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Harvard University

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Low end of the totem pole - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

2.0
Mar 16, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is an exciting university to be a part of with world class libraries and numerous public events. There are cafes, shops, and museums close by in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cons

There are several layers to employment at the university. Quite a few people on campus are well compensated. Another group of support workers make a moderate wage due to union affiliation. And then there is a class of us who are making close to minimum wage with few benefits and zero mobility.

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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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