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Harvard University

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A rich and varied place to work, if life hadn't taken me elsewhere I would still be working here. - Assistant Director Harvard University Employee Review

5.0
Dec 17, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits are excellent, from health care choices to the access to the amazing intellectual and cultural resources. Coworkers tend to be brilliant, often underemployed, and the standards are very high. Work/life balance is a priority in most units.

Cons

At an organization that has been around for almost 400 years, inertia can be a problem. It often feels like great ideas take ages to be implemented. The decentralized nature of the place makes it hard to get things done.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Light work if you have the right team

Cons

Low pay for amount of work

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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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