Mozilla Foundation lays off 30% staff, drops advocacy division

The Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind Firefox, has announced significant layoffs, cutting 30% of its workforce as it navigates what it describes as a “relentless onslaught of change.” This organizational shift is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing agility and impact, focusing on creating a more open and equitable technological landscape. The layoffs, confirmed by the foundation’s communications chief Brandon Borrman, are a result of reorganizing teams to align with this increased focus, leading to the cessation of certain historic projects and the roles associated with them.

As reported in its annual tax filings, the Mozilla Foundation had 60 employees during the 2022 tax year. However, it is understood that the total number approached 120 at the time of the recent layoffs. This reduction follows an earlier round of layoffs within the organization, specifically affecting employees involved in the development of the Firefox browser. Mozilla consists of several entities, including the Mozilla Corporation, which is responsible for Firefox and other technologies, along with the nonprofit Foundation that oversees corporate governance and policy-making.

Historically, the Mozilla Foundation has concentrated on advocating for privacy, inclusion, and the decentralization of technology to foster safer and more transparent online environments for its users. However, due to the changes announced on October 30, two of its primary divisions—advocacy and global programs—are being eliminated from the organizational structure. Nabiha Syed, the Executive Director who joined the Foundation in February, emphasized the importance of advocacy in her communication, asserting that it will remain integral to the Foundation’s operations but will now be integrated into other functional areas.

Syed articulated that the foundation’s mission is increasingly critical in the face of current technological and societal upheavals. She noted the shift towards a paradigm where prioritizing people over profit is viewed as a radical stance, emphasizing the necessity for focused efforts in what she described as a “topsy-turvy” environment. This context has prompted difficult decisions, including the discontinuation of some long-standing projects that do not align with the Foundation’s future vision.

In her message to staff, Syed underscored the need for a “unified, powerful narrative” within the organization, which will be reflected in a revitalization of its strategic communications. This strategic pivot is meant to align with the Foundation’s lofty goals and address the challenges presented by the rapidly changing technological landscape.

Through these layoffs and subsequent organizational restructuring, the Mozilla Foundation aims to streamline its operations and concentrate on its core mission while grappling with the realities of the modern technological environment. Despite the challenges, the commitment to advocacy remains a central aspect of the Foundation’s identity and will be woven into its broader initiatives moving forward, according to Borrman’s comments following the announcements.

Overall, the adjustments reflect a significant transformation within the Mozilla Foundation, marking a decisive effort to adapt to the evolving landscape while continuing to promote the principles that have historically guided its work.