Swahili Language Test Developer

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Serve as a language placement test developer for the University of Minnesota Swahili language program as part of a collaborative team. The Language Center is developing an online, computer-graded placement tool to guide students between the first and second year language sequence. This is an hourly position of up to 14 hours per week. The majority of the work is expected to take place between July and August 2026.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review the Swahili course syllabi and textbooks to understand the course goals and the levels of proficiency required for success in the first and second year course sequences
• Review test questions that have already been drafted and provide feedback
• Locate additional texts and draft additional test questions
• Proofread all Swahili language materials used in the test
• Ensure that the placement test meets the needs of Swahili heritage language learners
• Collaborate with the development team, and respond to emails and commentary on materials promptly
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Native or near-native proficiency in Swahili, including reading and writing
• Experience teaching Swahili language and/or experience developing assessment instruments

• Excellent communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience teaching Swahili language
• Experience developing language assessments
• Training or experience with ACTFL proficiency standards
• Experience or education related to Swahili as a heritage language

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT & TESTING PROGRAM
The Language Center is guided by its mission to support, elevate and celebrate diversity in language, linguistics, and culture. The commitment to value inclusion, belonging, and equity for all - instructors, students and the broader community - drives the Center, which offers signature programs, like TandemPlus, Language Testing & CourseShare, as well as inclusive technology and welcoming spaces for everyone.

The CLA Language Testing Program administers course placement tests and language proficiency tests to students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The program equal opportunities for all students to demonstrate proficiency in a second language, including students whose language is not taught on campus, and students with documented disabilities.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic
departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and
administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Pay Range: $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applications require a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.