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Harvard University

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Hostile, Toxic Hellhole - Department Manager Harvard University Employee Review

1.0
Aug 24, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Vacation, benefits, some decent people amidst the bullies and harassers

Cons

Unbeknownst to me, I joined a department where the man in charge had already been reported to HR by 3 women. I found this out when I became the 4th woman to report him. What happened next? HR and Title IX sided with him, he's still in his cozy corner office in University Hall, and I lost my job. All of this happened with the blessing of the so-called leadership at the College. And I thought I was doing the right thing by reporting this creep. LOL!

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5.0
Jul 10, 2026
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Pros

Excellent infrastructure, people, breathtaking resources

Cons

None, really. Wish they offered 2 year postdocs at the MHC

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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