Director-Statewide Assessment (Administrator)

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

15d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a Director of Statewide Assessment to lead the development, implementation, and refinement of Nebraska’s Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) and ensure NSCAS supports teaching and learning, continuous school improvement, and professional learning systems. The hiring team is looking for candidates with district leadership experience, understanding of assessment or psychometric principles, and a dedication to customer service and strategic vision. This is your opportunity to join a dynamic team with a strong social committee – this work is highly valued, and you’ll have an opportunity to be a leader in statewide assessment! Currently on a contract? Don’t worry! We’ll wait for the right candidate to be released from their contract. The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions. Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. Pay Grade 12: $92,834.59/year This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $33,400 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans Thirteen paid holidays per year

Requirements

• Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area, five years of experience related to the essential functions of the position to include leadership and/or managerial experience and preK12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.
• NOTE: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the position.
• Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, seven years of experience related to the essential functions of the position to include leadership and/or managerial experience and preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Data Science, Education Measurement, Psychometrics, or related field with emphasis on quantitative analysis or education, and at least five years of successful PreK-12 administrative experience, such as a director or department head, coordinating assessment processes.

Responsibilities

• Directs the design, implementation, day-to-day oversight, and management of Nebraska’s Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS).
• Recommends, implements, and administers methods and procedures to enhance the validity, reliability, scaling, usability, effectiveness, and efficiency of Nebraska’s Statewide Assessment System.
• Manages multiple contracts with vendors responsible for developing and administering the statewide assessments.
• Maintains vendor relationships to ensure program progress, quality and quantity of service, and compliance with laws, standards, and guidelines.
• Consults with and provides technical assistance on matters related to the development and implementation of NSCAS for the Department of Education, school districts, Educational Service Units (ESUs), administrators, teachers, and the general public.
• Facilitates communication and maintains strong relationships between Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) staff, contractors, and key stakeholders including schools, school districts, state agencies, Educational Service Units (ESUs), postsecondary education institutions, and other business and industry partners.
• Coordinates assessment taskforce groups (e.g., Governor’s Technical Advisory Committee, etc.) that serve as an advisory group related to the development, implementation, and refinement of Nebraska’s Student-Centered Assessment System.
• Collaborates with and advises agency leadership on significant issues, program developments, and operations of the Statewide Assessment Section.
• Maintains an understanding of the programs, services, and operational functions and appropriately implements policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Works collaboratively to complete annual and biennial budgets, and ensures the budget reflects major projects and initiatives, operational requirements, and changes in state and/or federal regulations.
• Provides leadership in the hiring, supervision, and potential discipline of staff.
• Conducts performance management activities including establishing annual goals related to the strategic plan, holding check-in meetings to discuss goal progress, and completing performance appraisals.
• Facilitates a continuous learning environment by promoting professional development to ensure all employees have the opportunity and skills to be efficient and effective in meeting the goals of the agency.
• Delegates work and projects appropriately among staff.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director