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Harvard University

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It's really competitive to get a job at Harvard, but once you get in very few leave. - Program Manager Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Feb 2, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Harvard has great benefits (top health insurance, all federal and local holidays off, up to 6 weeks off, $5000 annual tuition reimbursement, $25 gym membership), work life balance and higher salaries than most universities.

Cons

Harvard is like the Titanic - very slow to change and move. Their motto is "every tub on its own bottom" so centers, schools, and departments are very siloed and do operate very independently. Decision-making is slow and professors are considered untouchable - their word trumps logic, common sense and administrative protocol.

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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