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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.
• 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

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 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.

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.