Executive in Charge of Public Programming

The Paley Center for Media•New York, NY

4d•$200,000 - $300,000

About The Position

The Paley Center for Media is the world’s leading 501 (c)(3) nonprofit cultural institution whose mission is to preserve our media history and to explore media’s powerful shaping influence on our culture. The Paley Center for Media owns the iconic, New York Paley Museum where media, sports, gaming, tech, and entertainment come together, and during the year, produces unmatched programs for the public and industry. On the public side, programs celebrate the very best of television, digital content, and interactive entertainment. On the industry side, the Paley Center convenes the most influential business leaders to explore and debate the most critical issues and opportunities within the industry while also fostering a sense of community amongst peers. Through its respected Paley Impact series, programs educate and explore how media impacts culture and shapes public discourse on important societal issues. At the heart of the Paley Center sits the Paley Archive, which represents the largest public collection of its kind and is often cited as a national treasure, with over 160,000 programs spanning more than 100 years. This collection also serves as an incredible resource for K-12 educators and students nationwide that are served through its respected education classes. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. The Executive in Charge of Public Programming (“Executive”) is a member of the executive team and a hands-on manager responsible for the operational planning, coordination, and execution of all public programming activities and initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Programming Officer (CPO), the Executive serves as the operational lead for the Public Programming team, ensuring that projects, events, exhibits, festivals, experiences, and initiatives are delivered on time, on budget, and at the highest standards. Working closely with the senior programming leadership, the Executive ensures the development and execution of a compelling and relevant programming agenda. The Executive in Charge of Public Programming reviews programming plans and offerings to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, timelines, and business needs. This role manages timelines, deadlines, priorities, and overall project flow and upholds best practices and procedures. The Executive plays a critical role in strengthening cross-department collaboration, and fostering a positive, high-standards culture of accountability. This position ensures the Public Programming team is aligned, accountable, and responsible, consistently meeting institutional and departmental goals, while advancing Paley’s leadership, visibility, and relevance within the industry and with the public.

Requirements

Proven experience as a Chief Operating Officer / Executive Producer or equivalent senior executive position with a minimum of 25+ years’ experience in media, sports, gaming, tech, music, and/or the entertainment industries
Demonstrated success in overseeing large-scale productions and leading teams, with a track record of delivering measurable results, and a results-oriented, solutions-driven approach
Significant experience exercising senior-level editorial and strategic judgment in reviewing and refining public programming concepts, talent, and initiatives proposed by executive teams.
Deep, up-to-date knowledge of the evolving media and pop culture landscape—including media, sports, gaming, entertainment, music and tech, etc.—with strong awareness of industry trends, current news, key players, public engagement strategies, and event management, and the ability to anticipate emerging opportunities
Exceptional experience managing and mentoring senior-level teams and providing strategic direction to public programming functions
Strong business acumen and financial accountability, with demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, oversee budgets and optimize operational efficiency
Excellent executive presence, marked by discretion, sound judgment, resilience, adaptability, and a polished, personable demeanor
Established professional network, including relationships with C-suite executives in media, sports, gaming, tech, music and/or entertainment
Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments, manage multiple priorities, and pivot effectively in response to changing circumstances while maintaining attention to detail and high standards
Excellent consensus-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders
Deep understanding of AI, with a proven track record of successful application, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of AI and other emerging technologies, platforms, and innovations
Strong work ethic, with preference for in-person collaboration in a high-energy office environment
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency in Spanish is a plus

Responsibilities

Responsible for evaluating the annual public programming calendars, working with the Public Programming team and other departments to identify and confirm key dates and timelines that form the organizational roadmap, and ensuring that all projects, events, exhibits, and initiatives are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with institutional priorities
Establish, formalize, and oversee adherence to best practices and standard operating procedures across Public Programming, holding teams accountable for the efficient and effective use of staff time and resources, driving measurable results, and achieving goals within defined timelines, while ensuring alignment with operational feasibility, budget parameters, and calendar strategy
Conduct strategic review of public programming topics and initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and providing guidance to support program quality, relevance and impact
Manage timelines, priorities, and overall project flow across the Public Programming department, identifying and mitigating operational risks that could affect program delivery on time.
Foster strong cross-functional collaboration among Public Programming team and key departments— Development, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Legal, and Tech—to support seamless planning, execution and delivery of initiatives
Own accountability and responsibility for achieving monthly and annual financial targets, operating goals and departmental and institutional objectives.
Champion the use of AI, innovation, and other emerging technologies to increase efficiencies and effectiveness across the Public Programming department.
Lead by example, fostering a positive, high-energy, solutions-oriented work culture with clear expectations and an environment of accountability
Serve as a Paley Ambassador by amplifying organizational initiatives and content through networks and social platforms to strengthen reach and community engagement
Participate in other projects and duties as assigned