Great resume builder if you can take the politics - Program Officer Kauffman Foundation Employee Review

3.0
9 Mar 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I had the opportunity to work with some of the smartest, most innovative people that you will find. The Foundation, due in large part to its reputation, draws incredible talent. It is very energizing to work in an environment with literally some of the smartest people around. The benefits are also a big plus. The retirement is generous and heads above any other organization. If you can manage to survive at Kauffman for at least five years, and contribute all you can to your retirement, you will definitely see huge financial reward. They are also very generous with time off and other meaningful rewards.

Cons

The best way I can describe this is as such... Working at Kauffman is like being the children of very well off parents. You have the beautiful house, the finest education, and all the other things money can buy. Except your parents love and attention. Specifically, the culture is dismal. You can walk the halls of the Foundation and hear no laughter, no joyfulness. It is frankly depressing, which is a shame. Some of the hires at the Executive level four years ago were a train wreck that ultimately left the Entrepreneurship team a shell of its former self. So much interesting and impactful work was being done but once there was a leadership change all that changed. Bottom line is that this organization, despite it's stellar reputation and incredible benefits, has higher turnover than it should.

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Kauffman Foundation Response
6y
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I agree that the talent here is outstanding and this is one of the most energizing places I’ve ever worked as well. Thanks for noting those aspects of our work. I’m struggling on other aspects of your review because while they definitely sting, they don’t align with what I see here and don’t match our data. One example – our turnover rate is under 10%. In my experience, there is joy, laughter and caring across our teams and culture. I’m sorry that wasn’t your experience. You mention the entrepreneurship team and here’s what I see on that front. I see a team that’s doing some of our most practical – and powerful – work yet. Whether that’s the applied research that puts data in the hands of people who need it most, the work in the heartland to support more thriving and inclusive economies or America’s New Business Plan– I see passion, expertise and a commitment to partnering with communities to increase opportunities for all people to take risks and own their success. I’m happy to talk any of this through and welcome an opportunity to better understand your perspective. Kathleen Boyle Dalen

Explore other reviews about Kauffman Foundation

5.0
25 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Treat employees very well. The location is also very nice.

Cons

Can be very unorganized. Power structure and goals are often times unclear

3.0
17 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Helping the community, good benefits

Cons

Low accountability, culture, and little flexibility

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