Are you passionate about mathematics or literacy and eager to shape how student learning is measured? Assessment Systems is seeking an Assessment Development Manager for ELA and an Assessment Development Manager for Math to join a fast-paced, collaborative team responsible for building a new K–12 benchmark assessment aligned to academic standards.
These roles are short-term contract positions supporting the development of custom formative benchmark assessments for a Pennsylvania charter school network. The engagement runs approximately 2–3 months, with full-time or ¾-time availability required during the active item development sprint (May–June 2026). The Assessment Development Managers will lead and manage the day-to-day item writing workflow for English Language Arts or Math assessments across Grades 2–8 in alignment with Pennsylvania Core Standards.
This project offers a unique opportunity to work on the front end of assessment creation—designing the blueprint, developing high-quality test items, and helping construct an exam that will be used by educators to monitor student progress and inform instruction. If you enjoy translating standards into meaningful assessment content and thrive in an environment where ideas move quickly from concept to implementation, these roles offer the chance to make a real impact.
Responsibilities
Assessment Development Manager — English Language Arts (Grades 2–8) Contract Position | Full-Time or ¾-Time | Approximately 2–3 Months This role will lead and manage the day-to-day item writing workflow for English Language Arts assessments across Grades 2–8 in alignment with Pennsylvania Core Standards.
Working with ASC assessment specialists and psychometricians and client Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), direct and manage the blueprint design process for ELA blueprints across multiple grade levels.
Translate the blueprints into item specifications.
Develop ELA-specific item writing guidelines, style guidelines and item specifications
Train and onboard the client’s internal subject matter expert (SME) writers on Depth of Knowledge expectations, construct clarity, and common item-writing pitfalls.
Manage item writing assignments and workflow by conducting periodic gap analyses to monitor progress.
Communicate with client on progress.
Manage and support item writers and subject matter experts throughout the item development process.
Conduct alignment reviews on submitted items, flagging off-DOK or construct-irrelevant drafts, and managing at least one revision cycle per item batch.
Participate in bias and sensitivity reviews to ensure fairness and accessibility for diverse student populations.
Assessment Development Manager — Mathematics (Grades 2–8) Contract Position | Full-Time or ¾-Time | Approximately 2–3 Months
This role will lead and manage the day-to-day item writing workflow for English Language Arts assessments across Grades 2–8 in alignment with Pennsylvania Core Standards.
Working with ASC assessment specialists and psychometricians and client Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), direct and manage the blueprint design process for math blueprints across multiple grade levels.
Translate the blueprints into item specifications.
Develop math-specific item writing guidelines, style guidelines and item specifications
Train and onboard the client’s internal subject matter expert (SME) writers on Depth of Knowledge expectations, construct clarity, and common item-writing pitfalls.
Manage item writing assignments and workflow by conducting periodic gap analyses to monitor progress.
Communicate with client on progress.
Manage and support item writers and subject matter experts throughout the item development process.
Conduct alignment reviews on submitted items, flagging off-DOK or construct-irrelevant drafts, and managing at least one revision cycle per item batch.
Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or ELA, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in educational assessment development, curriculum design, or instruction.
Strong knowledge of K–12 standards (e.g., Common Core State Standards or equivalent state standards).
Experience developing or reviewing assessment items aligned with academic standards.
Familiarity with cognitive complexity frameworks (e.g., Depth of Knowledge, Bloom’s Taxonomy).
Prior experience managing a team of item writers in a structured workflow
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent editorial skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
Preferred
Experience developing large-scale or benchmark assessments in a K-12 context.
K-12 teaching experience.
Candidates comfortable working within a vendor-managed, client-collaborative model — where the client provides writers and the vendor provides design architecture and quality oversight — will thrive in these engagements.
Company Background:
Assessment Systems is a leading provider of robust web-based assessment platforms, test development and psychometric support services. Our mission is to improve career and educational opportunities by modernizing the assessment design and delivery process at organizations that administer tests. Learn more at assess.com.
Additional Information
About the position Fully remote; must be based in the United States Target pay rate is $40-55/hour. Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibility. Work Environment This job is fully virtual. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and filing cabinets. 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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feels; and reach with hands and arms. Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position for approximately 3 months (April-June 2026, depending on the launch of the project), and hours of work and days are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m, either Eastern or Central time. Travel None
Assessment Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Assessment Systems is an E-Verify participating employer. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.