Senior Manager, Assessment and Psychometrics

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The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Job Description

Leads the strategic design validation and continuous improvement of the institutions assessment ecosystem to ensure validity reliability fairness and alignment with accreditation standards and institutional goals. This role directs a high-performing team of assessment experts translating complex measurement science into scalable data-driven solutions that support student success program integrity and institutional accountability. Partnering with academic faculty and administrative leaders defines performance metrics advances innovation through research and emerging technologies and ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Location: This position will be located in our Salt Lake City Utah office and would require you to work a hybrid schedule in the office 4 days a week with one day remote.

Responsibilities

• Defines and executes the vision strategy and roadmap for assessment quality psychometric rigor and innovation across products.
• Establishes and stewards governance structures for assessment development validation score reporting data stewardship and policy compliance; aligns with accreditation standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Leads mentors and develops a high-caliber team of assessment experts; cultivates a culture of methodological excellence collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversees the end-to-end design calibration equating scaling and validation of assessments (cognitive non-cognitive performance-based portfolio-based and competency-aligned measures) to ensure high validity reliability fairness and alignment with program learning outcomes.
• Champions defensible validation frameworks (construct validity criterion-related validity content validity measurement invariance DIF analyses) and robust item banking practices.
• Promotes multi-method assessment ecosystems integrating formative and summative approaches to enhance instructional feedback program improvement and student success.
• Leads advanced psychometric analyses DIF testing measurement invariance across populations and longitudinal cohort analyses; translate findings into strategic recommendations for programs and policy.
• Oversees data governance privacy consent data quality and secure reporting practices; ensures ethical handling of assessment data and accessibility compliance.
• Collaborates with institutional research analytics and IT to deploy scalable dashboards and reporting that drive decision-making for accreditation program review and strategic planning.
• Ensures all assessments and processes meet accreditation standards accessibility requirements and ethical guidelines; promotes bias reduction and inclusive design.
• Maintains rigorous documentation audit trails validation reports and governance records; prepares materials for accreditation visits audits and professional review.
• Stays current with developments in assessment and measurement science higher education policy and regulatory changes; leads timely adaptations to practices.
• Collaborates with academic leadership curriculum teams faculty student success and institutional effectiveness to translate program goals into reliable assessment strategies.
• Communicates complex measurement concepts clearly to diverse audiences; develops compelling business cases outcomes analyses and impact narratives for leadership and governance bodies.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives and steering committees; manages stakeholder expectations risk and deliverables.
• Oversees assessment platforms data systems and tooling; manages internal and external partnerships including vendors and consultants to ensure quality and compliance.
• Prioritizes resource and budget for assessment initiatives; oversees program portfolios milestones and risk management.
• Drives continuous improvement through research pilots and pilot-to-implementation cycles; champions scalable automated and user-centered processes.
• Attracts coaches and retains senior and mid-level talent; designs succession plans and promotes a diverse inclusive and innovative team culture.
• Invests in professional development certifications and cross-functional exposure to advance expertise and institutional impact.
• Represents the institution in professional forums consortia and accreditation bodies; publishes findings presents validation studies and contributes to best-practice communities.
• Leads thought leadership on measurement science AI-assisted assessment and fairness in higher education measurement.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement leveraging research AI and emerging technologies to advance assessment practices.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical and strategic teams in assessment and psychometrics.
• Strong expertise in assessment strategy validity frameworks and psychometric methods (IRT CTT equating scaling DIF analysis etc.).
• Ability to manage projects and teams in a complex matrixed organization with competing priorities.
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills with the ability to translate complex psychometric findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical content to diverse audiences including leadership faculty and external partners.
• Experience applying assessment strategies in competency-based online or higher education environments.
• Ability to coach and develop team members while fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Sound judgment problem-solving and decision-making skills in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards accessibility requirements and assessment best practices in higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Psychometrics Educational Measurement Educational Psychology Assessment or a related field.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of experience in assessment development psychometrics or educational measurement including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Proven track record managing both strategic and technical aspects of assessment design validation and evaluation

Preferred Experience

• Masters or Doctoral degree in Psychometrics Educational Measurement Assessment or a related field.
• Experience in competency-based online or large-scale assessment environments.
• Demonstrated experience implementing innovative assessment models and technologies.
• Success in stabilizing and structuring complex or ambiguous initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

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Position & Application Details

How to Apply: If interested an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. Its not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.