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Gates Foundation

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Great Benefits, Tough Environment - Senior Program Officer Gates Foundation Employee Review

4.0
18 Sept 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Terrific mission, great benefits, lots of opportunity to do good work. Looks good on the CV.

Cons

A perfectionist culture, (everything is "over-worked"). This probably comes from the style and preferences at the very top (and hence is unlikely to change). The CEO is trying to improve management capabilities (as distinct from scientific and leadership capabilities), but this is slow going. Arrogance is still a big problem in some quarters.

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Gates Foundation Response
8y
Thanks so much for your thoughtful review and in particular your advice to Sue. As you know, Sue is a very powerful and thoughtful leader that is focused on the impact the foundation has in the world as well as the way we treat each other and the important role of a manager. I'm happy to have a call with you if you'd like to share more about your experience as we continue to evolve. pam.yanchik@gatesfoundation.org

Explore other reviews about Gates Foundation

5.0
24 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Everyone is aligned to the mission. Fantastic benefits.

Cons

These could be pros for some but travel and ambiguity are things to deal with

3.0
8 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mission-based work Diverse, passionate employee base Healthcare benefit Parental leave and support Unlimited PTO

Cons

Poor work-life balance Perfectionist culture Unreasonable expectations with working hours High levels of burnout Retaliation for setting boundaries with working hours Culture resistant to prioritization of work

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