Research Project Director

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Project Director to oversee and lead the design, planning, implementation, and promotion of projects, products, and business strategies around teacher professional learning and support focused on assessment, instruction, and student outcomes for struggling learners and students with disabilities including those served by the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment System. Additional responsibilities include assisting state education agency staff with DLM implementation, delivering training and technical assistance on assessment implementation, developing project documentation, collaborating with research and psychometrics staff, test development staff, ATLAS special projects and other duties as assigned. Potential projects include overseeing the development and implementation of a teacher summer institute and the implementation and support of teacher coaching products. Critical to the role is the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with colleagues, and be responsive to project, product, and state partner needs. The successful candidate has a proven ability to independently manage complex projects across multiple staff members, handle competing priorities and deadlines, and work with a variety of audiences.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center's map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 72 hours of sick leave per year
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Life and disability insurance
• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

50% - ATLAS Teacher Support Business Development

• Direct the implementation of the ATLAS Teacher Support product line business strategy

• Direct the evaluation of proposed teacher learning and support products for market viability.

• Conduct product market reviews and partner with entities for market research and studies for proposed teacher learning and support products

• Direct and lead the design and development of teacher support products

• Plan and implement teacher learning and support product events such as institutes.

25% - Implementation Coordinator/Program Manager Duties

• Identify annual scope of work for state contracts.

• Monitor deliverables and timelines.

• Work with states to identify solutions to specific legislative or policy guidelines in order to complete project scope.

• Provide technical assistance, recommendations and leadership to state education agencies with the implementation process of the DLM assessments system, including evaluation of state readiness and training needs, communication and strategic planning with multiple project partners, problem-solving implementation challenges.

• Facilitate group meetings of states to lead decision-making on consortium-level implementation; present at and participate in DLM governance calls and meetings.

• Convene advisory teams and core partner groups to discuss, lead and implement project plan in conjunction with project scope and guidelines at the state and district levels.

• Conduct on-site and/or virtual visits to meet with state-level leadership teams; train key implementation personnel at the state, regional, and/or district levels; and collect data.

• Collaborate with test development, technology, and research staff on assessment system design.

10% - Supervisory Duties

• Provide guidance to project managers and research project coordinators on consortium-wide and state-specific tasks.

• Manage and develop team members. Activities may include:
  • Model and foster an intentionally respectful and inclusive work environment.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to staff to complete the portfolio of work.
  • Serve as a mentor to provide project management advice and support to teams and staff.
  • Cultivate professional growth for teams and individuals including recommending formal training programs, advocate for career options within ATLAS and KU, and offer individual and team coaching.
  • Evaluate staffing levels and make recommendations for hiring, skills training, and redistribution of workload.

10% - ATLAS Center-wide Duties

• Assist with internal processes and/or participate as a subject matter expert (SME) on projects (Collaborative Project Management)

• Work collaboratively with multiple project partners to proactively identify challenges and recommend program solutions.

5% - Other duties as assigned

1. Bachelor's degree in education or closely related field and six (6) or more years of experience in educational assessment -OR- Master's degree and three (3) or more years of experience in educational assessment
2. One (1) year prior experience working in or with a state education agency
3. One (1) year experience of alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards
4. Effective written and interpersonal communication skills for a variety of audiences, including technical, policy, and general public as evidenced in application materials

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

A complete application consists of:

1. The University of Kansas online application
2. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
3. A Resume or CV
4. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates selected for interview will be required to prepare and provide a brief presentation that addresses their past research.

Application review begins Monday, March 16th. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, March 15th.

ATLAS HR, ATLASHR@ku.edu

Minimum $95,000; commensurate with experience

Monday March 16, 2026

Monday March 30, 2026