The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Position Summary:

The Director of Assessment Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s portfolio of assessments. This role will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to oversee assessment strategy, test development, and the evaluation of the International Council of Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) suite of veterinary assessment programs. The position requires a deep understanding of the assessment industry and the ability to make decisions while working autonomously. The ideal candidate will have experience managing assessment programs; working with volunteers, vendors and other industry partners to ensure that our assessment programs follow industry standards.

The Director of Assessment Programs will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Direct the planning, organization, and strategic development of the International Council for Veterinary Assessment’s suite of veterinary assessment programs.
• Ensure that initiatives align with ICVA priorities, program goals, budget constraints, and established KPIs.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive roadmap for the end-to-end development, implementation, and maintenance of assessment programs.
• Develop and manage ICVA assessment programs and operational processes that support program objectives, organizational priorities, and effective program delivery.
• Propose and support innovation in program experience platforms, engagement tools, and service delivery models in collaboration with departmental leadership.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in assessment methodologies, credentialing practices, and delivery technologies.
• Identify potential risks and recommend improvements to assessment program strategy and operations.
• Develop and maintain guidelines and standards for item and test development across assessment programs.
• Collaborate with assessment developers, psychometricians, and internal teams to ensure assessments meet quality expectations, industry standards, and best practices.
• Monitor exam development processes, procedures, and products to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with program goals.
• Document, maintain, and audit assessment development and production processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staff, including performance management and resource allocation in collaboration with Chief Operating Officer.
• Coordinate projects, manage competing deadlines, and guide assessment team members and leadership to maintain efficient workflows and successful program outcomes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of department and program functions, services, and communications.
• Contribute to the development of examination-related documents and analytical reports for leadership.
• Engage with and represent ICVA to volunteers and external partners to support assessment and certification programs and maintain strong relationships.
• Collaborate on the design, development, and implementation of training and resources for volunteer subject matter experts (SME’s) and ICVA team members.
• Collaborate with and manage third-party vendors to ensure effective delivery of services such as exam publication, exam security, and psychometric analysis while maintaining service quality and contractual compliance.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure exam policies and procedures are accurately applied and documented.
• Ensure ICVA assessment programs adhere to legal, ethical, and credentialing standards while maintaining security protocols, monitoring program risks, and protecting exam integrity.
• Present at conferences to our veterinary partners about our assessment tools.
• Essential functions and responsibilities are not limited to this description and this position may be asked to complete other tasks as needed.

Other:

• Ability to travel out of the area and overnight may be expected throughout the year.
• Ability to attend virtual meetings as necessary across different time zones.
• Dedication to the organization's mission and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Attributes, Skills and Competencies:

• Presence: Candidate will regularly interact with senior executives from partner institutions and organizations, senior leaders of other higher education associations and organizations, and other partners, and other partners and must feel comfortable representing the Chief Executive Officer as well as the entire organization.
• Strategic: Candidate must be able to seek out and piece together fragments of information, recognizing patterns and drawing conclusions based on sometimes incomplete information, and take appropriate action to meet the Chief Executive Officer’s objectives and needs. Organize and prioritize complex workloads and effectively manage multiple projects at various stages of their implementation with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Analytical: Candidate must be comfortable with a variety of research techniques needed to complete assignments. Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong Communicator: Candidate will prepare a wide variety of materials for internal and external audiences, and such communications must be clear, concise and compelling. Develops and produces quality written work that is appropriate, thorough and accurate. Effective verbal communication and agile facilitator.
• Consultative: Candidate must feel comfortable listening and reaching out to others before making recommendations for association action, strategies, or priorities.
• Self-starter: Have the discipline to fulfill commitments to staff, board members, and other partners. Exhibits strong leadership skills and a high aptitude as a team contributor and mentor. Attends to how new approaches, policies, and guidelines integrate and align with current practices. Has experience communicating, coordinating and collaborating with volunteers.
• Professionalism: good judgment; ability to interact with all levels of staff, volunteers, and vendors; appropriate demeanor and appearance; confidence. Retains focus and optimism even in times of ambiguity or when facing potential roadblocks. Views change as an opportunity to produce better results. Thinks proactively and creatively. Excellent customer service mentality and delivery; strong interpersonal skills; resourceful.
• Team Player: Candidate must possess a team spirit, approach relationships with a win-win perspective and be accountable for their interactions in a collaborative work environment. Candidate must also be prepared to assist coworkers in projects not originally assigned to them. Must excel in a team oriented environment. collaborative, supportive, and "can-do" attitude is crucial to success. This person must have integrity and credibility with leaders, volunteers, partners, and staff.

Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time regular position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday with core business hours occurring between 9:00 am CST – 3:00 pm CST. Employees are expected to complete a full 7.5 hour workday, and a 37.5 hour work week. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require.

Work Environment: This position works remotely, or in a professional office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment as well as standard digital communication and office tools. This position is expected to maintain a dedicated workspace with reliable internet access and be available during core business hours for collaboration via email, phone and/or video.

Qualifications, Experiences and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Experience in assessment program oversight, within a nonprofit, association, or mission-driven organization.
• Institute for Credentialing Excellence Certified Credentialling Professional credential preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in credentialing profession, including at least 5 years in a management role.
• Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards and guidelines in assessment and licensure.
• Experience designing and launching new assessment programs.
• Ability to present to partners about assessment best practices, including psychometrics.
• Experience in supervision, training/development and mentoring of staff.
• Demonstrated experience in managing assessment programs, including budgets and timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Apple products and other relevant software.
• Ability to pivot and remain nimble while managing changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accommodate occasional travel.
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in a health professional organization or not-for-profit foundation or association.
• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology is a plus.

About International Council for Veterinary Assessment

OVERVIEWThe International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) is a world leader in veterinary assessments. Our tests, including the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), are administered in over 60 countries. At ICVA we collaborate with stakeholders* in academia, licensing boards and practicing veterinarians to ensure our tools can effectively assess the knowledge and skills required for veterinary practice. Our passion for developing high-quality products strengthens our commitment to providing world-class examinations and other assessment tools to protect the public, and animal health and welfare.VISIONThe world leader in veterinary assessments.MISSIONProvide world-class examinations and other assessment tools to protect the public, and animal health and welfare. Provide leadership and facilitate collaboration throughout veterinary medicine.*ICVA works with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) to score the exam and create and distribute the score report.

Connections working at International Council for Veterinary Assessment