Working at Synacor

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The way we look at it, how can a person be really creative when wearing shoes that pinch or ties that constrict? We think the notion "someone can't act professional unless they're wearing a suit" is bunk, and our happy, highly-productive workforce is proof you can wear jeans and sneakers and still produce a world-class product!

There's a lake RIGHT outside our office, and we gravitate to it like frogs to, well, water.

Synacor's headquarters is located along Buffalo's waterfront in the Erie Basin Marina. Taking a few minutes to enjoy the serenity of nature is as easy as walking 1,000 feet or so to the water. We even have a lakefront gazebo with wi-fi connection! When was the last time you took a webinar while watching sailboats float by?

Synacorians like food. A lot.
It's a good thing we call Buffalo home, since there are 1,400 bars and restaurants in the Greater Buffalo/Niagara area. Yes, 1,400! Many days, employees take the opportunity to relax and eat lunch together at several restaurants within walking distance of the office. If we're in the middle of a great working session and can't bear to interrupt it, we simply take advantage of a bevy of eateries who deliver straight to our front desk. Lastly, there is such a thing as a free lunch; Synacor often sponsors catered lunches and breakfasts to celebrate important milestones.

Every company has benefits, and of course we could just give you a laundry list of ours, but we think it's important for you to understand why Synacor offers the benefits we do. First and foremost, we believe that if we take care of our employees, they will take care of us. Second, if our benefits are better than everyone else's (and they are), we will attract the best and brightest. Third, we feel that we should reward employees for their time, skills, and commitment to us. Now, here's that laundry list you've been waiting for:

Medical/Vision

Synacor offers a competitive Medical and Vision program through Independent Health. Synacor pays 100% of the monthly premium for employees, dependents and domestic partners for the basic plan, employees are only responsible for co-pays and deductibles. Employees have the option to elect a premium health care plan for an affordable pre-tax deduction.

Dental

Synacor offers a competitive Dental plan through Guardian for employees, dependents, and domestic partners 100% paid by Synacor for the base plan.

Employees have the option to elect a premium dental plan for an affordable pre-tax deduction.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Synacor offers flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care and pre-tax transportation plans.

Retirement

Synacor has a 401(k) plan through Great West in which all employees are eligible to participate. As an employee, you are eligible to participate in the plan on your date of hire.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Synacor offers a voluntary life insurance policy through Guardian. Employees pay a premium that is deducted from their paycheck each pay period.

Paid Time Off

Synacor employees work hard and play hard. All full-time Synacor employees receive 28 days of paid time off annually.

Employee Assistance Program

Synacor recognizes that personal and family issues may often arise and affect an employee's health, family life, or desire to excel at work. To help with such issues, our employees have access to MHN Inc.'s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program is 100% paid for by Synacor.

If you think you've got what it takes to become a Synacorian, let us know!

Buffalo is a city with many facets.
There's a mix of blue-collar and white-collar professions available, and our unemployment rate is below both the New York State and national averages. Buffalonians unite with a common purpose to cheer on our sport teams and enjoy our culinary scene.

Buffalo has a rich history. It was the first area to benefit from hydroelectric power harnessed by nearby Niagara Falls; enduring traditions, such as Dyngus Day, an annual post-Lenten bash; and a strong arts/cultural community, featuring one of the world's most recognized contemporary art museums, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

"...the average commuter in Buffalo spends 19 minutes a day getting to work, lowest among 50 major U.S. urban centers."

Spring in Buffalo

We're proud to be from Buffalo, and we made a conscious decision to locate and keep Synacor's headquarters here. One thing every Buffalonian can agree on is this: There's no where else we'd rather be.

