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      Gates Foundation

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      Gates Foundation Project Manager/Associate Program Officer reviews

      3.7

      53% would recommend to a friend

      (107 total reviews)
      avatar

      Mark Suzman

      79% approve of CEO

      58% positive business outlook

      Ratings by category

      4.6

      Compensation and benefits

      4.0

      Diversity & inclusion

      3.8

      Culture & values

      3.4

      Career opportunities

      3.1

      Senior management

      3.0

      Work/Life balance

      Project Manager/Associate Program Officer employees have rated Gates Foundation with 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 107 company reviews on Glassdoor. This indicates that most Project Manager/Associate Program Officer professionals have a good working experience there. Gates Foundation is rated in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) by Project Manager/Associate Program Officer professionals compared to other employers within the Nonprofit & NGO industry (3.7 stars).

      Ratings by demographic groups

      Reviews by job title

      107 reviews
      5.0
      Jul 20, 2018

      Inspiring place to work

      Program officer
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      I'm constantly inspired by the work supported by BMGF, which impacts some of the biggest problems in global health. As a private foundation, they can take controversial stances and innovate in ways you often don't see elsewhere in development. I feel lucky to contribute. Employees are treated very well. The benefits are amazing

      Cons

      There are the usual office politics, and a lot of credit-seeking driven by individual egos, but I think that is pretty normal in an organization, especially one trying to attract 'the best'. Employees are treated very well, sometimes too well (e.g. business class flights), which is uncomfortable when thinking about the geographies we serve and how that money could be better spent.

      avatar
      Gates Foundation Response
      7y
      Our ability to take risks that others can't or won't, to think long-term, and ultimately to innovate in solving some of the world's toughest challenges really is what makes the Gates foundation unique. Thanks for sharing your inspiring experience! - chris.ernst@gatesfoundation.org
      4.0
      Jun 6, 2018

      Great place to work, but not a place where everyone will thrive

      Program officer
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      1. Opportunity to play a part in addressing some of the biggest, most important challenges of our time 2. You'll get professional opportunities here you won't get anywhere else (e.g. who you get to work with, events you get to participate in, speakers that come to the foundation) 3. Unparalleled benefits 4. Beautiful workspace 5. Very flexible working schedule

      Cons

      You're experience will vary widely team-by-team, but basically: 1. The foundation has yet to create a culture and work environment where people of different backgrounds can thrive. Right now, it favors workaholic types with American communication styles (e.g. speaking in bullets, very direct) 2. Pretty much constant change--the decision-making process for which is not always transparent or fair. 3. While the CEO and executive leadership team are trying to address this, managers are generally pretty weak. Don't expect a lot of time or support in terms of mentorship or support to grow your career. 4. Because there are few open positions, it can be hard to "move up"--especially from PO to SPO and SPO to DD.

      avatar
      Gates Foundation Response
      8y
      In reading your thoughtful comments, my sense is that there's near universal agreement amongst all of us at BMGF on these "pros".... as well as wide agreement these "cons" can be improved upon, with continued genuine commitment, to make an even better foundation. -chris.ernst@gatesfoundation.org
      3.0
      Mar 27, 2018

      Too many layers and constant process change

      Program officer
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Excellent pay and benefits. Flexibility in developing and managing grants.

      Cons

      Too many layers of "managers" and "consultants" with minimal development experience between program officers and the co chairs. More talk about "rigor" and "intellectual dialogue" than actually existed.

      avatar
      Gates Foundation Response
      8y
      We continue to reflect and rethink on the many types of diverse skills, experiences backgrounds and life stories we need to realize our audacious goals. Your advice on hiring backgrounds is appreciated. -chris.ernst@gatesfoundation.org
      Viewing 61 - 63 of 107 Reviews
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