About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are 

To advance Understood’s mission and further our impact, we are hiring a Senior Manager, Evaluation, reporting to our Associate Director, Applied Research & Evaluation. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in research or evaluation with a passion for Developmental and Utilization-focused Evaluation. We work hard to ensure that all we do is evidence-informed, expert-vetted, and effective, because that’s what our audience deserves. If you enjoy the challenge of balancing rigor with the needs of a fast-paced, start-up-like environment, while working on behalf of a larger mission, this role may be a great fit for you.

This is a hybrid opportunity, which requires three (3) days per week in our NYC office.

What you’ll do 

• Support the design of initiatives to ensure effectiveness and ease of measurement without sacrificing user experience.
• Develop logic models, theories of change, outcomes frameworks, and equity frameworks as part of the evaluation process.
• Monitor an initiative’s progress compared to expectations in real time.
• Conduct and, as needed, coordinate utilization-focused evaluation using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
• Generate research-based insights that help the team evolve programs and products for increased impact.
• Support the evaluation of external products and programs from other organizations, including apps, school-based interventions, and non-profit programs.

Must-haves 

• Advanced degree in public health, psychology, education, or related
• 4+ years of professional experience in program evaluation and/or research as well as experience working in an applied industry setting outside of academia (ie. education, non-profit, etc.)
• Experience leading a full lifecycle evaluation or research project and can speak to the work that you owned
• Strong experience collecting, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision-making
• Strong agility in adjusting methods and approaches based on time and resource constraints
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels and functions of the organization
• Comfortability with working in an agile environment
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Nice-to-haves 

• Background in mental health and wellness, especially related to neurodiversity
• History of peer-reviewed publishing
• Experience in a digital setting

The base salary range for this role is minimum $115,000-$135,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with STEM OPT extensions. 

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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