Pros
- Inspiring programs and mission (on the surface). The program participants are transforming communities around the world through their work. - Lots of opportunity for collaboration - High brand recognition - The junior to mid-level staff are some of the most talented, hardworking, passionate people you'll meet.
Cons
To put it simply, I would not recommend working at the Obama Foundation to anyone I care about. Senior leadership is extremely cliquey, white, and predominantly comprised of former White House staffers who have little to no experience leading successful nonprofits or programs. This has directly contributed to the extreme lack of strategic direction and toxic culture across the organization. There are too many large, competing priorities and not enough staff capacity to execute the mission in a way that centers impact or DEI. Internal processes are unclear, making it difficult to get things done. Leadership has flat out said that staff retention is not a priority. Work/life balance is impossible, and black and brown staff, especially at the junior level, oftentimes perform multiple roles and carry the brunt of the workload without the aligned compensation or title. There are numerous documented instances of racism and microaggressions, and these were addressed with performative town halls and talking points.