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:

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.

Contractor Role & Responsibilities

This is a fixed-term, part-time contract role to cover a maternity leave period of 24 weeks from January to June 2026. The hours will likely vary week to week, depending on project demands, averaging 8-16 hours/week.

Within the Market Research & Insights team, this role will execute Market Research projects – mainly quant-based, leveraging the Qualtrics platform. The role requires a hands-on research leader to drive end-to-end research initiatives that deepen our understanding of the populations we serve. This role translates raw data into actionable insights, and partners cross-functionally to influence product development, content strategy, and organizational priorities.

The ideal individual brings experience with both qualitative and quantitative analysis and a strong storytelling mindset.

Note: our team is a fully operational in-house research function. We do not work with outside vendors to contract out projects, but instead run them fully end-to-end. This role is expected to have those hands-on capabilities (survey drafting, programming, data analysis in Qualtrics).

Deliverables:

Specific deliverables are TBD based on key priorities of Marketing and Product teams, which will evolve. Likely examples of key projects include:
- Launching and analyzing Brand Awareness survey
- Conducting concept testing and go-to-market-surveys for new launches
- Supporting launch of annual audience tracker

Responsibilities:

In order to deliver key projects you will be expected to:
- Manage and execute research studies (mainly quant on Qualtrics; some opportunity to manage Qual, but not to moderate)
- Develop and deliver insights and compelling narratives from raw survey data through hands-on, rigorous statistical analysis that goes beyond basic cross-tabs.
- - Must have experience using Qualtrics to run DIY studies end to end (survey drafting, analysis and reporting in-platform)
- Collaborate cross-functionally with diverse teams to understand the business question and design research to address it. Must feel comfortable asking probing questions to clarify the research brief
- Present actionable strategic recommendations that rely on data and insights in clear and well-defined terms

Ideal Background

5+ years of experience in research, planning, consulting, insight, and/or strategy, with significant experience in contract/freelance work
Proven track record of leading research projects end-to-end.
Experience using self-serve research platforms (ie, Qualtrics a must.)
Proficient in analyzing and interpreting survey data using tools such as Stata, Excel, or SPSS; able to build data tables and apply statistical techniques.
Able to drive projects forward on their own.
Analytical and inquisitive thinker who proactively seeks to understand the "why" behind data and behavior.
Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset; skilled at building relationships and influencing cross-functional stakeholders through clarity and insight.
Previous experience quickly & effectively embedding within a team for a maternity (or other) leave coverage would be ideal.

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Understood

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