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 serves as the primary lead for quality assurance, sponsor support, research, and program development activities for the Office of Continuing Education Sponsor Approval (CESA). The incumbent works closely with the Senior Director, the Senior Manager, and the entire CESA Team to support APA-approved sponsors and applicants, develop and implement innovative initiatives and resources that advance continuing education quality, and use data to inform strategic improvements to sponsor support and office operations.

As part of a fee-for-service department generating approximately $700,000 annually, this position requires strict adherence to ethical, legal, and confidentiality standards. The incumbent serves as a key point of contact for APA-approved sponsors, applicants, and other stakeholders, providing high-quality customer service through consultations, written communications, and responses to inquiries. A primary responsibility of this role is translating Continuing Education Committee (CEC) feedback into clear, accurate, and constructive review reports and correspondence that support sponsors in achieving and maintaining compliance with APA Standards and Criteria while advancing the quality of continuing education programming.

The incumbent collaborates closely with the Senior Director and other team members to develop, implement, and continuously improve the Sponsors with Distinction initiative, a strategic program designed to provide sponsors with high-quality learning opportunities, resources, and training related to best practices in continuing education, adult learning, instructional design, program evaluation, and quality improvement. This work requires creativity, initiative, and the ability to identify emerging needs and translate them into meaningful products, services,a nd learning opportunities for sponsors.

The position also leads research and evaluation activities intended to strengthen the effectiveness of both sponsors and CESA operations. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, identifying trends and opportunities, conducting studies to assess sponsor needs and experiences, and translating findings into actionable recommendations, resources, and new products that support sponsor success and continuous quality improvement. The incumbent partners with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that office resources, initiatives, and services are informed by data and responsive to the evolving needs of the continuing education community.

Activities are assigned and reviewed as necessary to ensure projects remain on schedule; however, the incumbent is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, proactively identify opportunities for improvement, and regularly communicate with the supervisor regarding project status and emerging issues.

Successful performance in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, initiative, collaboration, and customer service skills. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems, develop innovative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, contribute actively to team discussions and projects, represent APA professionally in interactions with external stakeholders, and maintain the highest standards of accuracy, ethics, and confidentiality.

Education and Experience Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social science, public administration, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience and relevant experience in data analysis and research design. Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance, program evaluation, program implementation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience designing, conducting, and translating research or evaluation activities into actionable recommendations, resources, or products.
• Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Evidence of advanced research experience including data gathering, analysis, and output.
• Evidence of excellent customer service, consultation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

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:

• Supporting APA-approved sponsors and applicants through consultations, correspondence, and technical assistance related to APA’s continuing education requirements, policies, procedures, and systems.
• Drafting, reviewing, and finalizing clear, accurate, and constructive review reports and other communications that appropriately reflect Continuing Education Committee feedback and support sponsor quality improvement.
• Monitoring, analyzing, and utilizing data from application, renewal, review report, complaint, and other quality assurance processes to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Planning, conducting, and disseminating research evaluations, and needs assessments related to sponsor experiences, continuing education quality, compliance, and emerging issues affecting the field.
• Collaborating with the Senior Director to develop, implement, assess, and continuously improve the Sponsors with Distinction initiative, including educational programs, resources, tools, and participant engagement strategies.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative resources, products, and services that support sponsor success and advance high-quality continuing education programming.
• Evaluating and managing complaints and compliance-related matters in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Providing technical guidance regarding CESA systems, processes, and requirements.
• Representing APA professionally in interactions with approved sponsors, applicants, members, committees, and external organizations.
• Contributing actively to team meetings, strategic planning efforts, governance activities, and cross-functional projects.
• Providing administrative and governance support to the Continuing Education Committee (CEC), the Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology (CRSSPP), and related initiatives as assigned.
• 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.

APA offers a generous employee benefits program, including Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling; a 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%; medical, dental, and vision insurance options and an outpatient mental health benefit; paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays; Family/Medical Leave; tuition assistance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); short- and long-term disability insurance; and more. 

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.

Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check as a condition of employment. Any required consent forms and additional information will be provided during the final stages of the hiring process.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.