Associate Director, Assessment Insights

Job Description

About the roleWe are looking for an expert, proactive self-starter with a background in statistics to play an integral role in leading a technical team of around ten statisticians, technical experts and where appropriate consultants, to provide the technical and statisticalsupport for our qualifications and assessment business. Areas will include Academic and Vocational Qualifications as well as international contracts that cover a wide range of assessment methodologies. Working closely with stakeholders across the UK and internationally,you will be the technical lead for the Qualifications Business on quantitative assessment insights underpinning Pearsons digital transformation ambitions in formative and summative assessment.As Associate Director you, and your team will work closely with Ofqual, IFATE and other regulators, DfE, UCAS and Awarding Organisations to support the implementation of the qualifications and assessment ensuring that the requirements of regulators, Pearsonpolicies and other stakeholders are met. The work of the team includes the preparation and evaluation of statistical assessment data to ensure the effective running of assessments from design through to results. This includes being transformative in approachto data process efficiencies, drawing on methodological advances in assessment practice and authenticity of the interpretation of data.Key ResponsibilitiesThe team are primarily accountable for the authenticity of assessment data and appropriateness of statistical methods used in assessment processes.As Associate Director you will be tasked with these key deliverables:

• Accountability for the systemic rules that govern the aggregation and award of Pearson Qualifications.
• Determining methodologies that support the implementation of digital assessments, drawing on best practice globally.
• Presenting research standard rationales behind decision making.
• Ensuring the resilience of the team and process throughout the year to deliver at pace.
• Improving the efficiency of data management across systems.
• Effective leadership of the team to produce all qualification related assessment data for awarding; related assessment data for data exchange with regulators; assessment data for the ongoing monitoring of the validity and reliability of assessments providedby Pearson Qualification Services.
• Production of externally published results data for Pearson Qualifications.
• Training and support for internal staff on the interpretation and use of assessment related data.
• Commissioning and undertaking Assessment related statistical research into qualifications.

Skills, Knowledgeand ExperienceWe are looking to appoint a highly creative, abstract thinker with excellent analytical skills. You must have exceptional written and verbal communication with an ability to articulate complex technical and statistical insights and methodologies to a rangeof audiences with a wide variety of technical understanding. With demonstrable relationship management skills, you will possess persuasive and influencing abilities as well as the capability to deliver results and work at pace in a pressurised environment.As a strong leader you will have proven experience of successfully managing and developing cross-functional teams to achieve desiredCandidates should have a Master Degree or higher (equivalent) in a numerical discipline.Desirable experience:

• Experience in educational assessment in the digital context; understanding of the digital assessment landscape and UK regulatory environment; Knowledge of Classical Test Theory (CTT) & Item Response Theory (IRT), and interest in developing skills in theseareas.
• Proficient use of R, Python and other coding languages.
• Demonstrated project management expertise with a successful record of transparency and delivery.
• Experience in planning and executing assessment related research.
• Confident understanding of the UK education systems and education policy within which the qualifications & assessment portfolio operates.

Your Reward & BenefitsWell expect a lot and we know youll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know that one size doesnt fit all, so our workplace programmes meet the different needs of our diverse teams and their familiestoo. There is a range of options, too many to list here, but when you join our Pearson family you can look forward to:

• A starting holiday of 25 days plus UK public holidays and youll earn 1 additional days holiday per year you work with us.
• Generous pension scheme where we match and double what you contribute.
• Maternity, paternity, and family care leave as well as flexible work policies.
• Stock/share purchase options.
• Healthcare and dental plans, and an employee wellbeing assistance programme for you and your family to help balance work, family, and personal life.
• Cycle to work program, gym membership concessions in selected office locations, along with retail and leisure discounts.

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purposeto help everyone achieve their potential through learning. Wedo that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the worlds leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racistcompany in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced,opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work.People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.To learn more about Pearsons commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: http://careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html Pearson is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against em