Dysfunctional, insecure leadership; core values are largely lip-service; product needs help.
Pros
The intersection of technology and philanthropy is an exciting place to be. The clients, while occasionally high-maintenance, are changing the world with their collective mission, and working for Fluxx allows me to contribute to that. I've enjoyed working with (nearly) every client to whom I've been assigned. Most of the team is collaborative, cross-functional, open and friendly. The brand message is now solid, and the core values are admirable. And the product, while far from refined, is one of the best Grants Management solutions available. I would love to give Fluxx higher marks, because, on paper, it has the potential to be an incredible company and a great place to work. Unfortunately...
Cons
Fluxx has become one of the most truly toxic environments in which I've worked. The leadership are amongst the most insecure, petty, emotional and vindictive bunch I've met. Politicking has more value at Fluxx than quality of work, despite a core value indicating the opposite. The same is true for transparency; the leadership elevates transparency as a core value, though rarely practices what it preaches. In fact, the toxic environment has prompted most team members to avoid making waves at all costs to avoid the backlash that might result. In the past few months, Fluxx has hemorrhaged team members; roughly 20% turnover. While a small portion of that was deemed "strategic", at least a few were purely personal decisions, completely ignoring the negative impact on the business. More still have left after recognizing the toxicity for themselves, leaving gaping holes in the team (Client Services in particular). As a result, what was once a thriving, open, respectful and fun company culture is now much less inviting. And yet, those "leaders" that fostered the negativity are the very folks being rewarded. It's painfully obvious that the leadership are largely inexperienced first-timers and have either lost their grip on the company, or are misguided enough to think that they're doing well as leaders. And that bubble appears impenetrable. While Fluxx seems like an exciting, rewarding opportunity on paper, it is anything but. The promises of perks and opportunity are mostly empty, and the ceiling is much lower than it appears. There are so many better roles in this space to be found in the bay area, and I plan to seek them out immediately, as are many of the most capable team member at Fluxx. Good luck.
