Director, Assessment Design and Development (10% -15% Travel Required)

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact by asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more about WestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION-Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Job Description: Content Area Team Director for the AD&D Team

Content Area Description

The Assessment Design and Development (AD&D) team consists of over 50 staff, including the leadership team, project managers, content developers, editors, and graphic artists. Our team is passionate about developing high-quality assessments that are valid, reliable, fair, relevant, and accessible to students from all backgrounds and that help inform educational policy and improve student learning. AD&D drives equity and excellence in education by grounding all our work in rigorous research, while serving as a trusted partner to our clients by providing innovative solutions and practical insights.

Position Overview

We seek a nationally recognized assessment expert who will build eminence for WestEd and AD&D work through presentations and publications and by forging alliances with business partners in the field. This opportunity offers the chance to:

1. Expand WestEd's impact and reputation in educational assessment and innovation, particularly in developing assessments that are valid, reliable, fair, relevant, and accessible to students from all backgrounds.
2. Leverage your expertise to ensure that AD&D staff provide high-quality assessments tailored to client needs.
3. Develop new relationships and strengthen existing ones with potential partners and funders throughout the country to generate exciting new project work.
4. Build on WestEd's portfolio of assessment research, development, and technical assistance projects to promote equitable learning opportunities.

As the Content Area Team Director (CATD), your two primary responsibilities will be to provide leadership and oversight to the team and to maintain and grow the current portfolio of work. About 20 percent of your time will be dedicated to organizational leadership and strategic planning activities within AD&D, WestEd's Research, Development, and Innovation Division, and the agency as a whole. WestEd values a shared leadership approach. You will serve on the division leadership team, which works to ensure the division's operational excellence; support staff development; and foster an equitable and supportive workplace culture. You will collaborate across Content Areas and Divisions within WestEd to advance coherent, collaborative, innovative, and equity-focused research, development, and professional services, along with agency initiatives.

The remaining 80 percent of your time will be spent winning new business and ensuring the successful delivery of all projects within the portfolio. You will be one of several senior staff who serve as project directors and senior advisors on AD&D's most impactful projects. As project director, you will lead teams; maintain relationships with clients; and partner with Project Managers and Content Specialists to ensure every project is completed on time, within budget, and with the highest quality.

Our home office is in San Francisco, but remote work is an option. Travel to conferences, to client meetings, and to WestEd headquarters multiple times a year is required.

What We're Seeking

The ideal candidate will be a recognized expert in educational assessment and assessment policy with experience developing compelling assessment solutions that address client needs. Proven experience in leading large, diverse teams and a track record of recruiting and retaining talent are required. A leadership approach that aligns with WestEd's mission, vision, and values is essential.

Responsibilities-Organizational Leadership and Strategic Direction (20%)

1. Direct the AD&D content area team, including setting the strategic direction; positioning staff for career success; establishing and meeting annual revenue targets; and representing the AD&D team's interests to WestEd leadership.
2. In consultation with the Vice President of Science and Assessment, develop and implement an annual strategic plan with an emphasis on achieving equity, impact, and growth.
3. Identify opportunities to collaborate with WestEd's other Content Areas across Divisions to deepen the impact of WestEd's work in the field.
4. Build eminence for AD&D and WestEd through presentations, papers, and online content.
5. Represent WestEd with key education groups-including federal, regional, state, and local agencies-and philanthropic organizations.
6. Participate as a member of the Division Leadership Team, of the Program Development Council, and in quarterly business development meetings with the Chief Development Officer, division directors, and other executive leadership.

Responsibilities-Business Development and Project Execution (80%)

1. Lead the AD&D Content Area's business development by identifying proposal opportunities; designing solutions; and overseeing development.
2. Build a network of state assessment partners and pursue bids with them.
3. Serve as Project Director on strategic medium- to large-sized projects, meeting all client and/or funder goals on time and within budget.
4. Monitor project health across the portfolio.
5. Serve as a senior advisor for major assessment design and development projects.
6. Supervise, coach, and mentor AD&D staff.
7. Partner closely with AD&D's Director of Assessment Content, Senior Operational Lead, and Vice President to ensure strategic use of staff expertise and implement talent and diversity initiatives.
8. Support the recruitment and retention of a diverse and highly talented team of professionals.

Qualifications

1. Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in educational measurement or a related field
2. Successful record leading proposals and winning competitive contracts and/or grants from various funding organizations (e.g., federal, state, and local government; foundations)
3. At least 7 years of project and resource development leadership experience, including proposal writing; project management; external relationship management; and oversight of complex program and project budgets
4. Demonstrated experience in staff management and supervision with a focus on motivating teams around business development opportunities, including writing and managing multimillion-dollar proposal efforts
5. Proven track record of developing strong partnerships with clients in districts, states, higher education, foundations, and businesses
6. Excellent interpersonal skills that build relational trust and facilitate effective communication with individuals at all levels
7. Commitment to working collaboratively with diverse colleagues from across the organization

Primary Expertise and Skills

1. Deep knowledge of assessment design and development, with professional recognition as a leader in the large-scale assessment field
2. Proven track record of successful business development through grants, RFPs, and sole-source relationships
3. Experience directing and growing large and diverse teams with a staff-centered management approach
4. Excellent presentation and writing skills, with relevant academic publications

Percentage of Travel: 10%-15% (required)

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level 14, is $160,000 to $250,000 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $160,000 to $200,000. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs.

In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date
• PTO: 3 weeks' vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

For more details about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you'll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote #Circa-AllSTATES