Manager, Speaking Test Development

Center for Applied Linguistics

. Oversee development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1–12 .

Posted 9/21/2026full-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, coordinating remote teams, and ensuring adherence to quality-control standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Large-Scale Spoken English Language Proficiency Assessment DevelopmentTest-Item Development SupervisionComplex Assessment Project ManagementK–12 Multilingual Learner Education Standards ApplicationExemplary Writing, Editing, and Proofreading Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Test Design EvaluationQuality MonitoringField-Test Functional Rules ReviewCognitive Lab InterviewsScoring Guidance DevelopmentData AnalysisProject PlanningItem Specification DevelopmentTest-Refreshment PlanningMultilingual Learner Needs Assessment

Soft Skills

Leadership AbilitiesProblem-Solving SkillsAttention to DetailFlexibility in Feedback ResponseInterpersonal Communication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSmartsheetWork-Management Platforms

Industry Keywords

K–12 EducationMultilingual LearnersHigh-Stakes TestingSpoken Language AssessmentStyle Guide Familiarity

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1–12
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 item content at critical development stages
Develop test-refreshment plans, timelines, procedures, project plans, and item specifications
Coordinate with managers, directors, client organizations, vendors, and partner organizations
Oversee training materials and support for external reviewers
Lead stakeholder reviews and resolve feedback on test items
Oversee casting, recording sessions, and quality monitoring for Speaking test audio
Write, review, and maintain reports, procedures, foundational documents, style guides, checklists, test plans, and framework documents
Coordinate quality checks of field-test QTI packages and ancillary materials
Review and update field-test functional rules
Oversee qualitative analysis of Speaking field-test responses and report findings
Conduct pilot testing and cognitive lab interviews
Collaborate on Speaking-test scoring materials, rubrics, rater training, courses, and scoring guidance
Support anchor and training-response selection; review score justifications, appeals, qualifying, recalibration, and validity sets
Maintain test maps, forms, practice items, sample items, databases, and design plans
Set team goals, monitor staff performance, mentor employees, and support hiring, retention, and performance reviews

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 needed by K–12 multilingual learners in U.S. school settings
Experience teaching K–12 multilingual learners in U.S. school contexts
Ability to apply multilingual learners’ English language development and K–12 education standards to language-proficiency test-item development
Ability to coordinate remote staff across multiple tasks and meet deadlines and quality-control expectations
Ability to provide constructive, clear feedback
Ability to understand complex test designs with multiple interconnected parts
Ability to work independently with minimal support or 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 problem-solving abilities
Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English
Familiarity with style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style
Strong organization, planning, and time-management skills
Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency in a language other than English
At least intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartsheet or other work-management platforms
Must be able to work in an eligible U.S. location; the position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or U.S. Territories
Resume and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

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