Director, Product Design

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 Director of Product Design reporting to our VP of Product. Understood.org’s portfolio will be rapidly growing over the next several years, both in types and volume of offerings. The ideal candidate is a strategic design leader who will help transform how our users discover and navigate these offerings, and to make sure that the offerings themselves are designed with best practices in user-centered design. The role manages product designers and product copywriters. 

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.

What you’ll do

• Drive the user experience strategy for Understood’s offerings across platforms, while firmly anchoring on proven user needs and industry best practices
• Inspire and lead a team of designers to craft thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible digital experiences
• Foster a deeply collaborative cross-functional process with Product, UX Research, Engineering, Clinical Experts, Marketing, and Content teams
• Champion and cultivate a culture of user-centered design across all touchpoints and all stages of product development
• Lead the product design team to evolve the design system to support our growing portfolio through a cohesive and accessible visual language
• Support and empower the product design team in delivering their best work. Help us leverage AI in the right ways to do so even better and more efficiently. 

Must-haves 

• 10+ years of progressive experience leading design in a related industry, creating modern, consumer-facing tech products  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to distill qualitative and quantitative research into actionable insights, connecting the dots from strategy through to execution
• Experience effectively interacting with and influencing senior level business/function leaders
• Comfortable in a highly cross-functional, collaborative work environment; able to build strong relationships across, up and down the organization
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and resourceful when options are not obvious
• Experience directly managing high performing designers: ability to inspire, motivate and nurture a team and lead them through complex projects
• Attacks big problems with big ideas and without ego
• Make tough calls, prioritize work, and stand for quality when products are not ready to ship.
• Highly skilled in design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, InVision Studio, Figma, Photoshop.
• Proven ability to apply design principles across web, mobile and native platforms, balancing consistency and context.
• Curious and inquisitive and passionate about problem solving
• Evolving knowledge for accessibility and inclusive design
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with leveraging AI in the design process and delivery.
• Experience in health tech, behavior health or education 

The base salary range for this role is $220-250K, 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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