Great People - Lots of Challenges - Anonymous employee Smithsonian Employee Review

4.0
3 Nov 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It's amazing to work for an organization dedicated to education and to making informal learning fun. My coworkers were wonderful, passionate people for the most part, who were honestly trying to make a difference. Benefits package is phenomenal.

Cons

The Smithsonian is severely understaffed these days and there's a great divide between what senior management believes makes sense and what employees on the ground know to be true about our visitors and stakeholders. A lot of departments operated in a fairly siloed manner and it can be difficult to convince people in other departments to work with you.

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0
8 June 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
6 June 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.

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