Testing Specialist - Data and Accountability

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

About the role

The District Testing Specialist supports the implementation and administration of district assessment programs by providing technical, operational, and customer service support to schools and district staff. This position assists with assessment systems, student data management, testing logistics, and issue resolution while ensuring compliance with district policies, state and federal requirements, and assessment security procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, implementation, and administration of district and achievement assessment programs
• Assist the Testing Coordinator with assessment projects, initiatives, and operational tasks as needed
• Organize, maintain, and track secure testing materials and inventory using Excel spreadsheets and other tracking systems
• Assist with the distribution, collection, inventory, and secure storage of assessment materials
• Support assessment setup activities, including student data uploads, rosters, user access, and testing platform configurations
• Assist schools with assessment systems, testing procedures, and technical troubleshooting throughout the assessment cycle
• Maintain accurate student assessment records and assist with data validation and discrepancy resolution
• Tabulate, format, and organize assessment data for reporting and analysis
• Generate routine assessment reports and provide data support to schools and district personnel
• Assist with monitoring testing activities to support compliance with district procedures, assessment security requirements, and state testing guidelines
• Develop and maintain job aids, user guides, procedural documentation, and support resources
• Assist with communication and follow-up regarding testing timelines, procedures, and required actions
• Provide customer service and technical assistance to school staff, administrators, and district personnel
• Participate in assessment training and support the implementation of training materials and resources
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and secure assessment materials
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to support the efficient and effective functioning of the department
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

Requirements

• High School education or equivalent
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Google Workspace applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting large-scale assessment administration
• Experience providing technical support, customer service, or training assistance
• Experience with Arizona state and district assessment administration
• Experience utilizing assessment management systems, such as PearsonAccess Next, Cambium, ACT systems, College Board platforms, or similar assessment platforms
• Experience using Synergy or comparable student information systems to manage student data and assessment records
• Experience developing job aids, user guides, or support documentation
• Experience providing technical assistance or customer support to schools or end users
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data organization, filtering, formulas, and reporting functions
• Experience working in a K–12 public education environment

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to efficiently plan, organize, and prioritize workload while effectively working with minimal supervision
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, sharing workloads and responsibilities
• Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy and maintain strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to manage frequent interruptions, adjust priorities, and meet established deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with school staff, district personnel, and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality

Pay

Base hourly: $19.89

• New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum
• New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position
• Performance Pay: Available annually

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• Class/Calendar: B21, 12 months

Benefits

• Vacation, sick leave, holidays
• Retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health and life insurance

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Most of the work is performed indoors in a school office, classroom, or testing environment
• Travel to schools throughout the district
• Fast-paced at times: Testing windows can bring high volumes of tasks and deadlines
• May work independently or as part of a small team under the supervision of a Coordinator or school administrator
• Extended periods of sitting for computer-based tasks like data entry and report generation
• May need to lift and carry boxes of test materials (typically under 25 pounds)