CHF Reviews

Pros

It is nice to work in a non profit industry. It feelsl like you are making a difference in a positive way.

Cons

Very little opportunity for verticle movement and career advancement. There can be some disrespect among departments--usually indicative of organization however.

Advice to Senior Management

I believe that management is wisely seeking alternative funding sources which will decrease the dependency on government funding. Perhaps, attemps development program in the US to increase audience and may as a result enhance domestic funding.

Pros

There are talented, good, and smart people at the junior/mid level, though they are all looking to leave.

Cons

This place is truly not a good work environment. Senior leadership pushes work and decision making responsibility onto junior staff in order to proect themselves from potential consequences. There is a real need to change and manage senior management, but there is no leadership to ensure accountability. Sadly, this continues to be the case even after the change in CEOs.

Advice to Senior Management

Reduce the size of senior management and remove non-performers/non-leaders.

Pros

Decent people. Good benefits. Building is located in a nice spot.

Cons

Turnover. Departments do not understand one another. Poor communication. HR makes people feel bad. They will go outside to hire new person and overpay instead of internal promotions. Everyone always looking to leave.

Advice to Senior Management

Promote from within, retain people, make it a good place to work.

Pros

The people - not management - are amazing as is the work being done in the field. There were many projects I visited where the I was amazed how much was getting done and often it was the projects that had the most contentious relationship with HQ. Says something when success doesn't involve management.

Cons

The entire organization doesn't feel like a non-profit - they chase money and will do whatever it takes to get it and keep it including shady practices in lots of programs with USG money. The VPs and CEO at the time were awful - its all about politics and position. Favoritism is rampant and its a very hostile place to work if you arent one of the favorites. Turn over is so high that no one is left in the office I worked in less than a year ago.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop playing games and politics and focus on why you got into development. When you chase money and try to be something to everyone you'll fail.

Pros

The support staff (meaning anyone without a management title) are great. The projects in some of the field offices are really good. The field staff at all levels are for the most part great.

Cons

The Vice Presidents work as a united force to promote their own agenda's. They do not connect or work with any staff that they don't see as supporting their ideas even if those ideas hurt the organization. Ethics and abilities are not requirements for a senior level position at CHF but that may change with the new president. The atmosphere at CHF is tense and negative. The turn over rate is very high.

Advice to Senior Management

A change in senior management at CHF could make this a great place to work.

Pros

The benefits are good - $10 dollar co-pay paid 2 weeks within 2nd year of employ. Flexible office hours during the summer

Cons

Bad management skills, favoritism and alot of office politics make this company an awful place to work. A lot of office gossip too occurs here.

Advice to Senior Management

The leadership should learn how to be real managers instead of spending time on petty gossip, maligning of staff and favoritism

Pros

Great staff - fun and intelligent. The mission is noble.

Cons

The upper management makes decisions based on emotions and politics instead of concentrating on the success of the company. Things are promised that don't come to fruition. Huge amount of staff turnover. There is no clear company strategy and no directive to staff in order to know we are working toward a common goal. Company information comes across by rumor.

Advice to Senior Management

Start communicating to your employees. A little trust and respect toward the employees that you think are good goes a long way. Stop making everyone feel replaceable.

Pros

There are great people who work at CHF, very dedicated to their jobs and the organization's mission. Good atmosphere in the office and meaningful work. The headquarter offices are nice.

Cons

CHF doesn't offer the highest salary levels, they are lower than other similar organizations in the DC area. Their benefits package is standard. Sometimes the office is a bit slow paced.

Advice to Senior Management

CHF has great potential to be a more successful International Development organization. The senior managemetn needs to be more strategic in its fundraising activities and build more institutional comptencies within the organization.