Pros
Amplifier works on a broad spectrum of social-impact projects including grant-making, impact investing, and strategic collaborative initiatives. Despite high turnover, the team is united by passion for these projects, and generally consists of knowledgeable and passionate people. My position included significant client interaction. The presence of a full design team (in addition to the strategy team) is helpful given the importance of communications to social impact work.
Cons
The pay is generally above non-profit work, but below other consulting work that most employees are qualified to do, especially in SF. On-the-job learning is a given, but professional development benefits are minimal. Legally, my position should have been designated non-exempt, which (given the same base-pay) would have resulted in me being paid more appropriately for the long hours. However, Amplifier employed an HR professional for only a few months of my employment, making it difficult to address these sorts of issues. Meanwhile, leadership did not appear receptive to feedback. On the contrary, leadership was very defensive of its practices and high standards, while much of the team considered their communication style to be aggressive and inappropriate. I was among several employees let go during a short window of time, none of whom were underperforming. My separation included a verbal commitment from leadership to actively support my ensuing job search. However, my requests for exit interviews, access to writing samples completed during my employment, networking introductions, and professional references were largely ignored, and in one case rejected without explanation. This makes it difficult to look back on my experience as a positive one.