Our client, located in Austin, Texas, seeks outstanding candidates to fill the position of Director of Assessment Content and Test Development. The Director reports to the Vice President of Assessment Design and Development (AD&D) and is a key member of the AD&D leadership team.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a strong, well-rounded assessment director with diverse experience supporting all phases of the assessment content development process (e.g., crafting test designs based on client requirements, developing asset development plans, managing item writing and review processes, committee facilitation, forms construction and/or review, understanding of complexities around passage permissions, budgeting for assessment contracts and committee meetings etc.). In addition, we are seeking an outstanding candidate with strong business acumen, a proven record of successfully managing projects independently, excellent communication skills, and sound judgment and sensibility for working closely with clients and teams.

Specific capabilities will include:

• Summative, interim, and formative content and test design and development
• Assessment product design and development
• Content development operations and process management
• Client engagement and business development
• Strong team management skills

Our successful employees possess the following traits:

• An ability to get things done: You are results-driven, resourceful, action oriented, hands-on when necessary, and persistent. You consistently look ahead and anticipate needs before they arise. You are able to focus on multiple tasks concurrently.
• Analytical: You have strong analytical skills and are comfortable reviewing quantitative data to inform your understanding of business, operational, and technical challenges.
• Creative mindset: You can quickly adapt and develop creative solutions to challenges. You quickly 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

Assessment Design and Development

1. Leads and supervises assessment design and development activities in ELA, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, including the development of test designs, assessment blueprints, passage and item development processes, and test form construction processes.
2. Applies knowledge of Principled Assessment Design/Evidence Centered Design to formulate strong assessments designs. Aligns all design activities to ensure the solution/product vision and requirements are realized; collaborates and maintains frequent contact with the solution/product team to ensure design and development activities are aligned with solution/product goals.
3. Oversees and approves Asset Development Plans for each contract and product line.
4. Serves as point of escalation for test development issues raised by contract-dedicated Program Managers and Test Development Managers.
5. Manages overall relationships with assessment subcontractors, including negotiating scope of work, budgets, and service level agreements.
6. Supervises Test Development Managers responsible for day-to-day operational delivery of content and test development contracts.
7. Leads and supervises design, planning, and delivery of test development meetings, including content review meetings, bias and fairness review meetings, and other development or management meetings.
8. As the company continues to expand its contracts, recruits, hires, trains, and manages a team of assessment development professionals e.g., test development managers, content leads, editor(s), permission specialist(s), item bank manager(s), and project manager(s)] in all phases of the asset development process.

Management and Leadership:

1. Directs assigned projects, including the preparation of planning tools, monitoring expenses, delegating work, monitoring and reviewing work delegated, negotiating deadlines, and coordinating work schedules and progress toward goals.
2. Partners collaboratively with Program Management, Product Strategy, Technology, and other internal teams to ensure quality on-time contractual deliverables.
3. Provides formal and informal leadership within the team to develop and refine best practices and process improvements.
4. Promotes a team culture focused on quality, transparency, integrity, and responsiveness.
5. Provides mentoring and training support to other team members.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years’ experience in the educational testing industry including supporting or managing the comprehensive asset development process
• Experience with building and developing teams, implementing standard processes, and supporting quality control procedures
• Experience with supporting the development of assessments products
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong desire to take initiative and ability to work independently as well as within teams
• Travel to meetings and conferences as needed
• This is a remote position.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We are excited to receive applications from persons in occupations or positions where they are under-represented, particularly from individuals connected to underserved communities. We feel we are strengthened by diverse perspectives.