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New York, New York, United States
Hybrid
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:
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.
To advance Understood’s mission and to further our impact, we’re hiring a Director of Technology Enablement, reporting to our VP, Engineering & IT.
This leader owns the full spectrum of how technology serves our people. That spans everything from “your laptop works” to “here’s how this tool changes your workflow.” Technology is not a support function at Understood. It is the lever that determines how fast we move, how well our people perform, and how effectively we deliver on our mission.
Our people now have access to information that is fundamentally different from what they had even a year ago, and the possibilities keep expanding every month. This role exists to bring the entire organization together on that journey.
This isn’t an IT Manager or Director role. It treats employees as customers to be enabled, not as tickets to be closed. The role starts by stabilizing IT operations and overhauling how we support employees. From there, it grows into the engine that drives technology adoption, proficiency, and transformation across the organization. It also positions Understood to treat AI as a fundamental shift in how work gets done, not just an automation tool bolted onto existing workflows.
The role carries a cultural mandate. We invest in our people’s technology capabilities because we believe it makes them, and our mission, stronger. We provide enablement, training, and the right tools, and we expect our people to lean in: to be curious, to experiment, and to take ownership of their own growth. “I don’t know how” is a starting point we’ll help with; “I don’t want to learn” is not consistent with where this organization is going. This person sets that tone and models it alongside leadership.
This is an ideal role for a hands-on technologist and evangelist who can operate autonomously: someone fluent in modern productivity and AI tools, energized by helping people work better, and able to run IT operations cleanly while leading the change management that makes new technology stick.
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.
Technology enablement
IT operations
Adoption, governance, and culture
In this role, you bring leadership experience and the ability to set direction across a capability. You also own team-level priorities, manage multiple direct reports, including hiring and resourcing decisions, own the team budget, and communicate directly with the leadership and executive leadership teams.
We don't expect a perfect match across every category. What matters is relevant experience, genuine interest in the work, and a mindset for growth.
Leadership and people
Strategy, execution, and data
Communication, collaboration, and technology fluency
The base salary range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000, 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.
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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