Project Manager

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Project Manager to support the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate assessment consortium and special projects within ATLAS. Responsibilities include assisting state education agency staff with DLM implementation, delivering training and technical assistance on assessment implementation, developing project documentation, collaborating with test development staff, ATLAS special projects and other duties as assigned. Will plan and oversee project management for states. Experience with alternate assessment, state or district level large-scale assessment implementation, and training and technical assistance in special education is especially preferred.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center's map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 96 hours of sick leave per year
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Life and disability insurance
• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

Job Description

90% - Implementation Coordinator/Program Manager Duties

• Identify annual scope of work for state contracts
• Monitor deliverables and timelines
• Works with states to identify solutions to specific legislative or policy guidelines in order to complete project scope.
• Provide technical assistance, recommendations and leadership to state education agencies with the implementation process of the DLM assessments system, including evaluation of state readiness and training needs, communication and strategic planning with multiple project partners, problem-solving implementation challenges.
• Works collaboratively with multiple project partners to proactively identify challenges and recommend program solutions.
• Facilitate group meetings of states to lead decision-making on consortium-level implementation; present and participate in DLM governance calls and meetings.
• Convene advisory teams and core partner groups to discuss, lead and implement project plan in conjunction with project scope and guidelines at the state and district levels.
• Evaluate and provide direction on the creation and revision of training materials and project documentation.
• Conduct on-site and/or virtual visits to meet with state-level leadership teams; train key implementation personnel at the state, regional, and/or district levels; and collect data.
• Collaborating with test development, technology, and research staff on assessment system design.

10% - Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
• This position requires travel to Lawrence and/or other locations as needed, depending on the needs of the center and team.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in education or closely related field and four (4) or more years of experience in educational assessment -OR- Master's degree and one (1) or more years of experience in educational assessment
2. One (1) year prior experience working in or with a state education agency
3. One (1) year experience of alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards
4. Effective oral and written communication skills for a variety of audiences, including technical, policy, and general public as evidenced in application materials and previous experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Educational Assessment or Special Education
2. Experience working with students with significant cognitive disabilities as evidenced by application materials
3. Experience providing training or professional development to special educators on alternate assessment and/or instruction as evidenced by application materials
4. Project management experience
5. Record of excellent customer service to clients in previous work environments as evidenced by application materials
6. Demonstrated ability to be flexible and accountable, manage conflicting responsibilities, and prioritize tasks and processes as evidenced in application materials and work history

Contact Information to Applicants

ATLAS HR - ATLASHR@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

1. The University of Kansas online application
2. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
3. A Resume or CV
4. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Tuesday, March 31st and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.