Toxic culture and toxic executive leadership - Program Director Year Up United Employee Review

2.0
Mar 26, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing mission with great on the ground staff that go above and beyond for students.

Cons

The organization's culture has significantly declined, and executive leadership seems either unaware or unwilling to address the issue—particularly since it stems from the top. Our executive leadership, starting with the President, lacks empathy, demonstrates poor change management practices, and communicates ineffectively. They promote one message in all-staff meetings yet act in direct contradiction to it. Executive-level promotions are based on alignment with the President’s leadership style rather than merit or organizational values. As a result, those in leadership positions do not push back or provide critical feedback, allowing misalignment with organizational practices to persist. Concerns raised with HR and executive team members are either ignored or acknowledged without follow-up. Despite the organization's admirable mission, ineffective leadership has created a challenging and discouraging work environment.

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Year Up United Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We value all feedback and would like to learn more about your experience of the culture during your time with the organization, as well as your current concerns. We encourage you to discuss your experiences with us further, if you email us at feedback@yearupunited.org we’ll be in touch to find time to connect.

Explore other reviews about Year Up United

5.0
May 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility, team culture, colleague dedication, meaningful work

Cons

Sudden benefit elimination (professional development funds, sabbatical, student loan support, etc.), sudden change in hybrid-work policy,

1
5.0
Jan 21, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Competitive compensation - Excellent organizational leadership, passion, and culture - Programs really make a difference in the students' lives

Cons

Any new site comes with some growing pains and so we are still figuring some things out as we go. Could use a little more direction or "best practices" from other sites or leadership. But again, these things come with any new sites!

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