Position Summary

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

The Teaching and Learning Sciences Department at Morgridge College of Education utilizes an integrated approach of theory and practice to be a force for positive change in the educational lives of individuals, organizations, and communities. Professionals promote learning in diverse settings, through partnerships with others, and by engaging in high-quality research within our respective fields.

The Assessment Specialist administers standardized assessments to second- and third-grade students as part of a federally funded research study, determining student eligibility for intervention services and later measuring intervention outcomes. This is a part-time, seasonal position, active only during designated testing windows at the start and end of the study cycle, with a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week while testing is underway in September and April/May. The Specialist must be comfortable testing students individually within specified timeframes, following standardized administration procedures, and maintaining accurate, secure records of all assessment data. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently across testing periods are essential to ensuring the reliability and integrity of the study's results.

Assessment specialists must be able drive to local elementary schools in the Denver metro and surrounding areas to conduct testing. Mileage to and from school sites is reimbursed at the federal government standard mileage rate.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking hands-on experience with standardized assessment administration, educational research, and data collection in a federally funded study.

The assessment specialist will report directly to the research project director and will receive ongoing mentorship and supervision throughout the duration of the project.

Essential Functions

• Administer standardized assessments to individual students in grades 2 and 3 following exact, prescribed administration procedures.
• Test multiple students efficiently within designated testing windows, adhering to established scheduling and timelines.
• Ensure strict standardization of testing conditions, instructions, and materials across all students to preserve data validity.
• Score assessments accurately and enter results into the study's data system in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized, confidential records of all assessment materials, scores, and student testing schedules.
• Identify and document any testing irregularities, accommodations, or deviations from protocol.
• Coordinate with classroom teachers and school staff to schedule and pull students for testing with minimal disruption to instruction.
• Travel between school sites as needed to complete testing within the designated assessment period.
• Participate in required training on standardized assessment administration and scoring prior to each testing window.
• Communicate regularly with the research team regarding testing progress, completion rates, and any data concerns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of standardized test administration procedures, including maintaining strict adherence to scripted instructions and testing conditions
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to test multiple students accurately within limited testing windows
• Ability to interact effectively and put young students at ease while maintaining professionalism, focus, and testing integrity

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, psychology, speech-language pathology, or a related field
• Experience working with elementary-aged students, particularly those with or at risk for reading difficulties or learning disabilities
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or graduate coursework in special education, reading/literacy, psychology, or a related field
• Experience delivering assessments, such as in a tutoring, coaching, interventionist, or paraprofessional capacity
• Familiarity with educational research methods, including data collection, progress monitoring, or research protocols in school-based settings

Work Schedule

20 hours per week at direction of PI

Hourly Range:
The hourly range for the position is $20.00-$25.00.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 12:00 p.m. (MST) August 7, 2026.

Your resume should include your relevant previous experiences (educational, professional, volunteer, etc.) and your cover letter should explain to us why those experiences prepare you for this job. Please make sure you tailor both documents to this specific position.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume including your relevant previous experiences (educational, professional, volunteer, etc.)
2. Cover Letter explaining to us why those experiences prepare you for this job. Please make sure you tailor both documents to this specific position.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.