Deputy Executive Program Officer, Content for Teaching and Learning – REMOTE

Job Description

Location: Remote
Job ID: 47231

JOB POSTING

Smarter Balanced is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search Inc. to assist with this search. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please email confidential nominations, or referrals to Urmilla Khan at ukhan@bipocsearch.com. See instructions on how to apply below.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest-and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying-but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position works remotely requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

NOTIFICATIONS

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 02-06-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It’s known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus’s DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

This is a position within the Smarter Balanced division of the University of California Santa Cruz Extension.

Smarter Balanced-a proud part of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC)-is committed to fostering an inclusive environment through equity and accessibility while ensuring teachers are equipped with the tools they need to support the diversity of students whom they serve. The organization’s dynamic system includes tools for statewide improvement as well as tools to improve teaching and learning. Over 5,000 educators contribute to the development of the Smarter Balanced system by providing suggestions for how the Consortium can better help students; in addition, educators write and review test questions and instructional resources to ensure they are fair and accessible to learners. With a membership collectively serving over 6 million students and spanning 15 states and territories, this member-led organization continues to have an important role to play in preparing students for successful and productive futures.

With such compelling offerings-coupled with a deep and abiding commitment to supporting student learning as well as to inclusivity, diversity and accessibility-this is an auspicious time for Smarter Balanced. It is within this context that the organization is inviting nominations and applications for the role of Deputy Executive Program Officer, Content for Teaching and Learning-a position giving a dynamic leader the opportunity to have an indelible impact on the next chapter of the organization’s evolution.

More information can be found here: https://smarterbalanced.org

JOB SUMMARY

Involves managing a significant, independent academic or research program. Formulates program strategies and goals. Plans, directs and controls program budget and other related resources.

Reports to the Executive Program Officer (EPO) and serves as a source of innovation in designing assessment tools and resources that support local and statewide improvements in educational policy as well as support teaching and learning. Creatively solves complex problems and advances the field of large-scale assessment focused on equity in education through a balanced assessment system (summative, interim, and formative). Responsible for overseeing staff who develop assessment items, teacher materials and professional learning resources. Collaborates with the Deputy Executive Program Officer, Psychometrics and Research regarding test design and defining blueprints supported by a high-quality item pool that meets rigorous technical criteria and serves the diversity of educators and students who use the resources. Collaborates with Product Management and other executives to create product vision, provide input to the roadmap, and support research-driven decision-making regarding product features and functionality that improve educator capacity to help students learn more. Mentors, guides, and develops department staff by providing opportunities for learning and feedback. Partners with the Program Leadership Team to support key cross-departmental priorities, including an efficient test production process and new research exploring innovations. Establishes operational objectives, and defines work plans and assignments to the team. Aligns department objectives to the Smarter Balanced strategic plan and roadmap. Uses sound judgment to reprioritize work based on new information and creative problem-solving. Responsible for preparing and managing the team budget in consultation with EPO. Prepares ongoing presentations for Consortium stakeholders (state departments of education) and national organizations.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $180,000 / Annually. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation rate for this role and should not offer a salary above the posted rate. The salary shown above is the budgeted rate the University reasonably expects to pay.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 006083 (ACAD PRG MGR 1)

Travel: Up to 25% time

JOB DUTIES

70% – Leadership, Supervision and Operations

• Ensures research and work products meet the requirements of other teams within Smarter Balanced, Technical Advisors, state departments of education, and other stakeholders.
• Provides day-to-day direction, supervision and managerial oversight of the content teams, including ELA, math and formative assessment teams.
• Collaborates with the Deputy Executive Director of Psychometrics and Research to establish research questions and studies that further the Consortium’s goals to better improve teaching and learning.
• Nurtures and grows staff capacity by providing development and coaching opportunities to staff.
• Responsible for planning and administering the budget for the ELA, math and formative assessment teams.
• Provides leadership to the organization regarding innovation in the assessment-learning cycle that better support teaching and learning.
• Provides leadership and consulting to staff, members and external partners regarding how to resolve complex problems using strategies based in pedagogic best practices.
• Provides leadership to staff regarding item development, formative assessment, and professional learning.

30% – Strategic Planning and Innovation

• Identifies, plans and implements projects for large-scale assessment to support the organization’s decision-making, problem-solving, strategic planning, policy review and large-scale assessment with a focus on education equity.
• Serves as the Consortium expert in K-12 pedagogy including the formative assessment process and instructional strategies that accelerate student learning. Provides leadership to state educational agencies, education advocacy groups and national education organizations regarding how a balanced assessment system can support instructional decisions. Liaises between state education advocacy groups and national education organizations regarding systems of instruction and assessment.
• Responsible for providing comprehensive leadership and support for advisory committee meetings associated with the development and review of assessment items, formative assessment and professional learning resources including planning and overseeing proactive agenda for meetings that address critical Consortium policy and needs and align to strategic objectives.
• Directs changes to processes regarding the development of items, tasks and resources as necessary to meet new strategic objectives.
• Proactively investigates and initiates proof of concept projects to enable automation, machine-learning and AI solutions that provide, improve and advance to organizational processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Education, English Language Arts/literacy, mathematics, and/or equivalent experience and/or training
• 5+ years’ experience in educational materials development in a technology environment
• 5+ years’ management experience, including establishing and managing department and project budgets
• Experience working with multiple teams that have diverse needs to ensure that organizational practices, services, and behaviors support and promote diversity among staff to build deep and meaningful relationships
• Thorough knowledge of large-scale educational assessment, including psychometric field testing and item revision processes
• Familiarity with research-based educational K-12 instructional practices, adult learning theory, professional learning practices and the workflow of an educator’s day
• Demonstrated track record in establishing systems and practices designed to deliver quality and streamline development practices, including automation practices
• Understanding of protocols, procedures, and industry best practices related to assessment item, test design/blueprint, and educator materials/media development in an online environment
• Working knowledge of using online authoring systems, learning management systems, and content management systems in a content development environment
• Expertise in analyzing the relationship between content standards and the content / format of assessment items
• Prior experience using information from assessment item field tests to improve systems and processes with an emphasis on fairness and quality
• Understanding of the K-12 educational market and creating learning design and prototypes that address critical and timely issues for educators
• Experience partnering on blueprint and assessment design in a computer adaptive testing environment
• Deep understanding of connections among summative, interim, & formative assessment and classroom instruction
• Advanced experience using collaboration skills to successfully work with multiple teams that have diverse needs and with educators through a service perspective
• Experience ensuring that organizational management policies, practices, services, and behaviors support and promote diversity among staff
• Strong supervisory experience and collaboration skills to motivate staff
• Strong verbal skills, including excellence in communicating complex and technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical audiences at national conferences and similar settings
• Strong written communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading a team to fulfill the terms of a contract as a service provider
• K-12 teaching experience

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to work remotely from a home office and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

HOW TO APPLY

Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to ‘My Activities’. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=47231&PostingSeq=1

To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

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