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American Geophysical Union

Engaged employer

Very Political, tons of Cronyism and a Dysfunctional Environment - Finance American Geophysical Union Employee Review

2.0
30 Mar 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent paid time off, there are some really nice people there in some departments, despite them being completely worn out.

Cons

I worked there a little over 5 years and I came to learn that this place was way too political to the point of being dysfunctional. Nepotism and cronyism are of out of control there. It's totally normal to see completely qualified and competent people being passed up for others who barely know how to tie their own shes, simply because they are in good with the boss. This was very wide-spread and accepted by the staff. And the work-life balance is WAY off. Departments don't hire enough people to keep up with the workload. It's expected that you work 60 hour work weeks (in some case it's more). This is most likely the case, due to the toxic environment where managers don't want to give the impression that they can't get the work done with their current numbers. They don't want to risk looking bad by asking for more manpower. And the worse thing is people just accept this with the attitude: 'it's just the way things are'.

Explore other reviews about American Geophysical Union

5.0
1 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Compelling mission that is both inspiring and motivational. Above-average salaries, great benefits. Co-workers who are dedicated to AGU goals and live AGU values. Permanent CEO is open to feedback from all staff, holds open office hours, is transparent. She also devotes time to building good relationships with our volunteers and reminds them about the achievements of the hard-working staff. Government actions have meant lower revenue but she has done a great job growing our international connections.

Cons

Like many nonprofits, AGU is feeling the pain of government actions (i.e. member scientists getting fired and reduced grants going to those who employ our members). That has resulted in staff reductions that hurt - personally and for everyone else’s workload. There are limited promotion possibilities because of few vacancies in upper management.

1.0
27 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay is competitive Fridays off during the summer Flexible

Cons

CEO and upper management are looking out for themselves Too heavy organization - number of VP’s is greater than some departments. People fired or laid off at lower levels and the work has to be absorbed by people who are already overloaded Several bosses are very poor people managers. Their style is borderline abusive and they are bullies and they retaliate if you speak up. Culture of fear is rampant in the organization. Opportunities for promotion are non existent - unless you are able to do some serious brown nosing to senior management. Someone need to analyze the meteoric rise of several individuals in a very short amount of tine

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