employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Center for Democracy & Technology

Is this your company?

Center for Democracy & Technology Reviews

4.3

86% would recommend to a friend

(8 total reviews)

Nuala O’Connor

100% approve of CEO

84% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

8 reviews
2.0
29 Jun 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

CDT does a lot of great work on advancing internet policy and working for reform on government surveillance. They are a recognized facilitator for neutral dialogue and do not engage in the "rabid" style of advocacy that tends to turn-off moderates.

Cons

The internal culture is rife with segmentation and a complete lack of communication. CDT's West Coast office would have been a logical place to advance their advocacy by working closely with technology companies but they left that office understaffed and never had significant communication with any of their staff in that office. In addition, some members of the DC staff carry themselves with an "air of superiority" and completely ignore junior staff.

2.0
3 Dec 2019

A shell of what it used to be

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

CDT is no longer the policy and advocacy powerhouse it used to be, due mainly to mismanagement by senior leadership. It is far more beholden to its corporate funders than it portrays (and even that is drying up) and many of the most talented staff members have left in the wake of these changes, such as its Chief Technologist and Privacy Director. When I was there, the mission was held together and advanced by the force of some smart and insightful people but it has been dismantled by a lack of vision at the top.

Cons

It used to be an exciting place to be, where creative and brilliant tech policy was born. The policy staff were aight to see and taught me so much. But that strength has been eroding for in the last two or three years by unethical behavior by top deputies and a Board of Directors that does not appear to understand the speed with which the organization’s reputation is declining.

5.0
5 Sept 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

CDT fosters a fun and rewarding work environment, with colleagues who are passionate about serving the public interest. CDT takes a principled approach to its policy recommendations, and advocates for the most important tech policy issues of the day (privacy protection, AI governance, freedom of expression, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there and would consider returning.

Cons

Salary may not be able to match private-sector equivalents, but is in line with other non-profit organizations.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 8 Reviews

Glassdoor has 16 Center for Democracy & Technology reviews submitted anonymously by Center for Democracy & Technology employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Center for Democracy & Technology is right for you.