NMAI is a great forward thinking place mired in typical gov mumbo jumbo - Anonymous employee Smithsonian Employee Review

4.0
25 Nov 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Being one of the newest museums NMAI has a lot of young, passionate folks. There are also a lot of actual Native Americans truly committed to the mission after years of waiting for the museum to be ready. The museum is less focused on traditional trail of tears type stuff, and more focused on broadening the definition of native people as it's a very diverse group.

Cons

Lots of management nonsense - for example, they wanted the media team to move over to the Suitland location but they are really tied to what's going on the Mall so the team got split and rotate days between the two locations. Very confusing set up and odd management decision

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5.0
8 Jun 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 Jun 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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