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American Red Cross

Is this your company?

I was proud to say, "I'm going to work at the Red Cross." Not what I expected .... - Anonymous employee American Red Cross Employee Review

2.0
13 July 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Brand name of the organization and what the mission seemingly is

Cons

People have been here so long that they do not have innovation or energy. My job is not what was discussed during the interviews. In fact, there was a switcheroo after I started which is incredibly unprofessional and speaks to weak organization and communication skills. I resent that my job was handed to somebody with less experience. Though it has a feel good mission statement, it is still your run of the mill corporation. I'd rather go to a corporation and earn more, than put up with this complacency and bureaucracy of a not-for-profit corporation which practices a corporate culture. Anybody notice the demographics of the Board or senior management? I see very few people of color in senior roles. I also see promotions being handed out quickly to caucasians vs. people of color. I've been here a few months and very dissatisfied with my experience.

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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