ACT cuts 80 jobs; most in Iowa City

IOWA CITY - ACT on Wednesday said it has eliminated 80 jobs, with most of the affected positions in Iowa City where the majority of its workforce of about 1,400 is located.

In a news release, the not-for-profit educational assessment organization said the cuts are needed to meet its strategic goals and position it for growth. The jobs were based in departments across the organization.

'These changes provide the flexibility needed for our incoming CEO, Marten Roorda, to execute on his strategic vision,” said Jon Whitmore, ACT's chief executive officer, who is retiring this fall.

ACT said team members whose positions were eliminated will receive a severance package that exceeds industry norms as well as free outplacement services and additional support to help them transition to new positions or careers. They also will have the opportunity to apply for open jobs within the organization.

'We are focused on doing right by our directly affected team members and will work to help them any way we can,” said ACT President Jon Erickson.

Roorda said the markets in which ACT operates are changing rapidly.

'To extend and enhance our leadership, we must be cost-effective, agile and innovative as we go forward,” he said.

ACT is primarily known for its college admissions and placement test taken by more than 1.8 million high school graduates every year. It also offers comprehensive assessment, research, information, and program management services to support education and workforce development.