Associate Manager, Test Development - Center for Applied Linguistics

***Please submit Resume and Cover Letter when applying***

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

The Associate Manager, Test Development plays a crucial role in managing the creation and refinement of test items for large-scale English language assessments. This position requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in educational assessment and project management, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes for K–12 English learners.

The Associate Manager, Test Development will work closely with cross-functional teams, including content experts, external consultants, and project stakeholders, to ensure the development of high-quality, reliable, and valid test items that align with language development standards and best practices.

This role involves balancing strategic oversight with hands-on test development tasks, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality control measures, and contributing to the continuous improvement of work processes to make a meaningful impact on the educational experiences of multilingual learners.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate with test development domain managers to monitor timelines, prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and adjust workflows as necessary to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Create and revise test specifications and item specifications, including updating test maps and blueprints and monitoring for topic coverage and overlap
• Update training materials and facilitate trainings for external test development consultants, test item reviewers, and internal audiences
• Organize logistics and preparation of materials for test development activities and reviews, such as item writing and bias/sensitivity and content reviews
• Coordinate the conversion of test items between computer-delivered and paper-based modes
• Communicate and collaborate within and across functional teams and external stakeholders throughout the test development process
• Ensure adherence to quality control procedures and standards for both paper-based and computer-delivered test items
• Prepare and maintain documentation and records (e.g., summary reports, electronic notes, spreadsheets)
• As needed, participate in reviews of test items and revisions to test items across language domains

Education and Experience

The Associate Manager, Test Development must have

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field (e.g., Applied Linguistics, Educational Assessment, TESOL), with at least four years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least two years of relevant experience
• Experience developing multiple choice and constructed response test items for large-scale assessments

The ideal candidate for this role has

• Experience coordinating project work, including creating and implementing project plans
• Experience working with K–12 multilingual learners  
• Experience developing English language proficiency tests

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Associate Manager, Test Development must be able to

• Work independently with minimal support/supervision
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a team
• Closely attend to details without losing sight of bigger picture
• Effectively coordinate and oversee others’ work in a remote environment

The ideal candidate for this role has

• Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet)

Travel Requirements

• This position requires occasional travel (1-2 times per year).

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: 67,800.00; Benefits eligible

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.