Associate Director, Strategic Research & Insights

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 to further our impact, we’re hiring an Associate Director, Strategic Research & Insights, reporting to our Director of Research. You bring deep experience in management consulting, strategic planning, or client-side insights, and you know how to turn complex market data into clear narratives that inform executive decisions. You brief VPs, represent Understood to external partners and funders, and identify where the market is heading—and where Understood should invest its resources.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. We are a Mac-based environment, and team members are provided a Mac laptop for their work.

What you’ll do

Strategic Intelligence & Insights:

• Synthesize complex market data and competitive intelligence into actionable insights, delivering high-level strategic narratives, SWOT analyses, and clear implications for business decision-making.
• Use market trends and consumer insights to recommend resource allocation and organizational priorities.
• Identify “what space” opportunities for growth within the LTD field and adjacent markets by analyzing consumer and product dynamics.

Advancement Integration:

• Collaborate directly with the Partnerships, Giving, and Grants teams to provide the high-level market, literature, and competitive research required to establish new funding channels and build credibility with key funders

External Research Partnerships:

• Serve as a principal authority with external clients of Eco’s “Play for Every Brain” universal design research offering; selling, briefing, and delivering research insights that drive impact and resources.
• Drive impact by briefing partners on high-level research insights and translating complex data into strategic narratives that secure new opportunities and funding.

Must-haves

• 7-10 years of professional experience, high-level management consulting (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG) or a senior role in strategic planning, market intelligence or client-side insights.
• Proven ability to deliver insights and counsel to Directors, VPs, and Executive Leadership Teams (ELT).
• Must demonstrate multi-category expertise and be viewed as a core authority in research and landscape analysis.
• Experience owning material, complex projects that are cross-departmental and external-facing.
• Skill in partnering with more junior researchers to refine raw data and initial insights into executive-level narratives.
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree (MBA or relevant Master’s).
• Experience in the venture capital or social impact investment space.
• Experience in manipulating AI (e.g. Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity) to automate areas of the research process
• Background in disability, neurodiversity, or education.

The base salary range for this role is a minimum of $140,000 - $155,000 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 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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