Manager, Speaking Test Development

Center for Applied Linguistics

. Oversee development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of grades 1–12 English language proficiency assessments .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $77,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing large-scale spoken English language proficiency assessments for K–12 multilingual learners, with strong leadership in managing complex assessment projects and supervising test-item development. Proficient in providing constructive feedback, ensuring quality control, and coordinating remote teams effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Large-Scale Spoken English Language Proficiency Assessment DevelopmentTest-Item Development SupervisionComplex Assessment Project ManagementK–12 Multilingual Learner Education Standards KnowledgeQuality Control and Test Security Procedures

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Test-Item DevelopmentAssessment Project ManagementQuality Control ProceduresLinguistic Complexity EvaluationTest Design AnalysisWriting and Editing ReportsData Analysis of Field-Test ResponsesScoring Rubric DevelopmentCognitive Lab InterviewingFeedback Provision

Soft Skills

LeadershipAnalytical Problem-SolvingInterpersonal CommunicationAttention to DetailFlexibility in Project Management

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSmartsheetWork-Management Platforms

Industry Keywords

K–12 EducationMultilingual LearnersSpoken Language AssessmentTest SecurityStyle Guide Familiarity

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of grades 1–12 English language proficiency assessments
Manage staff who write, review, revise, and select Speaking test items
Evaluate items for task design, linguistic complexity, grade-level appropriateness, correctness, accessibility, scaffolding, fairness, sensitivity, and style-guide adherence
Provide feedback to test developers and approve content at critical development stages
Develop test-refreshment plans, project plans, timelines, procedures, and item specifications
Coordinate with managers, directors, clients, vendors, partner organizations, and external reviewers
Lead stakeholder reviews and resolve feedback on content, fairness, and grade appropriateness
Oversee actor casting, recording sessions, and quality monitoring for Speaking test audio
Write, review, and edit reports, procedures, foundational documents, style guides, and checklists
Ensure quality-control and test-security procedures are followed
Coordinate and approve quality checks of field-test QTI packages and ancillary materials
Oversee qualitative analysis of Speaking field-test responses and report findings
Conduct pilot testing and cognitive lab interviews
Collaborate on Speaking scoring materials, rubrics, rater-training content, and scoring guidance
Support selection of anchor and training responses; review score justifications, appeals, and validity sets
Maintain test and item design plans, test frameworks, databases, and related materials
Set team goals, monitor staff performance, mentor employees, and handle hiring, retention, and performance-review responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 in a relevant field with at least two years of relevant experience
Expertise in developing large-scale spoken English language proficiency assessments for K–12 multilingual learners
Experience supervising test-item development in a high-stakes context
Experience managing complex assessment projects
Deep familiarity with spoken language K–12 multilingual learners need for success in U.S. school settings
Experience teaching K–12 multilingual learners in U.S. school contexts
Ability to apply knowledge of multilingual learners’ English language development and K–12 education standards to language-proficiency test-item development
Ability to coordinate remote staff across multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and quality-control expectations
Ability to provide constructive, clear feedback
Understanding of complex test designs with multiple interconnected parts
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fully remote team
Strong attention to detail
Flexibility in responding to feedback and evolving project priorities
Leadership and analytical and creative problem-solving abilities
Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English
Familiarity with style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style
Excellent organization, planning, and time-management skills
Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency in a language other than English is an advantage
At least intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartsheet or other work-management platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits eligible
Choice of working in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity or remotely up to 100%
Occasional travel (1–3 times per year)