Extremely poor management - Anonymous employee AACR Employee Review

1.0
Mar 17, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Important mission; compensation is generous, particularly for a non-profit; and the organization is well-respected within the cancer research community.

Cons

• Very poor management. • Some senior managers provide poor, inconsistent direction and guidance to staff. • Little opportunity for staff to provide feedback to CEO/senior management, including through formal performance reviews which sometimes are skipped • Staff are not respected or recognized for their contributions, and there is little concern for, or investment in, staff development. • Staff lack autonomy to make decisions. • Staff time is not respected; meetings routinely start late and can last for hours without regard to other commitments employees may have. • Inflexible work hours and work environment. • Benefits are not great: 8% 403B contribution sounds good, but doesn’t take effect until two years after start date; staff have only 2-3 weeks of vacation/year (depending on level); and get fewer federal holidays compared to similar organizations. • Senior managers believe that employees should be highly motivated because of AACR’s mission, but do not seem to realize that there are many other mission-focused non-profits that provide more supportive environments.

Explore other reviews about AACR

5.0
Nov 26, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

While I understand that every organization faces its share of criticism, my personal experience with the American Association for Cancer Research has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve found the team here to be dedicated, supportive, and genuinely invested in both their team members and the organization's mission. I enjoy waking up every day knowing that what I'm doing is contributing to the greater good. For example, the leadership is always open to feedback and actively seeks ways to improve processes and employee satisfaction. The organization is in growth mode and scheduled to hire 20-30 new employees in 2026. I'm going to miss it.

Cons

Of course, no workplace is perfect, and everyone thinks that the grass is greener elsewhere, but I’ve consistently seen that those who work hard and don't just put in the minimum effort are rewarded with advancement. The CEO is an example of this, having started as an Editorial Assistant, attended school to expand her education, worked her way up the organization ladder, and has been running the organization for some time. Not surprisingly, those in the organization who are negative and the ones who put in the minimal effort and never progress.

2.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mostly good people, not a very high stress environment and no work after hours. Good location in Old City.

Cons

Extremely dreary, silent and uninspiring work environment. Minimal contact with coworkers throughout the day. Don’t expect to interact with others very much. Salaries are low and promotions take way too long. Very very heavy top down approach with approvals required for everything. Good place to learn but not to stay for long.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All