Assessment Specialist
Capella University · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $84,600 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Analyze learning outcomes and program performance data.
- Collaborate with leaders to improve curriculum.
- Support accreditation and institutional effectiveness.
- Develop assessment tools and training.
- Influence data-driven evaluative culture.
About the role
Assessment Specialist
Capella University is seeking an Assessment Specialist to facilitate the acquisition and analysis of learning outcomes and program performance data for continuous improvement. As the learning outcome data expert, you will provide learning outcomes reports and evidence of data credibility. You will also support and administer assessment quality initiatives related to accreditation and institutional effectiveness.
This role involves working with various stakeholders across the organization, including leaders and practitioners, to create and influence an evaluative culture. You will achieve this by obtaining and using learning outcomes data and program data sources to support academic quality improvement and institutional goals.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Aggregate, analyze, and interpret outcome results to present data expert judgments and recommend actions for continuous improvement.
- Facilitate the use of learning and program outcomes data (e.g., persistence, graduation rate, professional advancement, program competitiveness) with academic leaders and faculty to improve curriculum, instruction, and program performance.
- Partner with stakeholders to convert ideas into actionable and measurable projects.
- Collaborate with academic and organizational leaders to develop and support learning outcomes assessment plans.
- Support accreditation efforts through the development and maintenance of the assessment and program review cycles and documentation.
- Influence the data-driven evaluative culture by assisting in developing and implementing assessment initiatives at all institutional levels (university-level, degree-level, school-level, program-level, and course-level) to augment academic quality and effectiveness.
- Apply ethical data practices to safeguard data collection and analysis and present findings in accordance with ethical standards.
- Develop tools, processes, templates, and training on best practices to drive and contribute to the improvement and efficiency of assessment and program evaluation processes.
- Evaluate and make recommendations concerning assessment instruments and practices (e.g., test item analysis and assessment design).
- Represent organizational assessment and program review expertise by serving on academic program review teams, other committees, and workgroups as assigned.
- Share standards-based assessment practices and serve as a consultant for teams and partners on instructionally- and practically-sound assessment solutions.
- Stay abreast of trends in assessment of student learning, learning design, and delivery.
Job Skills
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, persuasively, and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with leadership, cross-functional teams, and both internal and external audiences.
- Ability to establish professional, effective, trusted relationships with stakeholders in a collaborative virtual working environment.
- Ability to adapt to a professional culture that combines the traditions of higher education with the innovation of a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and excel at learning new things quickly and comprehensively under tight deadlines.
- Strong organization and management skills to proactively manage and prioritize projects and activities with firm deadlines.
- Experience with gathering and manipulating data (e.g., creating data visualizations) and willingness to learn data tools, such as Qualtrics, Tableau, Power BI, or Excel.
- Demonstrated understanding of data reporting and sufficient capacity in data analysis and research skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning and developing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
- The willingness to jump in and learn new tools and processes and take on new responsibilities.
- Working knowledge of distance learning trends in design, delivery, and evaluation.
Work Experience
- Minimum 2-3 years related work experience in an educational setting.
- Preferred experience in educational assessment, curriculum, instructional design, and/or teaching.
Education
- Bachelors in a related field required; Graduate degree preferred.
Other
- Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise.
- Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location may be required based on role.
- If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in a setting that enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
- Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem-solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
- Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant.
- Able to access information using a computer.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The expected starting pay for this position is between $67,700 and $84,600. Capella University offers a comprehensive package of benefits.
Key skills/competency
- Learning Outcomes Assessment
- Data Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Accreditation Support
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Curriculum Improvement
- Data Visualization
- Educational Technology
- Research Skills
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Assessment Specialist
- Data Analysis
- Learning Outcomes
- Program Evaluation
- Higher Education
- Accreditation
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Curriculum Development
- Data Visualization
- Educational Assessment
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant experience in educational assessment, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Directly address how your skills and experience align with Capella University's mission and the Assessment Specialist role.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and experience working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Showcase your data skills: Be prepared to discuss your experience with data manipulation, visualization tools (Excel, Tableau, Power BI), and reporting.
- Research Capella University: Understand their commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, and their innovative approach to higher education.
Technical preparation
Master Excel for data manipulation and analysis.,Practice creating data visualizations with Tableau/Power BI.,Review assessment design and item analysis principles.,Familiarize with learning management systems (LMS).
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you influenced stakeholders with data.,How do you handle tight deadlines and changing priorities?,Share an example of collaborating with diverse teams.,How do you approach learning new tools and processes?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of an Assessment Specialist at Capella University?
- The Assessment Specialist at Capella University is responsible for acquiring and analyzing learning outcomes and program performance data. This includes providing reports, supporting assessment quality initiatives for accreditation and institutional effectiveness, collaborating with stakeholders to improve curriculum, and influencing a data-driven evaluative culture.
- What qualifications are required for the Assessment Specialist role at Capella University?
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, with a Graduate degree preferred. Minimum of 2-3 years of related work experience in an educational setting is necessary, with preferred experience in educational assessment, curriculum, or instructional design.
- What kind of data analysis skills are expected for this Assessment Specialist position?
- The role requires demonstrated understanding of data reporting, strong data analysis and research skills, and the ability to gather and manipulate data. Experience with tools like Qualtrics, Tableau, Power BI, or Excel is beneficial, along with a commitment to developing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
- How does Capella University foster a data-driven culture for its Assessment Specialists?
- Capella University encourages Assessment Specialists to influence the data-driven evaluative culture by obtaining and using learning outcomes and program data to support academic quality improvement. This involves collaborating with leaders to improve curriculum, instruction, and program performance, and developing assessment initiatives across all institutional levels.
- What is the salary range for an Assessment Specialist at Capella University?
- The expected starting pay for this position is between $67,700 and $84,600 annually. The actual base pay may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business needs, and location.
- Does Capella University offer remote work options for the Assessment Specialist role?
- The job description indicates that the ability to work onsite may be required based on the role. If it is an offsite or hybrid role, candidates must have access to a suitable remote work setting meeting all job requirements, including privacy and reliable internet access.
- What are the preferred experiences for an Assessment Specialist at Capella University?