Manager, Listening Test Development

The Manager, Listening Test Development, is responsible for overseeing the development of Listening 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 Listening.The Manager, Listening Test Development, oversees the test development process from start to finish. This position develops test refreshment plans, timelines, and procedures; provides comprehensive feedback to test developers; and signs off on test items at critical points in the development process.Essential DutiesItem Development Manage test development staff who write, review, revise, and select Listening test items based on item specifications, test maps, and blueprintsEvaluate test items for item difficulty, oral language features, linguistic complexity, grade-level appropriateness, content correctness, universal accessibility, appropriate scaffolding, fairness, sensitivity, and adherence to style guidesGive clear, constructive, and timely feedback to test developers on test item text and graphics using test item specificationsSign off on test item content at the end of each phase of the item development cycleWork in close collaboration with managers and directors across functional teams and partner organizations to coordinate effortsProduce and execute project plans and timelines for test item development in coordination with client and other vendorsOversee the development and revision of item specifications and sign off on revisionsCoordinate the recruitment and contracting of consultant item writers and reviewersSteer the creation of training materials to prepare item writers and reviewersEnsure test development staff provide content, administrative, and technical support for item writers and reviewersLead meetings during which stakeholders review the content, fairness, and grade-appropriateness of test items, and ensure stakeholder feedback on test items is resolvedWork with test development staff and audio recording studio to cast actors and produce recordings for Listening test items, overseeing recording sessions and quality monitoringWrite, review, and edit written reports, procedures, and foundational documents for internal and external stakeholdersUpdate and maintain style guides and item development checklistsEnsure test development staff follow quality control and test security proceduresField TestConduct pilot testing and cognitive lab interviews in support of test developmentCoordinate, conduct, and sign off on quality checks of field test QTI packages and ancillary materialsOrganize and execute independent answer key verificationsReview and update field test functional rulesOperational Test and Database ManagementReview and approve test maps, test forms, ancillary documents, test practice items, and sample items for the publicWrite, review, and maintain test and item design plansWrite, review, and maintain the Listening Test Construct Framework documentEnsure accuracy of data in test item databasesSupervision Set functional team goals and expectations for Listening test developmentMonitor progress and performance of staff completing Listening test development tasksMentor test development staff in their job duties and professional goalsFulfill administrative responsibilities related to hiring/retention and performance reviewsOther duties as assigned