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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)
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Mark Suzman

79% approve of CEO

59% positive business outlook

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).

Reviews by job title

107 reviews
5.0
Aug 10, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The staff includes some of the brightest, most focused, most empathetic people I've ever worked with. The gold-plated benefits package includes amazing health insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation (which you're encouraged to take) + 2 weeks sick + holidays, 3 months full paid maternity leave. There are some international travel opportunities, depending on which section you work in and your role. The work is generally fascinating. Everyone is very proud of the mission.

Cons

It is difficult to move upwards in the organization - positions such as Program Officers and Senior Program Officers generally require many years of work experience. There is no natural career progression within the foundation. The foundation is still growing rapidly as an organization, and thus many of its internal processes and systems haven't kept up well with its growth -- meaning there are often IT and communications frustrations, and a seeming lack of internal structure. Some managers have little-to-no experience or training in managing employees.

4.0
Feb 25, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You contribute to society at large in a big way by supporting their work Selective employment process = smart co-workers challenging and fast paced

Cons

Very flat organization, difficult to move up or get promoted from within.

2.0
Jul 13, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The mission The amazing grantees you get to interact with Brilliant and committed colleagues Great benefits Nice offices and location The opportunity to constantly grow brain cells Resources People outside of the organization are impressed and interested in your work

Cons

When you are inside you begin to realize that the emperor has no clothes. It is a fast-paced, mean, competitive culture where people with no life outside of work excel. I began to feel like I was on survivor. I was great at my job, but the process, bureaucracy, hierarchy, constant spin and changing of directions was disheartening and made my work difficult. The worst part was watching the effect on my grantees and the field. The leadership and management are horrible. Yelling, fist pounding and insults from management and leadership are tolerated. HR is not to be trusted. The slogan is "every life has equal value" but that must only be true outside of the doors because inside there are definitely lives that are valued above others based on pedigree and position.

Viewing 103 - 105 of 107 Reviews

Glassdoor has 699 Gates Foundation reviews submitted anonymously by Gates Foundation employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Gates Foundation is right for you.