Lead Product Operations Associate

Company: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Location: Sacramento
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:ETS is the state testing contractor for the California Assessment System which includes the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). The Lead Product Operations Associate directly contributes to product success under the direction of the California Test Development Director. This position will have direct responsibility for assisting in the day-to-day coordination and management of test development activities and accessibility for the CAASPP and ELPAC programs. Their initial assignments will include the Smarter Balance Summative Assessments for English-language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics and the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA, Mathematics, and Science. For each of their assigned assessment, the position will work with the CA Test Development Director and key subject matter experts. In addition to working with internal team members, the position also will develop and maintain successful working relationships with the client at the California Department of Education. The position will also work directly with the CA Test Development Director on developing and executing strategic improvements for consistency and efficiency across the program team, which may include training and mentoring the other Product Operations Associates in the program team.The ideal candidate will be quick thinking, with an ability to multi-task and shift gears quickly. The ability to absorb knowledge quickly and organizational skills are valued skillsets for this position. An in-depth understanding of the test development process and contractual scope of work, and a proactive mindset to execute against requirements is critical. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of and proven experience in managing across teams.Responsibilities:End-to-End Product Management & Delivery

• Collaborates with the CA Test Development Director in the creation of the product work plan sections pertaining to test development
• Oversees execution against the product work plan objectives for assigned product(s), including executing projects as assigned
• Supports the CA Test Development Director with training and mentoring of program staff
• Actively collaborates and engages with FCEs (Functional Centers of Excellence) staff to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Contributes to the identification and implementation of product delivery improvement areas and executes approved improvements across the contract
• Communicates and collaborates with FCEs / vendors / partners clearly and effectivelyContract/SLA Fulfillment
  • Proactively analyzes the overall work plan to identify risks and opportunities for improvements
  • Supports the program managers in identifying and mitigating risks
  • Executes containment and contingency plans
  • Accountable for the efficient resolution of operational issues within product and fully understands the day-to-day operations flow and status
  • Executes against SLA's and KPI's under the guidance of the CA Test Development DirectorFinancial Management
    • Responsible for the development of cost estimates for product operations and enhancements
    • Collects and tracks product-related expenditures against budget
    • Supports attainment of surplus targets by controlling expenses
    • Adheres to ethical standards and comply with the laws and regulations applicable to the job function
      
      Education, Certifications, or Special Licenses:
      • A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessaryRelevant Years of Experience:
        • 5+ years of experience in administrative or project management support
        • 5+ years of experience managing programs / teams
        • 5+ years of experience in the assessment, education, or professional certification industry; direct successful experience in California K-12 statewide assessment programs and working with the California Department of Education is preferredOther Requirements:
          • Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Pro
          • Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver against deadlines with different teams.
          • Excellent written and verbal reasoning and communication skills
          • Ability to translate technical concepts and instructions into non-technical terms for internal and external communication and with client
          • Deliver presentations for audiences ranging from small groups to number of up to 70 people
          • A desire to move fast, break through walls, and act with confident humility
          • Strong attention to detail; analytical and inquisitive nature (i.e. problem solver)
          • Self-starter personality; comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing environment
          • Travel may be required for certain meetings (1-2 times per year)COVID-19 Requirements ETS requires all new hires to either certify that they have been fully vaccinated or request and obtain an exemption due to medical or religious reasons by their start date.EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Women and Minorities.EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE is a Drug-free workplace.
            
            

Keywords: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Sacramento , Lead Product Operations Associate, Other , Sacramento, California