[Hiring] Manager, Speaking Test Development @Center for Applied Linguistics

Role Description

The Manager, Speaking Test Development, is responsible for overseeing the development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of assessments, which are large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1-12. This position involves:

• Reviewing, revising, and approving test items (linguistic content, graphics, scripts, audio files) that align to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, with a focus on the language domain of Speaking.
• Overseeing the test development process from start to finish.
• Developing test refreshment plans, timelines, and procedures.
• Providing comprehensive feedback to test developers.
• Collaborating with the Manager, Rater Training, to oversee the creation of scoring materials for the Speaking test.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least five 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.
• Expertise in the development of large-scale spoken English language proficiency assessments for K-12 multilingual learners.
• Experience supervising the development of test items in a high-stakes context.
• Experience managing complex assessment projects.
• Deep familiarity with the spoken language that K-12 multilingual learners must be able to produce to be successful in U.S. school settings.
• Experience teaching K-12 multilingual learners in U.S. school contexts.

Requirements

• Apply understanding of multilingual learners’ English language development in speaking, and of K-12 education standards and practices to the development of language proficiency test items.
• Coordinate remote staff across multiple tasks to meet deadlines and quality control expectations.
• Provide constructive, clear feedback that both improves test items and builds staff understanding and skills.
• Understand complex test designs with multiple interconnected parts.
• Work independently with minimal support/supervision.
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a collaborative, fully remote team.
• Attend closely to details without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to feedback and evolving project priorities.
• Show leadership to attain team goals.
• Bring both analytical and creative approaches to problem solving.

Benefits

• Minimum Salary: $77,250; Benefits eligible.
• Full-time position.
• Occasional travel (1-3 times per year).