High Potential NGO That's Lost It's Way - Program Manager Merit America Employee Review

1.0
20 Nov 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The best part about the organization is many of the mission-driven employees and the communities within the organization. The affinity groups provide a community within their borders. Benefits are decent - 4 day work week although it's almost impossible to achieve the work in 4 days. Salaries are the same for every role and transparent for program team roles. Employees support one another and advocate for learners.

Cons

The biggest cons are low trust in the executive team, overwork, and disrespect for staff - especially BIPOC staff. The CEO's tell partial truths and assume people believe the BS. There is 100% turnover of EVERY Black leader on the executive team - People Officer, COO, and previous Program Officer. There were others, and the executives reliably spin a story about the turnover. Somehow all nonmarginalized exec leaders have longevity and are promoted (although they aren't necessarily qualified to lead). There was a recent reorganization where the CMO is now the COO with no experience. They just happen to be in the inner circle like others who are promoted. It's been musical chairs with undertones of discrimination always cloaked as "they decided to leave." The lowest point was watching our co-CEOs share the medical information of a departing Black executive in an attempt to validate their innocence for his departure. The People team leadership is largely quiet or possibly afraid. They don't advocate for staff and remain silent on the obvious issues. It appears the DEI team was dismantled or silenced. Employees live in uncertainty, fear, and daily chaos. There was a recent restructuring and layoff. The CEO's openly invited employees to resign in exchange for severance to not speak about their experience. The continued missteps have turned the culture toxic - fear, mistrust, and uncertainty. The board should take over and save this organization while there's still time.

Explore other reviews about Merit America

5.0
30 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My experience is that the org is staffed with talented, hardworking, and kind professionals who care deeply about the mission and want to do the greatest good for the greatest number.

Cons

No cons to report at the moment.

4.0
31 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mission-Driven Culture: Employees genuinely commit to a powerful purpose that creates tangible, life-changing impact. Future-Proof Stability: The organization thrives amidst economic and technological changes by staying ahead of market trends both internally and for our customers. High-Autonomy Environment: A culture of self-motivated professionals fosters trust, independence, and strong results. Innovative Focus: Dynamic and forward-thinking work centered on dismantling systemic barriers and building new technical training tracks.

Cons

Unclear Career Progression: Limited and poorly defined pathways for internal promotions and professional advancement. Stagnant Mobility: Low turnover rates create a bottleneck, leaving few immediate openings for upward movement. Sustainability Risks: Current high morale and low turnover may drop as the company approaches its 10-year mark without structured growth.

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