Fast Facts

Understood is seeking a Senior IT & Security Engineer who will be responsible for overseeing IT services and managing security and compliance for a predominantly macOS user base.

Responsibilities: Oversee IT services in-office and hybrid environments, manage company-issued devices, administer core SaaS platforms, implement compliance policies, monitor performance metrics, and ensure high-quality IT service delivery.

Skills: Strong experience in IT administration, security operations, compliance management, G Suite, Atlassian, Identity and Access Management, Mobile Device Management, troubleshooting, and networking.

Qualifications: Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT with specific experience in G Suite, Atlassian, HIPAA, SOC 2, and familiarity with compliance automation platforms and MDM solutions.

Location: New York, NY

Compensation: $125000 - $140000 / Annually

Official Title: Senior IT & Security Engineer

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 IT & Security Engineer, reporting to our VP, Engineering & IT. You are a proactive and highly skilled IT professional with a high degree of ownership and a passion for blending hands-on technical support with robust security and compliance management. You are the main point of technical contact for the organization and thrive in a role where you are responsible for the overall health, security, and functionality of all IT systems. You have a strong background in supporting a predominantly macOS user base and are adept at providing empathetic, "white glove" service to both in-office and remote colleagues. Your expertise in IT operations, compliance frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA, and information security empowers you to manage and improve our entire technology ecosystem.

What you’ll do

• Oversee IT services for in-office and hybrid environments (conferencing, printing, network access).
• Manage the lifecycle of company-issued devices, including upgrades and smooth onboarding/offboarding.
• Administer core SaaS platforms, including G Suite, Atlassian (Jira & Confluence), etc.
• Implement compliance policies, procedures, and distribute pre-made training programs.
• Implement robust security frameworks to protect sensitive data and intellectual property.
• Monitor performance metrics and continuously improve operational efficiencies.
• Ensure high-quality IT service delivery with patient, empathetic stakeholder support.
• Contribute to and deliver on a planned IT roadmap to achieve company goals.
• Special projects include rolling out a global password management system and implementing laptop fleet provisioning solutions (e.g., JAMF , Rippling).
• Continually look for opportunities to automate our IT processes and infrastructure.
• Recommend projects, procedures, and workflows to VP, Engineering & IT and CTO.

Must-haves 

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience
• Specific experience with GSuite & Atlassian
• Demonstrated experience in a role blending IT administration, security operations, and compliance management.
• Strong technical expertise in administering Identity and Access Management platforms (Okta) and workplace technologies such as Google Workspace.
• Proven experience managing compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOC 2) and working with compliance automation platforms like Vanta.
• Experience implementing and managing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions (e.g., Rippling, JAMF) for a fleet of macOS devices.
• Experience acting as a primary responder for IT security incidents.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills and the ability to provide patient and empathetic support to internal stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset with a high degree of ownership and the ability to function as the sole technical point of contact.
• Hands-on experience with local networking tasks, such as setting up switches and access points in an office environment
• Ability to be in-office 5 days a week

Nice-to-haves

• Specific experience with Vanta, Rippling, Okta

The base salary range for this role is $125,000 minimum – $140,000 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 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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