off as isolated incidents. This is company wide. This impacts everyone. This will impact you before your first week is over and it will only get worse. Read all of the reviews. Filter in all positions. Filter by date. The truth is easy to see.
Pros
Interesting programming and speakers. Below senior management, most colleagues are nice and supportive.
Cons
-The micromanagement by senior management is incredibly counterproductive. -Pay is sub-par, and the employee premium for health insurance eats up a sizeable chunk of that pay. -Every department is understaffed. That problem never changes because of the astronomically high turnover rate among the administrative staff - around 30%-40% annually by my count. -Poor staffing & high turnover mean people are frequently saddled with extra work and tasks FAR outside of their specialty and job description. -No hybrid or remote work option. -Senior management doesn't respect employees' time or schedules. Meetings are rarely held at scheduled time. Rather, senior management will delay for hours or even days, then expect everyone to drop everything whenever they decide to hold a meeting. All this is a shame, because Paley has the potential to be a valuable part of NYC's cultural community, if only the leadership would get out of the way.
Pros
One thing I can say about working at Paley: you’ll never be bored since there is something new every day! It is a fast-paced environment and all hands on deck for simultaneous projects, so always a chance to excel and do meaningful work. Colleagues really support each other and get to share their talents and feel appreciated.
Cons
If high-volume, fast-paced work and grace under pressure doesn’t suit you, Paley might not be the right fit. SInce Paley produces multiple programs each month, hours can be long during busy times.
Pros
I got to meet some celebrities
Cons
Professional Working at The Paley Center will seem like a job opportunity too good to be true; an advancement to a role of your dreams. A thrilling enticement to leave the hard-earned respect and job security you've enjoyed in favor of a small but mighty role that can have great impact on the organization. In reality, you will be set up to fail. On Day 1, you are the magic bullet to fix all systemic problems that hold the organization back from success. On Day 2, you will be seen as part of the problem. Quickly you'll learn to not innovate but to merely execute the same top-down flawed strategies. This will not only make you question your own instincts on a daily basis, but impede your professional growth and ability to think strategically and creatively. Your sentence at Paley will be wasted time, every day there will make you less prepared for the next job you interview for. Financial Paley pays well, because it must. HR, at the iron directive of senior management, create a shock-and-awe style of recruiting. You may say to yourself that you never thought you'd earn this much money, and you may be right. But at what cost. You will leave dejected and confused with no job lined up. Or you will be summarily dismissed, silenced, and erased for irreconcilable crimes against the matriarchy. Either way, assume that any annualized salary calculation should factor in not 12 months but 18 - 21 months, including the 6-9 months looking for a job that you should've taken in the first place. Mental Never have i ever cried at work. Never have I ever seen kind, talented, dedicated colleagues be verbally executed and fired in a public setting. Never have I ever thrown something across the room in frustration. Never have i ever had recurring nightmares about my CEO. Never have I ever been truly speechless at a person's inhumane narcissism. Never have I ever seen an organization so riddled with turnover that every year is like recreating the wheel with new people and no continuity to the point of sheer ineffectiveness and madness. Social A silver lining will be the strong bonds you form with peers, akin to carpet-bombed soldiers in a foxhole. There will be an espirit de corps that you'll learn to lean into: knowing that C-suite exectives have no downward loyalty and focus only on their own two-faced survival at all costs. The goals will be unattainable, the direction will be contradictary, and the business model will be a dumpster fire, but its about the people you meet along the way. The people, like you, that have looked evil in the face and refused to blink.
Pros
- Work that feels meaningful — contributing to the creation of others’ entertainment in a way that makes each day exciting and rewarding. - Incredibly supportive and mission-driven leadership that has ensured the organization not only survives but thrives — even during industry-wide challenges like COVID or Hollywood strikes. - Strong financial stewardship: no layoffs, furloughs, or salary cuts during the pandemic; regular salary increases and active hiring over the past few years. - Yearly launches / "State of the Union" - where the team presents goals for the upcoming year ensuring that the team is united and is an excellent way to start the year - all on the same page. - Exceptional balance of institutional knowledge and fresh, innovative voices — long-time employees (40+ years!) alongside newer team members. - Investment in infrastructure and future growth: new technology systems, CRM, project management tools, and two new theater renovations. - Truly collaborative environment with colleagues who are dedicated, passionate, and aligned in mission.
Cons
- As with many nonprofits, the team is small and wears many hats — which can sometimes slow progress on new initiatives. - Change can take time, especially in a constantly evolving media landscape where priorities shift quickly. - Some projects may be delayed due to competing demands, even when leadership is committed to innovation.
Pros
As someone who has been at The Paley Center for Media for several years, I can say without hesitation that this is a truly special place to work. What makes Paley stand out is its people. The staff is talented, committed, and incredibly collaborative. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, heart, and dedication that every team brings to the table—whether it’s launching a blockbuster exhibit, producing a high-profile industry event, or developing educational programming that makes a lasting impact. It’s also a genuinely supportive environment where people are kind, ideas are welcomed, and hard work is recognized. It’s the kind of organization where you feel like what you do matters, and where your colleagues really do have your back. Leadership plays a huge role in that. They work hard to create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and supported. The work isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding—and the culture emphasizes transparency, teamwork, and care. Leadership listens and is always working to improve. The programming is a constant source of pride—smart, relevant, and always evolving. From media and entertainment to sports, tech, and gaming, Paley not only honors its legacy but continues to shape important conversations across industries. Watching audiences light up—whether at a premiere, a student workshop, or a panel with innovators and icons—reminds me daily why the work matters. No workplace is perfect, but what I’ve experienced year after year is a team that believes in the mission, takes pride in what they do, and supports one another along the way. If you’re looking for a place that blends purpose, creativity, and a truly collaborative culture, Paley is a great place to work.
Cons
Like any mission-driven organization, there’s always room to grow—whether it’s expanding resources, embracing new tools, or streamlining certain processes—but what makes Paley stand out is the willingness to evolve and improve together.
Pros
The Paley Center is a wonderful, energetic and dynamic place to work! Events, educational programs and exhibits continue to be insightful, informative, diverse, relevant, impactful, entertaining and unique. This makes working for the mission of the institution personally and professionally rewarding. The organization has a collaborative and caring leadership and employees are dedicated, intelligent and hardworking. This is a smart, innovative and inclusive environment with an atmosphere that is warm, friendly and fun. Colleagues genuinely appreciate each other and enjoy being together, whether it’s partnering on a project or playing on the Paley Center’s softball team. We are motivated to achieve and a person can make an important contribution to the success of the organization as talent is valued and respected. The President/CEO, Maureen Reidy, sets and fosters this positive culture. Her strategic leadership and clear, strong and thoughtful vision for the institution has made the Paley Center an even more vibrant as well as meaningful organization. She is extraordinarily passionate, incredibly engaged and extremely supportive of us. She takes a sincere interest in us and really cares about our growth within the organization and our well being outside of it. Her inspiring leadership and true devotion has been apparent throughout her tenure and is especially evident during this pandemic crisis. Everyone continues to feel that we are in skillful hands with her at the helm. I have worked at the Paley Center for more than 15 years and it’s never been better. I have never been prouder or more inspired to call the Paley Center my home away from home.
Cons
It’s a challenging time right now for everyone, but I’m optimistic that with us all at the Paley Center working together, which we do every day, we will continue to be a great organization.
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