Vera Institute Of Justice Reviews

I worked at Vera Institute Of Justice full-time for more than a year

Pros – Vera is a progressive organization with a lot of smart and committed staff. Staff are exposed to different researchers, speakers, and leaders in the criminal justice field through different talks hosted by the Institute.

Cons – Poor management. Limited growth potential. Unnecessarily hierarchical. Vera's centers and programs operate in silos and could benefit from greater collaboration and cross-pollination. Certain senior research staff do not know what they are doing and there is no research director (and hasn't been one for years) or any qualified researcher with whom the staff can raise research concerns. Even when concerns are raised, they not addressed.

Advice to Senior Management – My best advice to management is to respect your staff. You hire a lot of smart, ambitious, and dedicated professionals but are not honest about the lack of potential for growth. If you don't mind having an incredibly high turnover then why not tell staff before they are hired that there is limited growth potential and that they shouldn't expect to stay more than two years or less? For an "innovative" organization you would be surprised by how bored most of your over qualified staff are on a day-to-day basis. Mid-level staff are punished for trying to do more to further the cause or mission of their program rather than encouraged and valued for their work. With better leadership you could be doing A LOT more with the money you receive.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Vera Institute Of Justice

Pros – - Excellent opportunities to work in both program development and research

Cons – - Employee morale is low at times due to perceived inadequate opportunities for career advancement especially for mid career professionals

I worked at Vera Institute Of Justice

Pros – effectively blends academic research with technical assistant projects
coworkers are personally and professionally interested in seeing you succeed

Cons – can have a lack of direction from overworked management

Advice to Senior Management – establish a balance between the administrative aspects of management with ensuring that employees recognize and help to achieve bigger picture

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Vera Institute Of Justice

Pros – Great place to gain exposure and work experience at an accelerated rate.
Proud to know you are working to directly contribute to help the projects and centers prosper.
Working with highly educated and experienced Program directors and Project Managers (Ph.D's, Lawyers, Prosecutors, experienced professionals)

Cons – Lack of mentorship in certain departments.
Lack of rention of passionate employees.
Work politics ( at least in my department.)

Advice to Senior Management – Focus more on retention of talent and contributors.
Focus more on finding qualified individuals to manage.
More practical approach to resources, project completion, performance reviews.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Vera Institute Of Justice

Pros – They do fascinating work. Admin jobs there are very frustrating in part because of this - you see great things going on around you with which you don't get a chance or have time to help.

Cons – Everyone's overworked. Some people are underpaid. Some of management shouldn't be there (the manager I had was one of the worst bosses I've met, let alone worked with).

Advice to Senior Management – Listen to your employees. Look them in the eye. Don't try to control everything. Live a life outside of work.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend