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Harvard University

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Great benefits, terrible bureaucracy - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Jul 11, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The salary was very competitive, and the benefits were terrific. The tuition perks are particularly attractive. I was able to get a Master's Degree from Harvard for under $500.

Cons

The bureaucracy there is ridiculous. It's a huge organization, and getting stuff done can be a Sisyphean task. You can only move up two pay grades at a time, even if you are qualified for a position in a higher grade.

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5.0
Jul 13, 2026
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Pros

Light work if you have the right team

Cons

Low pay for amount of work

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Great Union and benefits for non-profits/higher ed. Wonderful colleagues outside of leadership!

Cons

GSD Development and Alumni Relations (under current leadership) is an incredibly toxic work environment. I didn't realize the intensity of the toll it took on my until after leaving, and I am not one to leave a negative review, but as they are hiring for several positions currently, I wish to share words of caution with applicants. Cons: - Absolutely not a safe space for anyone who is Black, brown, trans, queer, working-class, or disabled - 100% top-down direction. No room for personal exploration, initiative, or creativity. - Minimal guidance from leadership - Frequent pivots, even in the late stages of projects - Petty, immature talking behind your back by leadership - No upward mobility unless the Associate Dean or Dean like you - Deeply disingenuous comments, reflections, and feedback from leadership - Complete lack of transparency on direction, goals, etc. - Small mistakes are made cornerstones of performance evaluations, while leadership routinely missteps. Leadership never takes accountability. - Top-down policy decisions, completely lacking detail, thought, and care outside of legal ramifications - Ever-changing in-office requirements

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