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Social Science Research Council

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Interesting job, worrying salary practices - Program Assistant Social Science Research Council Employee Review

2.0
Feb 28, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Generally relaxed work environment (program-dependent), friendly and motivated colleagues, access to interesting research, decent benefits. Resume booster for career opportunities elsewhere or grad school apps.

Cons

No meaningful room for growth without a graduate degree. Grossly underpaid junior staff. Understood that this is a smaller org and these positions are mostly seen as transitional for recent college grads, but it is highly problematic and exploitative to pay employees an unlivable wage for NYC, especially so for a public interest organization. It’s odd to claim a dedication to cultivating and sustaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce, meanwhile only a very specific applicant pool can accept a $40,000 salary post-undergrad in NYC — not a diverse one. And even if these junior positions generally have short-term lifespans (~2 years), should that really justify paying an employee a less than livable wage for a single person in NYC?

Explore other reviews about Social Science Research Council

5.0
Jul 24, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible hours. Great for students

Cons

No, no cons for me.

4.0
Feb 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Excellent PTO package - Good health insurance (but you have to pay into it) - Wonderful, smart, supportive colleagues, including many at the program-director level - Management makes an effort to contribute to staff professional development (occasional trainings + some professional development funds) and cohesiveness/wellbeing (outings, arts and crafts, parties, etc) - Very good organizational reputation to support your next steps

Cons

- Unrealistically low salaries for program assistants/associates living in New York City (unfortunately, even the best PTO can't make up for this if you’re trying to pay off loans or similar) - very few opportunities to network or learn from more senior colleagues outside your team - few opportunities for advancement, partly due to the structure of the organization

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