Buffalo was nick-named the "20-minute city" because most points of interest in the region are only about 20 minutes apart. In fact, the average commuter in Buffalo spends 19 minutes a day getting to work, lowest among 50 major U.S. urban centers. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Buffalo is all about neighborhoods. The Elmwood Village neighborhood, for instance, was named one of America's 10 Great Neighborhoods (Source: American Planning Association), and is considered by many to be the heart and cultural soul of Buffalo, with great art, food, and a multitude of cultural options. Bound by the world famous Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo State College campus to the north—plus, the historic Allentown neighborhood to the south—the Elmwood Village community guarantees residents and visitors a diverse and unique experience.

You don't have to take our word for it. Here is a video about just one of the neighborhoods where our employees choose to live, as well as a video showcasing the great things Buffalo has to offer.

The arts are alive in Buffalo, with a thriving performing and visual arts community. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and myriad professional theater companies provide quality cultural entertainment. The Burchfield-Penney Art Center is a hub for regional art, both contemporary and historical, not to mention a wide variety of locally owned galleries and shops. These cultural destinations are why American Style Magazine named Buffalo the number one arts destination among mid-sized cities.

Fireworks

Sports teams have a long history in the hearts and minds of Buffalonians. The NFL's Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres (NHL), and Triple A baseball team, the Buffalo Bisons provide year-round opportunities for interested parties to cheer, root or commiserate, as the case may be.

Then there is the physical appeal. Buffalo, one of whose nicknames is "City of Trees," is located on the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, on the northwestern border of New York State. The area's proximity to Lake Erie provides many great recreational opportunities.

And the waterfront area, where Synacor's headquarters is located, has become a symbol for the new direction the city is taking. There has been a resurgence in waterfront development over the past few years, including new biking/hiking trails, a visitor's center, and much more! Niagara Falls, one of the country's most beloved natural wonders, is a short drive from the city.

Buffalo and Western New Yorkers celebrate a true four seasons of weather. Buffalo has the sunniest and driest summers of any major city in the Northeast. And Buffalo has more days above 75 degrees than days of snow that cover the ground. (Source: National Weather Service) Fall is a spectacular time of year, with warm days highlighting the changing foliage and cool nights. And spring features a gradual warm-up to Buffalo's fast-paced, event-filled summers.

Delaware Casino

Education is another strong point. Buffalo has a wealth of private and parochial schools, with learning approaches ranging from traditional to progressive. The region also boasts several charter schools, which operate free of regulations that apply to traditional schools. Each school's "charter" serves as a performance contract outlining its mission, programs, goals and methods of assessment.

Once you see Buffalo, you'll know why we wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

Check out some of these Buffalo-related sites to learn more about the city we love:

Buffalo.com - All the best of Buffalo happenings.
Visit Buffalo Niagara - Learn all about things to do in the Buffalo region.
Buffalo Rising - Stories about what's going on in Buffalo.
Buffalo First - A hub for Buffalo's local movement.
Elmwood Village Association - A celebration of the unique urban character of Buffalo's popular Elmwood Avenue-centered neighborhood.
Allentown Association - Find all things Allentown — an arts-oriented neighborhood surrounding Buffalo's historic Allen Street.

There are many reasons to live in Buffalo, come visit to find out!

I began working at Synacor over 4 years ago…and I recall during my job search I was told by a Recruiting Manager that “all jobs in my field were the same” and I would not find the outside of the box fit I was looking for. Well I am excited to still say after 4 years my job is exactly the fit that I was looking for and that I knew was available in Buffalo! Synacor has and still is to me a breath of fresh air, from the .25 cent vending machine to the come as you’re comfortable work environment and to the life balance collaborative. I have been able to excel on more than one level and I have been afforded great opportunities to build my professional portfolio. There is a diverse wealth of experience that has come through Synacor and it is always inspiring to be a part of cutting edge technology. Even in the big scheme of things I can pinpoint where my contributions impact the company and that is invaluable. I have met some truly talented and passionate people as well as made some lifelong friends. Being a part of the Synacor family gives me a sense of pride and appreciation for the work I do and constantly challenges me to be ready to surpass the next level. If you are looking for more than a job, more than a career and more than a paycheck – take a look at what Synacor has to offer and try your hand at being a Synacorian; an opportunity to truly be a part of the whole pie! – Angie Bass – Marketing Resource Specialist

