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Harvard University

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Researching Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous, from the outside - Research Associate Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Nov 18, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The prestige and the non-compensation benefits are the primary reasons for working at Harvard, at least in the case of my job function. In addition, the flexibility and life balance expectations of working in a non-profit are very generous, and entirely different from (better than) the private sector. As the most well-funded university in the world, resources were usually not an issue.

Cons

This is department specific, but the organizational structure of my department was relatively flat, and opportunities for career advancement were relatively scarce. In addition, as you might expect from a non-profit, compensation was not as generous as in the private sector.

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5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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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
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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