Starlight Children's Foundation
(29 reviews)
Company Reviews
Working at Starlight Children's Foundation
4.729 ratings in total
5
22
4
5
3
2
2
0
1
0
75%
93%
Work/Life balance
4.6(29 ratings)
Career development
4.0(29 ratings)
Benefits & perks
3.8(29 ratings)
Management
4.6(29 ratings)
Working environment
4.8(29 ratings)
Diversity & equal opportunity
4.6(29 ratings)
Reviews
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5.0
Volunteer Advisor
Nov 2024North Sydney NSW 20601 to 2 years in the role, current employee
Brilliant and inspiring place to work! Filled with likeminded people who all share the same passions for helping sick kids. Couldn't ask for a more supportive and encouraging team and would highly recommend to anyone considering working here!
The good thingsIncredible work-life balance, supportive management and great ability to see the direct impact of your work. This is an organisation that is always looking for inventive ways to better what we can offer to sick kids in hospital, as well as ways in which we can support and further value our volunteers. Very happy here!
The challengesSalary growth can be a challenge, being a non-for-profit.
4.0
Talent Acquisition Recruiter
Oct 2022Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
Working at Starlight was sincerely one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for. From my 1st day I was supported and welcomed into a friendly and positive team/office. I was respected and valued in my time at starlight, had lots of laughs with a collaborative team and my manager allowed the flexibility I needed to support my family. The Starlight Foundation are truly unique and create an amazing working culture
The good thingsFlexibility of hours for work/life/balance, a real positive team culture, inclusion and support.
The challengesNot the company's fault but because it's a charity the salaries are challenging.
3.0
Account Management
Apr 2021Amazing cause and people, too much time wasted on decisions by committee
The good thingsThe cause
The individuals
The offices
The challengesMiddle Management
Red Tape
'That's how we always do it'
4.0
Captain Starlight
Mar 20201 to 2 years in the role, current employee
Extremely fun and immensely rewarding!
The good thingsMy job is to help sick kids be happy, which in turn helps them get better quicker and have positive in-hospital experiences. What a wonderful gig! Positive impact on the community, creative and performance based job, learning and development opportunities, supportive and fun team, get to laugh and be silly every day! Honestly, it's the best job in the galaxy!
The challengesThe role itself can be emotionally challenging and draining - it's not for everyone, but it is extremely rewarding and worth it. The role is also physically demanding and tiring - although fun, being on your feet all day can be hard.
3 people found this helpful
5.0
Livewire Facilitator
Nov 20193 to 4 years in the role, former employee
Once in a lifetime opportunity
The good thingsAn incredibly rewarding job. Supporting amazing young people.
The challengesDealing with children struggling.
4.0
Program Facilitator
Nov 20193 to 4 years in the role, current employee
I enjoyed every part of working with the young people, and working with our small, close team. A fabulous bunch who all have hearts of pure gold.
The good thingsThe people in the direct team, working in the hospital bringing smiles and joy to sick kids and teens and in doing so, making each other laugh a bunch too
The challengesBeing remotely managed, having very little opportunity for career development or pay increases, oh and the pay for the in-hospital staff delivering the actual programs is properly terrible.
4.0
Marketing Role
Nov 20191 to 2 years in the role, current employee
Starlight is overall a great place to work if you are looking for a flexible, positive work environment.
The good thingsVery flexible and positive work environment. Stress free.
The challengesLow salary due to being a not for profit, no perks and limited opportunity for growth.
2 people found this helpful
5.0
Marketing & Fundraising team
Sep 20193 to 4 years in the role, current employee
Most positive culture I’ve worked in
The good thingsPositive environment & leadership
Innovation culture
Knowing you are making a difference
The challengesRecruitment process is long and compliance requirements are in depth but it’s worth it! Resource and budget limitations means you are always busy busy busy!
4.0
Volunteer
Aug 2019Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
Happy
The good thingsEnjoyed writing thank you notes for donors
The challengesI didn't face any difficulties or any challenges as such
5.0
Not in Programs
May 2019An amazing postive experience, truely thankful that I had the chance to worked their.
The good thingsAmazing cause, amazing poeple just loved working here. You feel very apart of making a real difference. Would work their again if the right role came around.
The challengesThe positivity of the place sometimes made it hard to have direct conversations about business challenges less you been seen as negative. The pay is on the low to bad side of the ledger.
5.0
Facilitator
Apr 2019former employee
Absolutely amazing and a great learning experience
The good thingsAbsolutely loved working with young people and never got tired of it. Management are amazing and understanding
The challengesThe position only being part time made long term sustainability of the job hard.
5.0
State Partnerships Manager
Jul 2018I relish the very authentic relationship building, both internally and externally, to deliver on the mission.
