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Harvard University

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Associate Director - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Apr 3, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits, lots of smart people, collaborative work environment, depending on your manager, some opportunity for advancement

Cons

Work /life balance is terrible, many departments are under-staffed, disconnect between executive leadership and on-the-ground teams. Performance review process is way too cumbersome. Generally no flex time--way too many meetings (part of the work/life balance issue--with meetings all days, most of the work happens before and after 9-5).

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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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