Coming from the print journalism field, I wasn't sure what to expect when I came to work for Synacor. The camaraderie found in a newsroom, where writers and editors are constantly floating ideas and cooperating to make the best possible product each day, is not an easy thing to replicate. Luckily for me, Synacor understands the value of collaboration in a way few companies do. The content publishing team is constantly working to promote the best of what we have to offer to users, and the company has been developing tools to find out what people want to see in real time. Our team is able to deliver news, entertainment and sports stories to readers and viewers much faster than I was accustomed to while working for a newspaper, and the fast-paced environment has helped me develop a sharper eye for news value than I ever had before. Constant changes in the way we deliver content and the ability to suggest better ways to get information out makes coming to the office more enjoyable than any of my previous jobs. Working hard also feels much more rewarding when the people above you appreciate your effort. In the beleaguered print industry, benefits and pay seem to shrink as the cost of living keeps spiraling upward. Synacor understands the necessity of keeping talented people in their jobs and helping them to advance into new ones as their skills improve or their interests change. It's rare to find a company that considers the individual employee this much. Competitive pay and benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. Company outings, training opportunities and a relaxed work environment all contribute to creating a tight-knit group that gets the job done and knows how to have fun doing it. – Dan Pye - Content Editor

I moved to the Buffalo area a year and a half ago to work for Synacor. Moving with my wife and two daughters was a difficult decision, but one that we are very happy we made. We love the area -- there are many things to do throughout the year! The atmosphere at Synacor is very welcoming, and the folks on my team have been excellent to work with. We know how to have some fun on the job, yet also get the job done. Everyone is dedicated to building quality products, and providing sound technical solutions for our clients’ needs. As a developer, I have learned much since my arrival. Training programs and DevTricks presentations help to expand my own horizons, and I enjoy giving back to the Synacor development community. Working for Synacor has been a truly enriching experience, and I’m proud to be a part of it! – Eric Adams – Lead Engineer

Why is working at Synacor awesome? I love being challenged, I love the dynamic environment and simply put Synacorians are a great bunch or people to work with.At Synacor, no two days are the same. There's never time to get bored or stuck in the same old routine. I have a great group of teammates for support and I work in an environment in which I can grow and develop. We have a collective passion for producing results that we’re proud of and we have plenty of fun while we do it. While it may not be for everyone, this mixture is crucial to create the atmosphere we have and I love it. – Holly Wentlent – Content Editor, Primetime

Synacor has allowed me to grow in my career by empowering me to take on challenges and has helped me succeed by fostering an open environment and providing great mentorship. As a bonus, I work with the most talented, hardest working, and innovative people I’ve ever worked with. You can’t beat that. – Jessica Calabrese – Senior HR Generalist

After nearly 5 years, what still impresses me most about this company is the contagious, upbeat mood that surrounds me. It’s amazing how your overall quality of life can improve when you do not view your career as a burden. The gratitude shown for our hard work is unending and considering the light-speed pace at which new technologies are being introduced, Synacor has shown from day one that they are dedicated to my on-going training and professional growth, which is invaluable these days. From our executive team leading the way, to those of us behind the scenes making it happen…I have never had so much confidence in regards to what may lie ahead! – Justin Schubring – Flash Designer

I see Synacor as a place where creative, intelligent, dedicated individuals collectively work toward large-scale initiatives to impact the global technology scene. Working at Synacor has given me great opportunities to be involved with major brands, working on projects that have reached mass audiences. In my tenure at Synacor, I have seen amazing opportunities come through our doors, which have been embraced, resulting in tremendous growth to foster a rewarding career. As a marketing professional, I have been given the opportunity to partake in such opportunities and have been allowed the freedom to be creative and expand my knowledge, all while working with a fantastic group of colleagues. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of such an innovative company, and to work in an environment containing such talented, influential people. Plus, the perks of working at Synacor are great. The relaxed culture and “work hard, play hard” mentality totally fit my lifestyle as a young professional. – Kate Wolcott – Marketing Services Coordinator

