I have been working at a non profit since July.

I have been working at a non profit since July. I was hired because of my expertise. I have almost three decades in the field and advanced degrees. My boss used to be the only employee but because of significant growth, three new employees were hired. We are all significantly experienced. My bosses go to response for ANY request is "no." It's not just me either. All three of us are told "no" so many times a day it is almost ridiculous. She refuses to spend ANY money on just about anything. (The organization is not just in good financial shape, it is in excellent financial shape.) For example, the software we are using hasn't been updated since 2008. We have told her numerous times it has to be updated. It is on the verge of crashing. We're probably talking $2,000 max. My coworker is fairly sure that when the entire system crashes we will lose all our work because the system can't be properly backed up. I asked for a data base to track calls and was told to use Libre Office because it's free. I literally have to bring my own computer in to use my own programs since the ones we have are so woefully out of date, they can no longer do anything besides really basic stuff. I asked for business cards, since I see a lot of clients outside the office and she printed out plain white cards on her home computer that are so unprofessional I would be embarrassed to give them out. She constantly asks for ideas and I have given her dozens and she has shot everyone down and most for not very good reasons. The same with my coworkers. I came up with an amazing idea for a holiday program. She told me it would be "too much work." When I reminded her that I'm not working enough hours as it is she said, "Well, I don't want to plan something we might have to cancel because of the weather." Are you kidding me? I don't know what to do. I'm literally twiddling my thumbs because she wants me to come up with projects and when I do she tells me they are bad ideas. When I ask for her ideas, she seems miffed that I would even ask. She is constantly sharing her "vision" with us but her "vision" is not doable. Our staff and building are physically too small for what she wants us to do. (Think hundreds of people in a space that is rated fire safe for 54.)Today I just decided to do a small project. When I was done she asked me why I did it, it wasn't something she would ever use anyway. She always does this in a tone that makes it sound like she thinks we are stupid. I have been there four months and have accomplished absolutely nothing. I have asked several times for her expectations because they don't seem clear and she just refers me back to my contract. I'm trying to do what my contract says but I am constantly blocked because of her "no." I asked one coworker what she does because my boss always says no to her too and she says she watches videos all day. Today I left totally demoralized. I thought I did some great work today and she basically told me that everything I did today was worthless. It's only been four months. I thought I might stay a year. What do you think?

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6 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Document in writing all your concerns as well as suggestions.

    Document everything in writing with dates, time and notes from meetings.

    Keep copies at home.

    Because this will blow up at some point and the BOARD of your nonprofit will be asking a tremendous number of questions. She will then throw everyone under the bus.

  2. Anonymous

    I would do whatever I could for the organization, meanwhile looking for a new job where you will be able to meaningfully contribute. From what you describe, it seems that this negative pattern is consistent and unlikely to change. Since you are already in the non-profit space, you probably know what to expect in terms of salary and benefits, so look at some non-profits with a similar mission or one that aligns with your values. Now that you have seen this negative pattern, you will know what to look for when you interview.

  3. Anonymous

    Time to look for a new job.

  4. Anonymous

    I think it’s time to look for a new job.

    (also, is this woman’s name Ruth, but any chance? She sounds like the psychopath I interviewed with earlier this year!)

  5. Anonymous

    Coast, do the minimum and look for a new opportunity.

    Your boss is not worth the time and effort that you are putting in.

    The homemade business cards would have been the final straw for me.

  6. Kate Hopkins

    Your boss doesn't know how to manage or lead. To be fair, that is a big jump for some people when they make the transition (assuming this is her first job leading an organization and hiring a new team). But from what you describe, she's doing a particularly bad job of it.

    Your boss has an extreme case of nonprofit delusion - aka let's save the world on a shoestring. Starving IT systems is a classic example.

    You need to start looking for a new job asap.

    If you feel comfortable, put your concerns in writing to the board - or ask the board president to have a discussion. It probably won't change things with your current ED. If you have a rational board, it could help them when this blows up later. On the other hand, if you have a board filled with boosters of your ED, it won't do a thing. But hey, at least you tried.

    If you haven't done this yet, look up the 990 for your organization. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/

    It's the annual IRS filing all nonprofits have to file. It will be a little out of date - probably 2021 data, but it will give you an insight into the finances, what your ED makes, any other significant contracts.

    I've had my share of tangles with small nonprofits that were poorly managed/led. It's rough - good luck.

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