VP, Advancement

Understood.org has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Vice President of Advancement. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: Applications submitted through other channels will not be reviewed.

Reporting to the Co-President & Chief Marketing Officer, the Vice President of Advancement will drive the overall long-term advancement vision and strategies to elevate awareness of Understood, cultivate significant relationships, and yield material progress that enables the sustainable delivery of their mission. This individual will continue building and leading a team that includes Individual, Institutional, and Corporate Giving, as well as Partnerships. This leader must be fluent in the fundamentals of each area, and be excited to craft their own vision, strategy, and roadmap for the function and to align resources to deliver the plan. With a multitude of funding pathways, this role is about growing and scaling the organization, not a singular focus on covering operating costs.

Understood is seeking a believer in the power of technology and its ability to change lives; someone eager to leverage their skills to advance important efforts that shape the world for difference so every individual can thrive. You should be excited by challenges that have yet to be solved, enjoy the discomfort of the unknown, and appreciate the opportunity to partner with like-minded people to address critical problems that impact nearly everyone. If you have a desire to join a social impact nonprofit that operates as a business, is agnostic to how the impact is delivered, and is innately creative in how they work with, through, and alongside others to deliver its mission, then you are encouraged to apply.

Understood.org (Understood) is the leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the United States. Its mission is to shape the world for difference so every individual can thrive. Understood focuses on providing expert-vetted tools, resources (digital products) and information, driving behavior change at scale. Its audiences discover community and practical, research-backed tools that improve their everyday lives and empower them to navigate their lifelong journey with confidence.

More than 30 years ago, co-founders Fred and Nancy Poses began their own journey to understand their son's learning and thinking differences. They quickly saw what millions of families experience every day: that the world isn't built for difference, stigma runs deep, and it is incredibly hard to find reliable information and a supportive community. Understood was created 15 years ago to address these urgent needs. Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that's helping to shape the world for difference. Build a world where everyone can reach their full potential.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least ten years of fundraising experience is required for this position. Experience in both nonprofit and for-profit companies is preferred. Understood will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Understood, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Understood and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000. Understood offers a comprehensive health, dental, and insurance plan options as well as a monthly $1,200 defined benefit allowance, 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave, family planning support, 401(K) matching with immediate vesting, a quarterly wellness stipend, and flexible, unlimited paid time off. The organization has a standard holiday calendar and offers summer Fridays. Understood is also a dog-friendly office.


This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in Understood's NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Understood operates under a "Rhythm of Work" with workflows and meetings designed to create a balance of individual work, group and team work, and meetings. We are a Mac-based environment, and team members are provided a Mac laptop for their work.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Millie Taylor at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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

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