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American Red Cross

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A comfortable job with minimal growth - Human Resources Manager American Red Cross Employee Review

3.0
20 Nov 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall working environment is good. On an average working day, there is very little stress and the work culture is very casual. It is an ideal place for employees with children, as there is a great degree of flexibility in working schedules. There is paid time off, full health and dental benefits, a short-term disability program, and some flex-time for disaster operations. There is also an employer matching 401k plan, tuition assistance, and mental health counseling. Employees are able to carry over 10 days of unused vacation time, which many employees seem to favor. All major holidays are recognized, and employees can often expect to be released early the day prior.

Cons

On an individual chapter basis, there is very little room for growth in any division. Promotions are usually only available when a member leaves, and horizontal transitions are highly unlikely. For a young professional seeking growth opportunities, he/she would have to be comfortable waiting for a space to open -which could be several months or several years. There is mandatory overtime for all staff in times of disaster and caring for loved ones is usually not an option right away. There is very little training and development, and in order to be promoted into management, new employees must be degreed in that area. Vertical transitions are usually favored for tenured employees.

Explore other reviews about American Red Cross

5.0
16 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My experience working with the Red Cross has been great. The work is fulfilling and the people are passionate. Benefits are good - Kaiser is $6 a month!

Cons

There is work life balance, but there is an expectation to work nights and weekends.

2.0
15 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You feel connected to a larger mission, and go to bed knowing you did good work. Most of the volunteers are amazing people. The job is a good stepping stone to other disaster management jobs elsewhere. PTO policy is generous and Healthcare is decent.

Cons

You are INCREDIBLY overworked and GROSSLY underpaid. You get zero work-life balance. Even when you're not on call, you'll still get tons of calls from volunteers with questions and concerns. If a volunteer is unavailable to respond to a fire call or tend to any other responsibility day or night, you're on deck. You're salaried, so there's no overtime pay. Your pay barely covers the basic cost of living in today's economy ($40k-$50k). Diversity is bottom heavy, meaning there are lots of employees of color in entry level or lower management roles, but beyond that there's a steep drop off. Most of the volunteers are great, but the Red Cross is so desperate to keep them, that poor behavior and language (racist/sexist/phobic) is not properly disciplined or responded to, if at all. Employee retention is poor, especially in the Disaster Specialist role, because they burn you out so quickly without decent pay.

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