The Top Places to Work in PR: Nonprofit— American Red Cross

The American Red Cross team operates under the “Change your career … Change the world” mantra, and its national operations are guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, resulting in a workforce whose “diversity is reflective of the community,” says one employee. “The American Red Cross is like family.”

As such, the nonprofit operates with “an open-door policy from the CEO on down,” with employees moving freely between functions. “The possibilities are wide open,” a staffer says. “Good ideas are welcomed, challenged and—if solid—implemented.” It’s a wise approach given the nonprofit’s growing spectrum of missions, which range from disaster response to humanitarian aid. But this doesn’t preclude execs from encouraging employees to pursue their own philanthropic interests. Says one employee, “We also volunteer during disasters as non-paid staff and volunteer for organizations outside of Red Cross.” PRN

October 19, 2009