How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Test Security Manager is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive operations related to the secure delivery of a range of assessment-related products and services, offered in both digital and traditional paper-based formats. This role ensures strict operational compliance with all specifications defined in the test security plan and continuously evaluates and implements updates to the plan to keep it effective in the ever-evolving landscape of high-stakes testing.

The Test Security Manager will oversee all activities for investigating and reviewing potential malpractice cases in accordance with stringent test security guidelines. They will analyze and evaluate various courses of action, make strategic recommendations, and ensure the effective implementation of both corrective and preventive measures to safeguard the integrity of the organization's products and services. Additionally, this role will lead cross-functional collaboration, strategic incident response, audit management, vendor risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain and enhance test security standards.

As a member of the management team, the Test Security Manager contributes to the development and furtherance of our organizational policy and strategic plans.

What You'll Do

Do you have experience in test security, operational security, information security, or a related security background? If so, this role may be the next step in your career. Michigan Language Assessment is seeking a qualified test security manager to provide subject matter expertise related to the security of Michigan Language Assessment products and services. As a member of the Assessment and Operations team, you'll ensure that we meet compliance requirements; lead investigations into and provide analysis of test security threats and malpractice; serve as an advisor to senior management regarding test security policy; implement and be responsible for our test security audit program; and keep internal and external test security documentation up to date. You'll also train staff and relevant stakeholders in best practices related to test security. You'll be joining a small but dedicated group of great individuals who are innovative, supportive, and focused on quality. Although we are relatively small, about sixty employees currently, Michigan Language Assessment is a joint venture between the University of Michigan and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which gives you the opportunity to utilize resources and expertise from two world-renowned institutions. The test security manager reports to the operations manager.
 

Who We Are

The Michigan Language Assessment team is diverse, dynamic, and committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion, support, innovation, adaptability, quality, and trust. You'll have the chance to collaborate with peers from more than a dozen countries as you help us grow domestically and globally. We believe in hard work and the importance of personal time. We believe good ideas can come from anyone in the organization. We believe that difficult projects and hard tasks can be accomplished in an atmosphere that's collegial and supportive, because we're all in this together. 

To find out more about Michigan Language Assessment, visit us at https://michiganassessment.org/about-us/.

Responsibilities*

• Serve as the organization's expert in maintaining the test security plan that accounts for all activities related to test security across all exam programs, including requirements for contractors, vendors, and suppliers across the organization and its product portfolio. Ensure the successful execution and maintenance of comprehensive training and continuing education plans on matters related to test security.
• Manage all activities for the investigation and review of test administration irregularities, including potential malpractice cases; lead Test Security Group meetings and oversee decision-making for irregularity cases to ensure all outcomes are in accordance with quality control guidelines; lead activities related to test security, such as test administration audits, test taker registration reviews, and test scoring and analysis practices.
• Lead company-wide test security incident response efforts, ensuring effective containment actions and corrective actions are swiftly deployed, and new preventive actions are implemented; manage communication with both internal and external stakeholders; develop comprehensive test security documentation; lead continuous improvement efforts, including guiding the team in the lessons learned evaluation process.
• Direct test security audits related to compliance of test centers, suppliers, vendors, and contractors; maintain a formal audit schedule ensuring adherence to internal test security compliance policies and procedures; provide strategic recommendations to enhance audit performance and lead the execution of agreed-upon initiatives.
• Serve as a key leader in cross-functional workgroups, planning meetings, and strategic communications to develop solutions aligned with the Test Security Group's objectives; prepare and present detailed reports on security incidents, audit findings, and the effectiveness of implemented security measures for deterrence, prevention, detection, and containment; monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Monitor assessment industry trends and developments related to test security; conduct research to inform and enhance strategic decision-making and advise on risk mitigation strategies and techniques; contribute to policy reviews for ongoing improvements to security practices and protocols.
• Lead in the organization's vendor- and third-party risk management program to assess and mitigate security risks posed by external partners, suppliers, and vendors; monitor contractual protections and perform regular audits to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the long-term strategic business plan, including budgeting and resource management.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in business operations or related field
• Strong understanding of test security principles, practices, and technologies
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizing skills
• Attention to detail, with an ability to manage competing demands
• Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and practices
• Able to work on multiple large projects with tight deadlines that require a high degree of accuracy
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills for interacting with individuals at all levels, including the executive level
• Creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while maintaining the "big picture" view
• Effective use of MS Office products
• High-level aptitude using computers and learning software
• Experience in business operations, preferably in the area of quality assurance or auditing
• Experience working with international clientele with a variety of social and language backgrounds
• Experience working with data/content management systems

Desired Qualifications*

• High degree of familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics
• Strong drive, motivation, and enthusiasm
• High familiarity with our products and services
• Familiar with University of Michigan policies and procedures

Work Locations

This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department.  Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Michigan Language Assessment is seeking candidates located in or around Ann Arbor and supports a fully remote work from home schedule with occasionally scheduled in person activities.

Suitably qualified candidates outside of the Ann Arbor commuting area may be considered.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please apply using this link Test Security Manager | U-M Careers