Manager, Test Development (Writing) National Role Flexible work practices The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is all about education. ACARA’s vision is to inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting. Our Employee Value Proposition is about Pride, People, Flexibility, and Knowledge. We are an organisation with strong passion, pride and commitment to our work. Our work culture is highly collaborative and supportive. We are proud that we are genuinely contributing to Australia's future, through the important role we play in students' lives. A positive environment at ACARA has helped establish a strong working culture, in which employees feel inspired, listened to, and enabled. ACARA is seeking a Manager, Test Development (Writing) to provide authoritative support to the Senior Manager Assessment in the delivery of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). About the position: Provide high-level support to the Senior Manager Assessment in the development and administration of the NAPLAN, ensuring alignment with ACARA’s strategic plan and other projects as directed. Lead the development of the NAPLAN writing assessments in consultation with jurisdictional representatives ensuring accuracy, timeliness and efficiency in test delivery and related support materials. Lead the development of marking, training and monitoring materials, and the marking procedures for NAPLAN writing, in consultation with contractors and jurisdictional writing experts to ensure national consistency in marking and accurate national reporting of writing results. Use effective project management and stakeholder engagement strategies to achieve all desired project outcomes. Engage and collaborate with relevant ACARA employees to exchange expertise, information and data to support the development of writing prompts and tests, quality assurance processes and research initiatives. To be successful, you will have: Expert understanding of current national curriculum and assessment issues, including working knowledge of the Australian Curriculum: English and standardised testing, and how these can be translated into high quality online assessment content and online training and marking materials Exceptional organisational capability with a strong track record in analysis and interpretation of data, with the ability to generate accurate information and reports within tight timelines, presenting complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences Extensive experience with the effective management of projects, in an online educational assessment context Highly-developed ability to communicate effectively, including through written communications such as reports and briefings Well-developed ability to maintain and strengthen internal and external relationships with a focus on stakeholder management The ability to both lead and work effectively within a team, allocating responsibilities and accountabilities to team members An understanding of Rasch measurement and the ability to interpret associated data is highly desirable. For more information about the role, please view the Position Description - Manager Test Development (Writing) ACARA offers an attractive salary package dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, commencing at $163,408 base per annum, as a full-time equivalent (plus superannuation). Applications will close at 11.59pm 31st August 2025 AEST . Please check out our LinkedIn page ACARA Linkedin and website ACARA Website ACARA embraces a diverse workforce culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer that welcomes applications from First Nations Australians. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory verification of your right to work in Australia and a police clearance check and may include a working with children check.
