Great staff, questionable communication from leadership - Anonymous employee Exploratorium Employee Review

3.0
May 10, 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Unionized! Great people throughout the institution, you'll be happy to be the trenches with them. The Education group seems to function well as a department. The work itself is somewhat satisfying, but I wish the Exploratorium invested more in environmental sciences or acted as a leading voice for climate change solutions or simply took a stance on issues that impact the Bay Area community. The museum has published mission, vision, and values statements, but it hasn't successfully walked the walked, in my opinion. Hopefully the new executive director can change that.

Cons

Poor scoping by project leaders; inefficient project timelines; staff is expected to work with a high tolerance for low bandwidth; not many opportunities for career growth; the museum leadership doesn't know what certain staff members do or what skills they have so those folx are mismanaged or not used to their full potential; siloed org chart; leadership needs to improvement on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (many staff members are helpful vocal advocates); consistent issues with low moral, turnover, and a history of layoffs. You easily get the sense that a lot of the staff and middle managers who have been there for 3+ years are burnt out.

Explore other reviews about Exploratorium

5.0
Jun 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

great people to work with

Cons

there aren't any to note

5.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Extremely flexible scheduling Lots of professional development (1hr/day) Supportive supervisors Engaging work

Cons

None that I can think of.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All