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Harvard University

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Losing it’s luster - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Feb 3, 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

of course the university is well respected,good benefits including good amount of vacation & sick time, classes can be taken at deep discount, access to great library & the gym

Cons

Resting on it’s laurels & famous reputation, Harvard U has definitely been sliding downward. Lost $28 million in 2017 in Arts & Sciences & therefore NO ONE got even a cost of living raise. No bonuses, in research no opportunity for growth or rewarding of exceptional performance on the job. No holiday party or social groups such as team sports or outings. Only occasional lame happy hours with a bag of chips - not spending any money on things that count. No cohesiveness in work groups. Will be losing employees - the best & the brightest won’t stay on for this environment.

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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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