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Harvard University

Is this your company?

As far as higher-ed fundraising goes, it's the best in the business, but management leaves a lot to be desired. - Assistant Director, Fundraising Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Feb 28, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing benefits, great colleagues, unparallelled work-life balance, great to be here if you are interested in higher education, or generally academia.

Cons

Terribly disorganized management and internal governing structure. A lot of inefficient workers who tend to stay around for many years, because the environment is so different from a corporate, for-profit atmosphere. Not a lot of money, but it's technically non-profit, so no surprise.

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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