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Harvard University

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Director-Level Role in Central Administration - Director of Marketing and Communications Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Jul 12, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Harvard is a wonderful place to work. The work is challenging and I love coming in to the office every day. The vacation time is great (4 weeks PTO, 3 personal, and 12 sick days per year, plus a week off at Christmas), and include access to discounted wellness services (like yoga and massages), on-campus gyms, museums, and $40/semester classes at the Extension School. Where I work in Central Admin, there's a great work/life balance and I truly feel the organization hires very smart, ethical people who believe in the mission of Harvard. Mistreatment of colleagues is not tolerated by senior management or administrators. Good work is celebrated and rewarded.

Cons

Doing good work doesn't necessarily mean you'll be promoted. The promotion structure is based on the needs of the organization, not the individual's performance, so there's no guarantee that you'll be able to move up or make more if you do well, unless there's somewhere to move. This disincentivizes hard work, though most people that work here are overachievers :) Salaries are somewhat low, but for some, benefits make up for it if you take advantage of them. Space is tight and the offices aren't as nice as you'd think, given the amount of money Harvard has!

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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