Pros
Important mission and many wonderful volunteers, especially at the “hands on” level. For both employees and volunteers there are opportunities for professional learning. Pay and health benefits for employees are competitive. There are some meaningful attempts at transparency in decision making. There is a level of professionalism sometimes lacking in non profits. The Society is the largest funder of MS research in the world. Most treatments would not exist without their support. So - there is pride in being part of that.
Cons
I had a good career at the MS Society. I performed work I was proud of. I had a chance to make the world a better place, and to use my best skills in the service of those things But- I still struggle with the bad taste left in my mouth at the end of a nearly 20 year career. Here’s why: 1) I was part of a senior management team that met regularly. There were many on the team that out ranked me. Yet I was a member. And I contributed. On my departure (voluntary) the CEO refused to acknowledge my departure with an email. A courtesy she gave others on the team with a higher rank. Am I on the team or not? —- Gut punch. 2) I attended a last meeting of my local leadership team at which the CEO informed my supervisor he should have given me “a pass”. I was still a loyal advocate. Why exclude me? Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean I can’t contribute. I’d get it if I was fired but.... 3) I got no exit interview. Seriously? 19 years? Come on
