Program Manager

Job overview:

Program Managers assume overall responsibility for managing all aspects of state testing projects. They must be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment; anticipate problems and come up with creative methods of solving them; develop strong, positive, constructive relationships with senior-level state clients and multiple stakeholders; manage project teams; and make sure that quality control procedures are adhered to in order to produce high quality assessments within deadline and budget.

They must be able to work in an environment where project requirements often change and evolve, and must be comfortable seeking out information and advice, when necessary. They must be able to conceptualize how all the parts of a complex project fit together and what a change to one part will mean for the other parts. Successful candidates will create a proactive culture in which the efficient creation of high-quality products is second nature.

Looking to hire Program Managers at varying levels.

Job Responsibilities:

• Managing all aspects of complex, large-scale assessment programs in a high security environment often with high stakes attached

• Managing the transition of large-scale paper and pencil testing programs to an online, computer-adaptive format while working closely with senior-level clients at the State Department of Education

• Developing and implementing processes, procedures, and schedules for meeting project deliverables and client needs

• Working with state clients to ensure that all plans and schedules are viable, that the state understands their roles and deadlines, and that clear lines of communication are established

• Chairing and facilitating high-level client and sub-contractor meetings with multiple participants and guiding discussions among multiple stakeholders to reach concrete decisions

• Developing a master schedule that reflects client needs and team’s work requirements

• Monitoring schedule, deadlines and deliveries to ensure project commitments are executed on time

• Communicating schedule and any changes to project staff

• Working directly with senior level clients to provide solutions to day-to-day operational issues

• Ensuring scope changes are reflected in contracts, budgets, activities, and schedules

• Communicating scope and budget changes to team members

• Managing team leads for item development, technical, reporting, website, software and operations and making sure that each team receives required guidance

• Keeping AIR senior management informed of any potential risks, potential missed deadlines or budget over-runs

• Managing subcontractors

• Monitoring budgets

What we are often looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree required, M.B.A., M.A. in relevant field, or the equivalent preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility managing tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment

• Experience working directly with senior-level clients

• Must have experience working in large-scale assessment

• PMP certification preferred

• Experience working with on-line, secure delivery systems a plus

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that celebrates unique backgrounds, ideas, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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