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 Senior Editor, Grants and Technical Content, reporting to our Editorial Director, Studio. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in crafting compelling messaging and winning 6- and 7-figure grant proposals.

The Senior Editor, Grants and Technical Content will work closely with both Understood’s Content and Advancement teams to develop content that communicates our mission, projects, and impact to a wide range of audiences. They will play a pivotal role in advancing Understood’s ambitious fundraising objectives by producing high-quality proposals, impact reports, and additional partner-facing materials with a primary focus on direct revenue solicitation. This strategic position is critical to Understood’s efforts to attain our 5-year revenue targets, expand our programs, and help the millions of people who learn and think differently in the U.S. This role requires a keen eye for detail, excellent writing skills, and the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office.

What you’ll do

  • Grant Writing and Editing:
    • Lead the development, writing, and editing of grant proposals, applications, letters of interest, and concept papers.
    • Ensure that all grant proposals are compelling, clear, and persuasive, with a strong narrative flow.
    • Collaborate with stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather necessary information and data.
    • Review and revise grant proposals for clarity and adherence to funding guidelines.
    • Translate outcomes of strategy meetings into compelling proposals and presentations tailored for a range of stakeholders, including foundations, government agencies, corporations, and impact investors.
  • Technical Content Development:
    • Write, edit, and review technical documents, including white papers and data-driven reports, decks, and presentations. 
    • Research, write, and edit content related to learning and thinking differences such as dyslexia and ADHD for a variety of mediums including Understood.org, email, and video. 
    • Translate complex information into accessible, reader-friendly content.
    • Ensure accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and quality of all content.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    • Oversee the end-to-end grant writing and technical content development process, from initial concept to final submission.
    • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are of high quality.
    • Regularly meet and follow up with key project stakeholders 
    • Work closely with project managers to develop and maintain project timelines 
    • Provide regular updates to different teams and stakeholders regarding progress on multiple projects
    • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in grant writing and technical communication. 
  • Quality Assurance:
    • Implement and maintain quality control processes.
    • Conduct thorough reviews and revisions to ensure content is error-free and adheres to organizational standards.
    • Enforce editorial and accessibility guidelines and ensure all written content complies with ethical standards and regulations.
    • Uphold the organization's values and integrity in all written communications.

Must-haves 

  • Minimum 5 years experience crafting written proposals and budgets to win major grants or philanthropic funds specifically as a grant writer, business proposal strategist, or a similar role.
  • Knowledge of grant application process, typical components of a proposal, common scoring criteria, and funding cycles. 
  • Ability to adapt writing tone and style to match brand voice and audience.
  • Experience adjusting tone and content for different target stakeholders across a spectrum of audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Ability to understand and synthesize complex ideas into digestible language for target audiences.
  • Outcomes-driven; demonstrated experience driving projects forward with limited guidance.
  • Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience in impact, business development, tech, government, and/or philanthropy.
  • Understanding of nonprofits, social impact missions, or social entrepreneurship.
  • Knowledge of accessible writing and plain language guidelines and standards.
  • Basic knowledge of online publishing best practices and SEO. 
  • A master's level degree with coursework in grant writing. 
  • Experience using HubSpot or other CRMs to manage accounts and opportunities.

The base salary range for this role is minimum $95,000-$110,000 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 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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