Quality Assurance and Research Program Officer

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

This position is the primary contact for quality assurance and research functions for the Office of Continuing Education Sponsor Approval (CESA), and will provide administrative support for the CESA office, including work related to the CESA Directors' APA Staff liaison roles with the Continuing Education Committee (CEC) and Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology (CRSSPP). The incumbent is part of a fee-for-service department that generates approximately $700,000/year. Regulatory and legal components associated with this department require the incumbent to ensure confidentiality and strict adherence to ethical standards. This role requires an individual who is able to utilize data obtained from our office's processes as a platform to connect with our external-facing constituents as a means to, thus, bridge internal and external-facing processes. That is, the incumbent will provide excellent customer service related to quality assurance and implementation for CESA, including handling inquiries and complaints efficiently and professionally, while following departmental guidelines for answering, directing, and following up on incoming communications. Additionally, the incumbent will have advanced research and data analysis skills, including the ability to collect/acquire data as well as utilize data from our online application system, and identify, conduct, and interpret relevant analyses for conveying and translating our office's data into tangible resources for constituents and improved office operations. The individual will also provide administrative support for the CESA office and CRSSPP, including the ability to coordinate with offices such as Finance, ITS, and the Office of Facilities Management to ensure effective and efficient operations of the CESA office, the CEC, and CRSSPP.

Activities are assigned and reviewed as necessary to keep work on schedule and projects on time; incumbent is responsible for initiating conversation and consultation with their supervisor on project progress aside from regular meetings.

The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems and provide practical, novel solutions where needs are identified, work independently with minimal guidance, act as a resource for colleagues, and provide necessary communication to APA members, stakeholders, and staff. A strong focus on customer service and particular attention to detail are required. The incumbent will possess a strong ability to gather, interpret, and translate data into meaningful information that supports the quality assurance process and leads to continual improvements. The incumbent will contribute to governance-related groups and projects, as assigned. Successful performance in this position is reliant upon the individual appropriately maintaining records, and strictly adhering to the highest ethical, legal, and confidentiality standards.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, a social science field, or a related field, with 5 years of experience in data analysis and research design, or 5 to 10 years of relevant experience. A master's degree is preferred.
• Evidence of quality assurance and implementation experience.
• Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Evidence of advanced research experience including data gathering, analysis, and output.
• Evidence of excellent customer service.
• Evidence of strong leadership and initiative

Computer Skills Required:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Professional.
• Proficiency in online application and technical systems (e.g., Salesforce), and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams and Zoom).
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, Microsoft Excel) and survey platforms (e.g., Alchemer).

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities of the Quality Assurance and Research Program Officer include:

• Lead quality assurance efforts related to the work of the CESA office, based on continuous review, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data
• Provision of technical guidance to sponsors/customers, and consultants with respect to the data management systems (e.g., CESA OAS)
• Evaluation and follow-through for complaints received by the Office Representation of APA to members and outside organizations
• Provision of administrative and governance support as required
• Other duties as assigned.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA's Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA's applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.

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