Test Assembly Research Assistant

Company Description

***Please submit Resume and Cover Letter when applying***

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

Job Description

The Test Assembly Research Assistant reports to the Test Assembly Manager and works collaboratively across functional teams to support the assembly, layout, and quality control of large scale English language proficiency tests. This role also provides assistance in formatting test materials, ensuring alignment with CAL’s style guide and print specifications. This role is responsible for accurately transferring test content into InDesign templates, performing quality control reviews, and supporting the production of errorfree, accessible test forms and ancillary materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of test booklets, scripts, score sheets, and other test related materials.
• Support the Test Assembly Manager in maintaining quality control procedures and documentation.
• Perform quality control reviews of both online and printbased test materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to formatting and content standards.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing test blueprints and item inventories for test form construction.
• Collaborate with the Desktop Publishing Graphic Designer to implement layout adjustments and minor graphic edits in Adobe InDesign.
• Transfer and lay out test content (text and graphics) in Adobe InDesign following established templates and print specifications.
• Conduct reviews of printbased and computerbased materials to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with test specifications.
• Track and implement stakeholder feedback and document revision history.
• Support mock test administrations and revise materials based on user experience and feedback.
• Assist with the maintenance of the internal style guide and documentation of procedures.
• Maintain test item databases.
• Assist in the development and preparation of test blueprints.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

• Qualifications

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  The Test Assembly Research Assistant must have:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • At least 2 years of experience collaborating in the production of educational materials
  • Expertise with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign in a professional or academic setting.

  • 
    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
    The Test Assembly Research Assistant must be able to:

    • Work collaboratively across functional teams
    • Adapt to competing and shifting priorities
    • Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a team
    • Pay close attention to details without losing sight of the bigger picture in a highstakes production environment
    • Demonstrate understanding of and apply quality control standards for print production
    • Follow procedures and style guides precisely
    • Work with databases or test item banks

    • 
      An ideal candidate for the Test Assembly Research Assistant position also has:

      • Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
      • Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills
      • Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator
      • Experience with standardized educational assessments
      • Analytical and problemsolving skills

      • Additional Information

        COMPENSATION:

        Minimum Salary: $59,000 ; Benefits eligible

        Fulltime

        PHYSICAL DEMANDS

        The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

        AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONEQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

        The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

        CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.