The good thingsThe culture is phenomenal. While there is overarching 'sense of purpose', supporting that there is a great deal of consideration given to the dynamics that foster an environment for people to be their best. There is a tremendous amount of positive energy backed by very savvy work practices and innovation.
The challengesBeing a national organisation there are lots of different relationships, events and activations to be across. There is a vast amount of communication and prudent prioritising of time/effort/resources is critical.
5.0
Partnerships
Jun 2018current employee
An amazing Organisation where the passion for sick kids shines through stronger than ever.
The good thingsSeeing first hand the impact that Starlight had on sick kids & their families. The change to be involved in something that is truly making a difference.
Working with such a diverse passionate group of people who from professional backgrounds bring a wealth of knowledge.
The challengesJuggling multiple events at once, although the staff being upbeat we can feel really understaffed at times. Staff are working at 110% most of the time and going over and above their call of duty regularly, tiredness does show.
5.0
Captain Starlight
Jun 2018This place is not a job, it's a vocation.
The good thingsThe culture of positivity and support permeates every aspect of this company. From day one till now I have always felt as though I am valued and that I am part of a group dedicated to making lives brighter and happier for the young people, parents and friends we interact with. I love the many ways in which we are able to grow and learn, the L&D department and funding opportunities inspire.
The challengesWhen dealing with Children in hospital it can be sad, but that's when our opportunity to shine beings. The challenges in this job are never anything that have to be dealt with alone as the foundation has support networks everywhere.
5.0
Finance
Jun 2018Doing work that inspires me everyday!
The good thingsAn amazing culture, innovative, supportive and inspiring teams, positive peer support, great investment in Learning & Development opportunities including investment in implementing and embracing Positive Psychology.
The challengesBudget Constraints, rapid pace of growth, innovation and the continuous drive for best practice
5.0
People & Culture
Jun 20189 to 10 years in the role, current employee
Great culture, great people, great cause
The good thingsAn amazing culture, everyone is happy to help and support each other. Great experiences and opportunities to develop and grow. Starlight helps us to look after our wellbeing by educating us in positive psychology. Such meaningful and rewarding work at all levels.
The challengesWorking with a lean team as the resources can be limited working with the donated dollar. Saying that, we have amazing team members here who make things happen.
5.0
Programs
Jun 2018Great cause, talented people and amazing professional development opportunities
The good thingsA fantastic place to work, grow and connect with a cause you are passionate in. I have learned so much at Starlight, and every day I am surrounded by an amazingly talented team who are driven by the impact. The team motivates me to do better and know more. Energy is always high - love it! Career development opportunities are most definitely there if you remain open and are proactive in your career path.
The challengesYou can be light on with resources every now and again and the workload can be high. This can be challenging at times, but I prefer this pace and expect this to be part of the job when you are so connected to the cause
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThanks for taking the time to write a review. Yes, we're super proud of our talented team who are driven by the positive impact Starlight has on the children, their families and the community. Throughout our recruitment process, we assess candidates to ensure we hire fantastic team members who are connected to the cause.
One of the challenges a not-for-profit is faced with is ensuring our donated dollar goes as far as possible, which means we need to be creative and innovative with our resources.
30d+ ago
5.0
Finance
Jun 2018Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
Amazing organisation offering lots of opportunities and job satisfaction.
The good thingsBeing proud to work here. Such a positive working environment and a great team of smart people. Lots of opportunities to innovate and learn along the way.
The challengesSwitching your focus from profitability to impact and sustainability.
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThanks for the review! We're happy to hear you are proud to work at Starlight. It's great to hear you have embraced the challenges of working in the not-for-profit sector and how best to focus on the positive impact Starlight has on the community.
30d+ ago
3.0
Office role
Jun 2018current employee
Positive culture and incredible sense of purpose but staff are over worked and under paid
The good thingsStarlight attracts great people who are all connected to the cause. The programs Starlight run are incredible and it feels great to be a part of that and making a difference. It Friendly office culture.
The challengesPay is much lower than industry standards and expectations and work loads on staff is very high. Easy to be taken advantage as staff are all connected to the cause. Not much room for career development or internal learning opportunities.
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThank you for taking the time to write a review. We're really sorry to hear that you feel taken advantage of. We would love to discuss this further as we think it would be helpful to find out more about your feedback. Open communication is important so we can continue to make improvements at Starlight. Please contact Jen in the People and Culture team if you're comfortable to discuss.
30d+ ago
5.0
Executive Assistant to CEO
Jun 20183 to 4 years in the role, current employee
Fun & positive. A organisation which makes you want to jump out of bed everyday & go into work.
The good thingsGreat welcoming culture. Executive team striving to achieve great things.
The challengesLots to do with less people resources then a corporate but benefits & sense of achievement out way challenges.
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThanks for taking the time to write a review. We're glad to hear that the you find the culture welcoming - it's really important for team members to feel at home while at work and comfortable to be themselves.
