Academic Specialist

The Advanced Specialist, Partnership Management is a leadership position in our Go-to-Market Division. The Advanced Specialist, Partnership Management supports the development, growth, and administration of large-scale assessment programs for our clients. This individual is responsible for working with internal departments to design and implement assessment products and services for assigned programs and externally with clients to develop and grow the programs to meet their needs. This role reports to a Lead, Partnership Management. The Advanced Specialist, Partnership Management will serve in a hybrid remote / office format working remotely with in-office activities required, as needed, in Pearson’s Hadley, MA office. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership: Brings knowledge of large-scale assessment and measurement to the process of designing and implementing tests and program activities, ensuring they meet professional standards and client needs Manages components of large-scale assessment activities on assigned programs, including development, administration, and scoring Manages one or more programs under the direction of a Lead, Partnership Management to oversee the development of processes, procedures, and schedules for meeting project deliverables Provides quality control for all products, processes, and project activities Oversees the development of work plans Applies an understanding of best practices in assessment development and administration to ensure high-quality products and services Client Relationship Management: Supports the Lead, Partnership Management to develop, cultivate, and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with client staff (typically state education agency representatives), key stakeholders, and strategic partners Works closely with the Lead, Partnership Management to ensure that program activities are carried out in accordance with Pearson’s goals and objectives, contract specifications, schedules, and budgets with quality service that meet or exceed customer satisfaction Under the direction of the Lead, Partnership Management serves as an advisor and thought partner to clients and key stakeholders to bring to market both existing and new products and services. Under the direction of the Lead, Partnership Management manages client expectations and maintains ongoing communications to keep client informed, and obtain client feedback on all aspects of program development and administration Program Management: Provides leadership in support of the Lead, Partnership Management Provides the Lead, Partnership Management regular program status updates Meets with Lead, Partnership Management and other colleagues on a regular basis to review program status and planning Represents both the client perspective and the corporate perspective in decision-making May participate in the development of proposals, contract amendments, subcontracts, and statements of work to ensure that they are accurate and completed in a timely manner Brings knowledge of testing and measurement to the process of designing and implementing tests so that they meet professional standards and the needs of the client Brings knowledge of client needs to inform product and service development. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Skills: Advanced graduate degree with a concentration in policy, assessment, or measurement (in education or a related field) Experience in management in an area related to large-scale testing, preferably in certification and licensing Professional experience managing and supporting project & program contracts 3 years of experience in the educational testing and assessment industry preferred Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and facilitation skills Experience directing the activities of staff in planning, organizing, scheduling, monitoring, and evaluating work Experience in client relationship management and project management Experience organizing and prioritizing workloads and successfully handling complex situations independently Demonstrated ability to take initiative, assume ownership of responsibilities, and drive projects and deliverables to successful completion with minimal supervision Demonstration of a strong analytic capability and knowledge of education policies, issues, and programs Travel as needed up to 25% Compensation at Pearson Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows: The minimum full-time salary range is between $70,000 - $80,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here. Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 24, 2026. This window may be extended depending on business needs. Who we are: At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson. Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr