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Gates Foundation

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World's richest foundation, worst job - Deputy Gates Foundation Employee Review

1.0
Oct 23, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Without doubt, BMGF is a place that can do so much good. It has nearly unlimited resources to change the world and make it a better place. The mission is inspiring. The employee benefits are very good, health insurance, 401k contributions and leave surpass your typical job anyday.

Cons

It is a pity that BMGF management and work culture suck (pardon the language). There is continuous change with strategy processes that do not make much sense. Senior management egos drive the organization. There is no rules based process, even critical functions like HR are subject to whims of program leaders. As there is no independent Board, such practices flourish. Superior subject matter experts, like a former family pl director, are summarily fired and replaced with management stooges like former HR professionals with no background in the subject. It is a pitiful state of affairs and what is even more pitiful is that leadership at CEO level does not take notice or rectify the situation.

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Gates Foundation Response
8y
Thanks so much for your review. It is very difficult to read about your experience and your experience of your previous management and culture. I am not certain when you left the foundation but the leadership is quite committed to make the cultural changes so that we can have an even bigger impact in the world. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or if you left over the last few months, please respond to the outside firm managing our exit interviews. pam.yanchik@gatesfoundation.org

Explore other reviews about Gates Foundation

5.0
Apr 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone is aligned to the mission. Fantastic benefits.

Cons

These could be pros for some but travel and ambiguity are things to deal with

3.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mission-based work Diverse, passionate employee base Healthcare benefit Parental leave and support Unlimited PTO

Cons

Poor work-life balance Perfectionist culture Unreasonable expectations with working hours High levels of burnout Retaliation for setting boundaries with working hours Culture resistant to prioritization of work

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