Incredible mission with a culture problem - Manager AACR Employee Review

2.0
30 Jan 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You’ll see it in most reviews - the mission. The key thing I miss about working at AACR is being surrounded by some incredibly talented people striving for a noble cause and goal.

Cons

The cons are many, but can be summed up in the lack of culture, accountability, and trust. The office is dreary both in look and feeling. Walking through the floors you’ll see outdated cubicles and miserable faces sitting in them. Employees are fearful of management from top to bottom. There are stagnant middle and senior managers who’ve been permitted to perpetuate the “culture” of bullying and micromanaging, all the while not being held to the performance standards they mandate to those they feel are inferior to them. The most frustrating aspect is many of those “inferior” employees have incredible ideas and perspectives to bring to the organization which is steadily falling behind the standards expected by today’s workforce. AACR will continue to churn vibrant talent if there isn’t a shakeup in the near future.

Explore other reviews about AACR

5.0
26 Nov 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
3 May 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.

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