Great Opportunity to Network in the Nonprofit / Public Sector - Program Officer United Way Employee Review

3.0
Jul 5, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Networking opportunities, work/life balance, autonomous

Cons

Limited opportunities for upward professional movement

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United Way Response
11y
The United Way of the Bay Area is proud of the fact that both its CEO and its COO began their United Way careers as field level professional staff. Led by CEO Anne Wilson and COO Eric McDonnell, UWBA has continued to recognize its valued and talented staff at all levels of the organization by promoting when and where possible. It is equally proud of the fact that several of its senior leaders have been promoted from the ranks over the course of their United Way careers. During the last several years, there have been multiple promotions of staff in all parts of the organization and at all levels. As a small nonprofit organization, UWBA is often challenged with regard to creating advancement opportunities, but it is always thoughtful about how to improve its ability to to retain talented staff.

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5.0
Apr 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People were very nice and cooperative

Cons

Not any that I would speak of

2.0
Jun 18, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The mission is meaningful and the work itself can be deeply rewarding. Colleagues are talented, dedicated, and genuinely care about the community they serve. For the right person, that camaraderie carries a lot of weight.

Cons

Over the past two years, this organization has undergone significant and painful change. A revolving door of senior leadership, including the abrupt loss of key executives, created instability that trickled down to every level of staff. Layoffs followed, and then a steady stream of voluntary departures that leadership appeared either unable or unwilling to address meaningfully. Under new leadership, nearly every quality-of-life benefit that made nonprofit-level salaries feel worth it has been reduced or eliminated: fewer sick days, increased healthcare costs, loss of Summer Fridays, loss of Thanksgiving week, and a shift to more required in-office days. The cumulative effect is an organization that asks a great deal of its staff, in salary sacrifice and mission commitment, while systematically withdrawing what made that trade-off feel fair.

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