NAEP Policy Analyst

This position works remotely requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 11-26-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 13 members (states and territories). Through the work of thousands of educators, Smarter Balanced created an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as tools for educators to improve teaching and learning. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension.

SBAC's work is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed - regardless of disability, language, or subgroup. SBAC involves experienced educators, researchers, state and local policymakers, and community groups working together in a transparent and consensus-driven process.

Smarter Balanced staff have a profound commitment to UCSC's Principles of Community including embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and the hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves practicality of Silicon Valley culture. Developed with guidance from key industry leaders and academic experts, our certificate programs match the economic demands of industry, from engineering to business, education to bioscience. The University of California reviews and approves UCSC Extension courses and programs for academic content, merit, and instructor qualifications. Many of Extension's courses can be applied toward degree programs or may be eligible for professional certificates and licenses.

More information can be found at https://smarterbalanced.org

JOB SUMMARY

This position is assigned to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) team within the Smarter Balanced program. The incumbent applies their knowledge of the analytical practices, policies and procedures used in educational assessment in order to support and train NAEP coordinators and ambassadors in their respective state agencies. Primary responsibilities include researching, analyzing, and developing solutions and providing consultation to non-technical audiences on a wide range of issues associated with large-scale assessment.

To provide effective support, successful performance will require the incumbent to actively develop and maintain an understanding of the dynamic educational policies occurring in each state.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $69,500 - $90,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Contract appointment

Job End Date: 5 years from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007398 (PROJECT POLICY ANL 3)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

60% - Large Scale Assessment Policy Consultation

• Reviews and provides content for training materials regarding large-scale assessment, assessment literacy, and the development and implementation of NAEP.
• Supports NAEP ambassadors as needed to ensure they are effectively supporting Chief State School Officers.
• Researches and summarizes educational policies nationwide to provide additional context to support NAEP coordinators and NAEP ambassadors.
• Develops and maintains a list of topics for presentations which NAEP coordinators may use to present at the annual meetings of the Council of Great City Schools, the American Educational Research Association, and the National Conference on Student Assessment.
• Performs ad hoc, analytical studies on a wide variety of policies, programs and issues which are complex in nature.

40% - Contract Management and Implementation

• Oversees the NAEP Ambassador program to ensure that Ambassadors provide effective support to each Chief State School Officer and the Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) superintendent in the nation.
• Monitors state personnel and personnel from large districts to maintain a pool of eligible Ambassadors.
• Develops scopes of work, budgets, and reports for project requirements.
• Leads additional work and/or provides support for additional work as necessary to fulfill Smarter Balanced's obligations for NAEP.
• Coordinates implementation with cross-organizational departments or external entities as needed.
• Provides meeting, calendar management, and other administrative support as required.
• Attends various in-person and virtual workshops and summarizes the events as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using statistical-based, technical tools to analyze data such as SAS, SPSS, Excel, and/or SQL
• Recent experience managing contract(s) for services and / or materials
• Thorough knowledge of large-scale assessment, measurement, and research methodology
• Exceptional skills in delivering engaging and interactive trainings to adult learners
• Demonstrated organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills that include collaboration and escalation as appropriate
• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills
• Strong writing skils.
• Strong contract management skills
• Strong skills in project and calendar management to ensure resources and services are provided on time
• Proficiency in developing and reviewing materials for accuracy and for proper, conventional grammar
• Demonstrated ability for ensuring organizational practices, services, and behaviors support and promote diversity among staff
• Ability to develop and present accurate, essential information in formats that are succinct and audience appropriate

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination