Mission driven, but bureaucratic and slow to change - Writer/Editor Smithsonian Employee Review

4.0
May 23, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people, the mission, the visitors, the experiences working with collections objects. Our Human Resources policies and response during the COVID pandemic were some of the most humane I saw.

Cons

Hiring processes are extremely slow. Any innovation is extremely slow. Everyone is working their job plus at least one more because we are so short staffed.

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

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.

4.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is a strong community and network in museum and natural science collections and support.

Cons

Working conditions have a standard of museum environment settings, not ideal for those that desire to be outside all day.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All