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Children International

Engaged employer

Full-Time Staffer - Anonymous employee Children International Employee Review

1.0
16 June 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The cause is so worthwhile. Knowing how you are helping impoverished kids is truly inspirational.

Cons

I didn't want to write this review, as I love this organization and the work it performs. I also love my coworkers (though many of them are now gone). But I simply can't encourage anyone to work here at this time-and likely for at least the next 3-5 years as the organization tries to fix its problems. Here's why I'm writing this review: Since CEO Susana Eshleman was hired 3 years ago to replace former CEO Jim Cook, management has been a hot mess. She was inexperienced in running a large organization, having come from Hallmark, and it continues to show. To keep finances under control while she changed the strategy of the org (which was desperately needed), she eliminated the positions of multiple V.P.s. Then she hired new V.P.s who may have the best of intentions but are/were not up to the responsibilities they took on. (Like the new CEO, several of these individuals also had never worked at a nonprofit.) The executive team has thus turned to outside consultants and the hiring of outside P.R./marketing agencies -- again, people with good intentions but no familiarity with nonprofits. One suggestion of these outsiders was to reorganize about half the company's staff in fall 2016, which almost immediately created silos with directors (or managers filling in for directors yet to be hired) not knowing how to handle their responsibilities. The V.P. in charge tried to take a backseat to give the directors the ability to forge their own ways. But that technique has been sadly ineffective and only made matters worse. Yet this V.P. and other top execs continue to wallow in indecisiveness, and newly hired directors have come in like bulls in a china shop, making decisions and giving orders that have left existing staff simply trying to "duck and cover" to avoid attention and trouble. Additional layoffs this spring have reduced morale (which was already low) even further into the ground and also caused chaos as the org tries "experiments" in an effort to try to fix the continuing problems. Staff who are left are now overworked and overwhelmed. Perhaps this review is not even necessary as few career options at the organization are even available at this time. But for the positions that may open up or are currently available, consider this a heads up. You may be walking into an extremely complicated and negative situation.

Explore other reviews about Children International

5.0
22 Mar 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The work is the reward. Everything you do helps children escape poverty and have a chance at a better life

Cons

Having to talk to people who ate having problems honoring financial commitment

5.0
17 Dec 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fantastic people and mission—one of the best places to work in KC

Cons

No cons to think of—just a wonderful place to work.

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