Test Development Project Manager

Company Description

***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.

Job Description

The Test Development Project Manager plays a crucial role in managing the creation, refinement, and delivery 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 Test Development Project Manager 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 for online or paper modalities that align with language development standards and best practices.

This role requires 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:

Project Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of test development projects in collaboration with test development domain managers, ensuring they align with organizational goals and timelines
• Collaborate with test development domain managers to create and implement project plans, monitor timelines, prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and adjust workflows as necessary to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Oversee the logistics and materials preparation for test development activities and reviews, such as item writing and bias/sensitivity and content reviews, ensuring adherence to established standards and guidelines
• Communicate and collaborate within and across functional teams and external stakeholders throughout the test development process
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, communicating status updates, and ensuring transparent and consistent communication
• Ensure adherence to quality control procedures and standards for both paper-based and computer-delivered test items
• Prepare, review, and maintain documentation and records (e.g., summary reports, electronic notes, spreadsheets, test assembly documentation, quality control documentation)

Test Development

• Evaluate test development procedures for efficacy and effectiveness to develop and implement solutions to test development challenges
• Update training materials and other documentation necessary for the training of external test development consultants, test item reviewers, and internal audiences
• As needed, participate in reviews of test items and revisions to test items across language domains

Supervision

• Mentor language testing specialists and/or test development assistants in their job duties and pursuit of professional goals
• Fulfill administrative supervisory responsibilities, including those related to hiring, retention, and performance management

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Test Development Project Manager 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
• Successful project management experience
• Experience working in educational assessment

The ideal candidate has:

• Supervisory experience 
• Experience developing test items for large-scale assessments
• Experience working with K–12 multilingual learners in U.S. educational settings  
• Experience developing English language proficiency tests

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Test Development Project Manager must be able to:

• Work independently with minimal support/supervision
• Adapt to competing and changing priorities
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a team
• Exercise independent judgment using trustworthy resources to obtain results
• 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, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet)

Additional Information

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: $75,000 ; Benefits eligible

Full-time

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.