Gates Foundation

Gates Foundation reviews

Too many layers and constant process change - Program Officer Gates Foundation Employee Review

3.0

27 Mar 2018

Program officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Excellent pay and benefits. Flexibility in developing and managing grants.

Cons

Too many layers of "managers" and "consultants" with minimal development experience between program officers and the co chairs. More talk about "rigor" and "intellectual dialogue" than actually existed.

Gates Foundation Response

We continue to reflect and rethink on the many types of diverse skills, experiences backgrounds and life stories we need to realize our audacious goals. Your advice on hiring backgrounds is appreciated. -chris.ernst@gatesfoundation.org

Explore other reviews about Gates Foundation

5.0

24 Apr 2026

Senior program officer

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 Jun 2026

Program manager

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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Gates Foundation

Too many layers and constant process change - Program Officer Gates Foundation Employee Review

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