Senior Director, AP Test Publishing

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, AP Test Publishing based in the United States.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and operational leader to oversee the end-to-end production of Advanced Placement (AP) examination materials, ensuring quality, accessibility, and consistency across a global assessment portfolio.
You will lead a specialized team while shaping enterprise-wide publishing standards, governance frameworks, and operational processes.
Working closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors, you will drive the successful delivery of print, accommodated, large-print, and Braille exam materials.
The role plays a critical part in supporting the transition toward internally managed assessment production and building scalable publishing capabilities.
You will lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, manage competing priorities, and ensure alignment across interdependent teams and workstreams.
You will also champion continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and the responsible adoption of generative AI to enhance quality and efficiency.
This remote leadership position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on educational access while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

Accountabilities

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and develop a team responsible for annual exam publishing operations, establish clear priorities, monitor performance, and provide coaching and feedback to support professional growth and high-quality outcomes.
Publishing Governance and Strategy: Own the enterprise test publishing operating model, including governance structures, decision-making authority, escalation procedures, quality-control frameworks, and standardized workflows that support scalable operations.
Portfolio and Delivery Management: Oversee the delivery of AP print, accommodated, and Braille examination materials, ensuring milestones, production schedules, quality standards, and portfolio readiness are maintained across all subject areas.
Vendor Management: Direct senior-level relationships with external printing and production partners, monitor service-level agreements and performance, manage contractual escalations, and maintain accountability for production quality.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Align internal teams, external vendors, project managers, and other stakeholders around shared objectives, dependencies, timelines, and risks. Maintain comprehensive documentation and executive reporting to ensure transparency and effective decision-making.
Change Management and Transformation: Lead the transition from externally managed assessment production to internal production capabilities by developing communication plans, coordinating stakeholder engagement, clarifying responsibilities, and supporting the adoption of new workflows and operating practices.
Operational Excellence and Risk Management: Establish performance standards, identify recurring issues, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement data-informed improvements to strengthen process reliability, reduce operational risks, and improve first-pass production quality.
Innovation and AI Adoption: Explore and implement responsible generative AI applications, including AI-assisted quality control and analysis of historical feedback, to improve publishing accuracy, operational efficiency, and continuous learning across examination cycles.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field is required. A master's degree or other relevant advanced qualification is preferred.
Professional Experience: At least seven years of program management, project management, operational excellence, or related experience, preferably within the education or assessment industry.
Strategic and Operational Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, enterprise-wide initiatives, translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, establish governance frameworks, and deliver measurable results in fast-paced, high-visibility environments.
Process Improvement and Change Management: Experience developing operational processes, managing organizational change, identifying risks, and implementing scalable solutions that improve performance, consistency, and accountability.
Performance Management and Analytics: Strong analytical and business judgment, with the ability to use performance metrics, project data, stakeholder feedback, and reporting tools to identify trends, assess risks, and guide executive decisions.
Team Leadership: Proven ability to set direction, establish clear expectations, manage performance, mentor team members, and cultivate an inclusive culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.
Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and coordinate effectively across teams without relying solely on direct authority.
Project and Vendor Management: Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate interdependent workstreams, manage competing priorities, resolve escalations, and maintain delivery commitments.
Technology and Innovation: Curiosity about emerging technologies and a willingness to adopt AI-enabled solutions and digital tools to improve operational effectiveness. Experience with enterprise reporting, business intelligence, or AI-assisted process improvement is an advantage.
Mission Alignment: A genuine interest in expanding educational and career opportunities, a commitment to equitable access, a collaborative mindset, and a continuous-learning approach.
Work Arrangements: Authorization to work in the United States, the ability to work independently in a remote environment, and availability to travel approximately four to six times per year for business meetings or organizational activities.
Benefits
Competitive Salary: Annual hiring range of $104,000–$155,000, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and market benchmarks.
Performance and Career Growth: Annual bonus opportunities, merit-based salary increases, and opportunities for promotion and professional advancement.
Remote Flexibility: A remote-first work arrangement, with hybrid options available for candidates living near designated offices, subject to organizational policies.
Meaningful Work: The opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven, nonprofit organization focused on expanding educational access and helping students prepare for college and career success.
Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, continuous feedback, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation, leadership development, and career growth.
Collaborative Culture: An inclusive, team-oriented workplace that values diverse perspectives, shared accountability, thoughtful problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Work-Life Balance: A supportive work environment designed to promote employee well-being and sustainable professional performance.
Travel Opportunities: Occasional travel to organizational offices and other business-related destinations, approximately four to six times annually.