I have worked at Synacor for over 7 years. One of the greatest characteristics of Synacor is that we have such a diverse group of people working here, all with a great depth of knowledge and a passion for our business. We all leverage our talents to work together to make great things happen. It’s exciting knowing that we do a lot of things that others don’t or can’t do and that we have emerged as a leader in our industry. And that’s just what happens inside the building! Outside, we enjoy the beautiful backdrop of historic Lake Erie and Buffalo’s developing waterfront. Whether there is a professional sports game scheduled that day, one of the many concerts in the summer or just a bustling day at the marina, there is always something going on in downtown Buffalo. – Ken Goodman – Senior Engineer

Synacor truly fosters a culture of learning, cooperation, and collaboration. Synacor understands what it means to stay current and provides its employees with every means of doing so. Training sessions are open to all, and everyone is encouraged to participate. It is this atmosphere of freedom and openness that is undoubtedly one of Synacor's greatest assets – Margaret Smith – Engineer, Client Integrations

From the time I first heard about Synacor, I’ve had the luxury of having positive experience after positive experience that helped me grow as a person and as a developer. Synacor has given me many opportunities to grow in my career and the tools needed to take on new challenges that arise from taking on more responsibilities. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the smartest people I know, collaborating on developing products we can truly be proud of and using new technologies that make my job far more fun and interesting. No matter what position I’ve been in, I’ve always been given the flexibility necessary to balance my work and my family. The company motto of “work hard, play hard” has driven many office productivity initiatives – such as a more open seating area that promotes constant collaboration, painting rooms brighter colors and a game room with foosball and Xbox 360 – that make me look forward to coming into work every day. – Matt Creenan – Lead Engineer

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Synacor Office Photos Posted by employees and employer

Synacor – US – “Synacor is a family friendly environment, many of…”

Synacor – US – “A couple of our Synacorian canines at ‘Take your…”

Synacor – US – “The Synacor Foosball Champs 2011”

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Synacor Awards & Accolades

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Technology Fast 500, Deloitte, 2011

Marketing Excellence Award, BMMA, 2011

Technology Fast 500, Deloitte, 2010

Digital 100, SAI, 2010

Fierce 15, Fierce Cable, 2010

Synacor Ratings & Reviews Posted by employees

Company Rating Based on 25 ratings

2.8

Employees say it's “OK”

CEO Rating Based on 14 ratings

Ron Frankel

President, CEO and Director

50% Approve

4.0

Details

Work/Life Balance	3.5
Senior Leadership	2.5
Compensation & Benefits	3.5
Career Opportunities	4.0

Approves of CEO

Synacor Senior Engineer in Buffalo, NY: (Current Employee)

“Overall Good Tech Employer with Room to Improve”

Pros: Synacor has a very open, casual, and easy-going culture that makes it fun to come in to work every day. They are in a growth industry and work on large projects, with fast-paced challenges. On the whole they do a good job of recognizing hard work… – Full Review

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Synacor Salaries Posted by employees and employer

Salaries in USD	Avg. Salary	$50k $60k
Platform Developer 6 Synacor Salaries	$53,500	$46k $62k
Developer 5 Synacor Salaries	$53,250	$50k $57k
Senior Engineer 3 Synacor Salaries	$66,000	$65k $67k

= Salary Range

= Anonymous Salary Range

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Synacor Interview Questions & Reviews Posted by candidates

Interviewed Jan 2012 in Buffalo, NY:

The way events unfolded with Synacor was absolutely astonishing. I did a preliminary phone interview, then a phone interview with two of the senior technicians. At which point they decided to fly me out to their Buffalo, NY location. I went in for an interview and wound up interviewing with… – Full Interview

Interview Question:
Do you have experience using SPF records? – Answer Question

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