Our client, located in Austin, TX seeks outstanding candidates to fill our Science Test Development Manager role. This position will report to the Director of Assessment Operations, and will manage our client’s Science Content Development for state assessment initiatives. Candidates interested in this position should have a strong background in the Next Generation Science Standards, assessment design and development, managing customer Science Content Development projects while maintaining a collaborative working style.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

SUMMARY: We are seeking Science Test Development Manager that has a deep understanding of and experience with the Next Generation Science Standards, managing science assessment and content development for state custom development, as well as, experience in managing a team of assessment content experts and relationships with vendors and customers. The Science Test Development Manager must have a strong science assessment and business acumen, a proven track record of managing projects independently, excellent communication skills, and sound judgment and sensibility for working closely with clients and teams.

Successful candidates possess the following traits:

• An ability to get things done: You are results-driven, resourceful, action oriented, and persistent. You consistently look ahead and anticipate needs before they arise.
• Analytical: You have strong analytical skills and are comfortable reviewing quantitative data to inform your understanding of the market and customer needs and issues.
• Creative mindset: You can quickly adapt and develop creative solutions to challenges. You deeply understand product management principles and can apply them to synthesize information and recommend a plan of action.
• Emotional intelligence: You are highly self-aware and perceptive to the dynamics of key relationships. You are positive, empathetic, flexible, and curious. You naturally gain the respect of your colleagues through your authenticity, warmth, and competence.
• Trustworthy: You are highly ethical, principled, and mission driven. You operate with integrity and garner the trust of others. You exemplify the values of the organization.

Expected Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and manages Science content development based on state science standards (e.g., Next Generation Science Standards) for state assessment projects and organizational initiatives.
• Leads the development of test designs, assessment blueprints, cluster development processes, item development, and test form construction processes.
• Reviews, edits, or develops science items and cluster sets that are aligned to NGSS and other similar frameworks

• Serves as point of contact/escalation for test development issues raised by Program Managers, assessment content experts, vendors, and customers.
• Leads or supervises the planning, execution, and day-to-day operational delivery of Science content and assessment development contracts, including managing teams of content development subcontractors.
• Leads or supervises the design, planning, and delivery and/or facilitation of educator-staffed test development meetings, including content review, bias and fairness review, data review, test form construction, and other development and management meetings.
• Partners with Program Management to ensure quality on-time contractual deliverables.
• Works collaboratively with internal teams and vendors and follows established protocols.

• Is driven and able to follow requirements in scope of work to fulfill tasks accurately and on time.
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills.

Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth/Environmental, Science Education, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of educational assessment industry experience including supporting or managing Science content or assessment development for state assessment projects.
• Experience in documenting and implementing standardized processes and quality control procedures.
• Experience using online asset development and banking systems.
• Experience in managing assessment content experts.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and effectively handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong desire to take initiative and ability to work independently as well as within teams.
• Preferred location for this position is Austin, TX. Telecommuting will be considered for candidates with proven experience working remotely. [Please note that due to Covid-19 health concerns, all employees are working from home until the office can be safely reopened].

• Travel to meetings and conferences as needed.