Director, Test Development
The Iowa Testing Programs (ITP) within the College of Education is seeking a Director, Test Development. This position will lead content development in all content areas, including managing direct reports and advising senior leadership on directions for future materials development and trends in standards-based education.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
- Provide development feedback and review across all subject areas at a level of understanding for all aspects of assessment.
- Plan departmental work in coordination with internal and external partners and establish development targets for all subject areas to meet program goals.
- Provide consultation to school personnel on test use and score interpretation as assigned.
- Coordinate fulfillment of strategic initiatives as assigned, interface with external entities as necessary.
- Develop materials to be evaluated for use in assessments and other instruments to support research needs.
- Collaborate with technical staff and subject-matter experts to assist in defining areas of research that support test development processes, field testing, and materials review.
- Represent program at state and national conferences in relevant subject area.
- Represent the University on various internal and external committees, Iowa Department of Education, Technical Advisory Committees, commissions, agencies, seminars and/or associations.
- Provide administrative supervision of Senior Test Development Associate(s), and Test Development Associate(s) in subject areas as needed and functional supervision of support staff.
- Advise management on budgetary needs or discrepancies for a statewide assessment program.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About the ITP
Iowa Testing Programs (ITP) has been part of the University of Iowa’s College of Education for over 90 years. From its inception, ITP’s mission has been to serve Iowa schools’ assessment needs by developing high-quality instruments and to work with schools to promote valid use of results.
- ITP also pursues research that improves the practice of educational measurement.
- Design and development of assessments that provide information for a variety of purposes and audiences.
- Outreach that delivers assessment results and supports use of assessment information by local, state, national, and international audiences.
Education Required:
- Master’s degree with academic preparation in Educational Measurement and Statistics or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Five (5) or more years overseeing development-related activities for a large-scale statewide assessment program, including forms construction, field testing, standard setting, range finding, and startup and sunsetting activities.
- Five (5) or more years of oversight and management of a test development workforce.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience in interpretation and transformation of state and national content standards into assessable test content.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
Regular salaried position. Pay level 7B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
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About Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
