The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

**Applicants must submit a Résumé and Cover Letter to be considered for this position.**

The Center for Applied Linguistics is located in Washington DC. This is a hybrid position, and the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely. Candidates for this position are preferred to reside within the DC Metro area (DC/Maryland/Virginia). Staff may work from locations outside of Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia if approved for telework. However, this position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Director, Language Assessment and Instruction Research, supports CAL’s mission and provides direction and oversight for a portfolio of initiatives related to language assessments, applied language education research, and in particular, research, policy and practice in the field of world languages. The Senior Director leads a multi-disciplinary unit and provides technical guidance on language research and assessment design methodology, development, analysis, and implementation. The Senior Director provides leadership for the continued renewal of the BEST PLUS and BEST Literacy adult language assessments, and for marketing and sales. In addition, the Senior Director identifies opportunities for new business, including establishing partnerships with similarly positioned organizations to advance CAL’s mission, values, and business priorities. The Senior Director serves on CAL’s Executive Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership within the organization. The Senior Director represents CAL internally and externally and contributes to scholarly and industry presentations and publications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Lead CAL’s adult ESL assessment initiatives, including responsibility for ensuring that the assessments continue to meet requirements from the US Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education for use within the National Reporting System.
• Provide leadership for the execution of CAL’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives within the Language Assessment and Instruction Research unit.
• Plan and manage the financial performance of CAL’s adult English assessment and assessment research program area.
• Oversee and direct a portfolio of projects related to language assessment research and evaluation.
• Collaborate with division staff in pursuing new projects in the program area, identifying and acquiring new funding sources, and monitoring for new market segments.
• Provide methodological support to research efforts within the division and across the organization, including to CAL’s Director of World Languages and to K-12 evaluation efforts as needed.
• Collaborate and coordinate work with the VP for Programs and Development, and with CAL Directors in business development, including sponsored research proposals, and delivery of service activities.
• Prepare grant applications and serve as Project Director or Senior Advisor for project implementation.
• Collaborate and coordinate work with the VP for Programs and Development, and with CAL Directors in business development and delivery of service activities.
• Collaborate with CAL administrative and communication staff in all areas related to work performed.
• Participate and provide leadership in CAL mission related activities.
• Direct the coordination and deployment of CAL staff, subcontractors, and consultants to ensure that obligations for service delivery are met.
• Mentor and supervise unit staff.
• Represent CAL to project partners and the public, including contributing to CAL and external publications on a regular basis and attending and presenting at professional conferences.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Doctoral degree in educational research, educational psychology, measurement, applied linguistics, or a related field and a minimum of 10 years of successful demonstrated experience, including management and leadership in the areas of language and education research and assessment.
• Experience administering an assessment program.
• Experience in quantitative research design or assessment design.
• Experience leading and managing quantitative research projects involving multidisciplinary teams, including ensuring quality control standards are met.
• Experience with research and practice in the field of world languages is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• A commitment to improving language education and supporting and furthering CAL’s mission and values.
• Demonstrated ability using SPSS, SASS and other quantitative, qualitative, and analytical software packages.
• Demonstrated ability to support cultural competency behaviors in the workplace.
• Demonstrated exceptional ability in interpersonal communications.
• Experience leading and managing staff, including training and mentorship of content-area staff.
• Track record of successful proposal writing and business development, including building and maintaining client relationships and building and expanding revenue sources.
• Experienced financial manager including ability to create and manage budgets.
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: $114,300 Annually

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 effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.