Vice President of Product at Understood

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 a VP of Product, reporting to our Chief Technology Officer. You are a visionary leader with a passion for driving innovation through a deep understanding of the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Your leadership style is empathetic and inclusive, inspiring teams to reach their full potential. You are committed to creating impactful products that empower our users - primarily parents of neurodivergent kids and adult, neurodivergent women - to thrive.

What you’ll do

• Be the primary owner for existing products: Understood.org, and the Wunder app.
• Propose, develop and execute with, through, and alongside new and existing partners, a comprehensive product strategy aligned with Understood’s mission and goals.
• Drive the product lifecycle from ideation to launch, ensuring timely and successful delivery of new high-quality products that have impact at scale.
• Lead and oversee the Product Management, Product Design, and Technical Program Management teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership across various departments, including engineering, product marketing, research, experts team, advancement (fundraising),
•  etc., to ensure cohesive product development and go-to-market strategies.
• Partner closely with engineering and analytics teams to co-create and co-lead the  product development process.
• Help shape Understood’s long term strategy, annual, quarterly operating and financial  plans
• Conduct market research and user feedback analysis to identify opportunities for new products and enhancements to existing products.
• Champion the voice of the customer, ensuring that all products are designed with user needs and preferences at the forefront.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, integrating relevant advancements into our product roadmap.
• Discover and execute on opportunities to integrate with other organizations and stakeholders in the neurodiversity space to accelerate the impact of our mission.

Must-haves 

• 15+ years of proven experience across product and product leadership roles.
• Strong background in developing and launching successful digital products, with a focus on user-centric design.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and nurturing high-performing teams.
• Strong, demonstrated technical proficiency in software development processes and methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience working in a start-up or fast-paced, dynamic 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.
• Experience with AI-driven products and technologies.

The base salary range for this role is minimum $250,000-$300,000 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.

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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