Poor upper management - External Affairs Smithsonian Employee Review

3.0
Oct 4, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Volunteers are wonderful, the new exhibit is great, and the mission is wonderful.

Cons

Upper management needs much improvement. Overworked staff. Underpaid and underappreciated.

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0
Mar 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong resources and a collaborative culture. Flexible mentorship and the freedom to explore diverse methods and research directions make this an extremely motivating environment to grow as a postdoc and, most importantly, as an independent researcher.

Cons

As a large institution, administrative processes and communication (e.g., contracts, payroll, or related matters) can occasionally be slow.

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission. Strong benefits including health insurance and 403b contribution. Many people stick around for 5, 10, 15+ years.

Cons

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

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