30d+ ago
5.0
Office Role
Jun 2018A fun / inspirational / exciting and progressive place to work.
The good thingsBeing a member of the Starlight Team makes me SO proud. It's the smile on the faces of the seriously ill sick children and adolescence as well as their families that make Starlight one of the best organisations to work for!
I know exactly how my role contributes to the cause and I am led by an amazingly inspirational team of not only managers but mentors.
The challengesStarlight world is rapidly growing and evolving as we try to continue to progress with the times and ensure our organisation is aligned to new practices and technology to ensure we are providing the very best of services to the seriously sick children and their families.
This comes with its challenges of moving at a fast pace and with accuracy, however our innovative work practice and our 'can do' attitude is what makes this an exciting challenge. A workplace without challenge is a workplace without progression!
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThank you for taking the time to write a review. We're happy to hear you're proud to work at Starlight and know how your role contributes to the overall objectives of the organisation.
We've got a number of Operational Excellence initiatives in the pipeline to enhance and improve our technology so we can provide the team with the most appropriate resources to effectively do their jobs.
30d+ ago
5.0
Programs Project Specialist
May 20185 to 6 years in the role, current employee
5 years of amazing experiences, doing work that inspires me every day!
The good thingsAn amazing culture, innovative, supportive and inspiring management team, positive peer support, great investment in Learning & Development opportunities
The challengesSometimes budget constraints can pose some challenges, however it also opens up opportunities to be innovative and find new ways of achieving things.
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorThanks for taking the time to write a review. We're happy to hear you find the culture at Starlight supportive and that the management team inspires you. We are proud to invest a minimum of 30 hours/year in L&D for each team member.
Relying solely on the donated dollar means we need to carefully plan our spending however as you've mentioned, this creates some great opportunities to be innovative to achieve things.
30d+ ago
5.0
Marketing & Fundraising
May 2018I love making a difference in a high energy, forward thinking organisation
The good things> Powerful purpose - brightening the lives of seriously ill kids & their families. Every day has meaning.
> Focus on digital engagement, innovation, agility and growth
> Fast paced
> Collaborative environment
> Inspiring leadership
> NFP tax benefits
The challenges> The push for growth is exciting, but not easy!
> Working in a team across multiple States can be a challenge at times
5.0
Marketing Coordinator
May 20183 to 4 years in the role, current employee
Starlight deserves its ranking in the Best Places to Work survey!
The good thingsGreat team and work culture, the team are all engaged in the mission to brighten the lives of sick kids. The company strives to be a leader in areas outside the delivery of happiness to kids, which is great - e.g. encouraging positive psychology at work, supporting Indigenous people through a RAP, updating IT and data systems.
The challengesNFP organisation, so salary is lower than other companies.
5.0
Program Manager
May 20183 to 4 years in the role, current employee
Meaningful work with the opportunity to grow
The good thingsWorking with great positive people and doing something that is highly worthwhile. Exciting, fast paced work and the opportunities to learn more. I can be creative in my work whilst feeling like I am having positive outcomes that are making an impact.
The challengesWorking away from colleagues (most other people in my role are in different states).
5.0
Digital Content Specialist
Mar 2018HIghly recommended! This is my first NFP role and I love it here.
The good thingsI work with incredible people, who are all committed to helping others. It's a unique environment, I don't think you'd find a friendlier workplace anywhere. I've had several roles here, you're really encouraged to grow your career and you'll get incredible development opportunities. It's also a very positive environment - we're all trained in positive psychology and that's really helpful in your personal life too.
The challengesTechnology has been an issue here. So there's now a real push to update our systems so we can work smarter, be mobile and more agile.
Jen Bullock, People & Culture AdvisorWe're really appreciative that you've taken the time to write a review. We definitely have some incredible and talented team members and there's a strong culture of helping each other. Everyone is very friendly and that's something we're very proud of. That's great to hear you've been encouraged to grow your career at Starlight and that you're finding benefits in your personal life from the positive psychology environment and training.
We acknowledge there are some technology challenges and the Operational Excellence team is working on a number of projects to hopefully integrate our systems so we can be more mobile, agile and work smarter.
30d+ ago
5.0
Business Analyst
Feb 2018Fantastic culture, great place to work
The good thingsA great culture with fantastic staff and management. Interesting work opportunities.
The challengesNFP salary so a little lower than market average for role
5.0
National Managet - Events
Nov 20175 to 6 years in the role, current employee
Daily dose of happiness
The good thingsCulture is amazing! Wonderfully supportive team, incredible partners & rewarding outcomes
The challengesCannot compete with commercial sector
5.0
Events coordinator administrator
Feb 2016Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
Great place to work, interesting and allows you to make a difference.
The good thingsHelping others through your work
The challengesWorking to deadlines of events meant you could be working late a lot coming up to events