Good work, good people, strange organization - Senior Associate Ceres Employee Review

3.0
Nov 29, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I think the theory of change and strategies we use are very exciting. People are caring, thoughtful, and motivated to address very urgent problems in a practical and inspiring way. Colleagues including some superiors take an active interest in my well-being. The org's recent growth means opportunities abound to lead interesting projects.

Cons

Ceres is a complex organization with many teams using different strategies. This complexity is what makes it effective, but as the org grows ever faster (the staff has approximately doubled from 2018 to end 2022) it leads to dysfunction and growth of bureaucracy. Staff are often frustrated with HR's hiring and promotion processes. It is very possible to overwork — in a recent survey approximately half of all employees are experiencing some level of burnout — yet some people are underutilized and it's hard to understand how certain positions add value. Progress on DEI is slower than desired. Culture and morale have not recovered from the pandemic. Leadership seems aware of these issues and tries to address them but does not appear to be keeping up. You can still thrive here, but approach with reasonable caution.

Explore other reviews about Ceres

5.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really excellent place to get experience in the NGO place under your belt. Interesting projects, passionate people, very mission driven. Lots of opportunities to learn a lot. Great springboard. Lots of WLB if you manage your time well. Would consider coming back here.

Cons

Team is all over the U.S. Can make coordination difficult.

4.0
May 4, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

great team, mission-driven environment, remote flexibility

Cons

need to hustle for growth opportunities

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