FULL TIME (37 HRS PER WEEK) – PERMANENT – HIGH WYCOMBE

Salary - £38,249 - £42,882
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
This is an exciting time to join BNU. The Data and Evaluation Lead will provide evaluation and data insights to support improvements in student experience and outcomes. They will lead on evaluation for the Access and Participation Plan, Teaching Excellence Framework and other enhancement activities. They will work with teams around the university to coordinate and monitor intervention strategies, design an evaluation framework, and monitor impact.
It is a great time to join the Business Intelligence team which is central to delivering reliable and timely data for decision making and improvement. The University is keen to invest in talent and the Business Intelligence programme strongly advocates innovation and growth, welcoming new ideas to improve outcomes and make best use of all resources whilst responding to the needs of stakeholders.
We are looking for a pro-active problem solver who will take a data-driven approach to collaborating with key stakeholders. They will be a strong communicator with a passion for data, able to explain complex analysis to non-experts. The post holder will ideally have a background in evaluation and research and will be familiar with Access and Participation plans, evaluation methodology and frameworks.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Data and Evaluation Lead
Faculty/Directorate: Business Intelligence
Grade: G
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Business Intelligence Manager
Responsible for: N/A

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of or experience in using statistical methods
A/I
Design, management and analysis of large and complex data sets
A/I
Experience of using a data visualisation tool (eg. Tableau)
A/I
Conducting qualitative research (eg. Focus groups) and/or quantitative research (e.g. statistical analysis)
A/I
Understanding of the ethical research practices
A/I
Thorough understanding of the current higher education sector policy environment
A/I
Experience of analysing complex matters and communicating findings to different audiences
A/I
Experience of working successfully in a team
A/I
Experience of working towards and delivering to a timescale
A/I
Knowledge of Data Protection and confidentiality issues
A/I

SKILLS

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A/I
Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
A/I/T
Ability to prioritise tasks and work flexibly on own initiative
A/I
Ability to work as part of a team
A/I
Ability to work under pressure
A/I
Ability to explain complex information and analysis to non-experts
A/I/T

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Willingness and ability to work at offsite locations and travel for external events
I

JOB PURPOSE:

The Data and Evaluation Lead will provide evaluation and data insights to support improvements for student experience and outcomes. They will turn data into actionable insights and translate complex analysis into accessible presentation for a variety of stakeholders (e.g., senior leaders, academic staff, professional service staff). They will develop an evaluation framework based on a Theory of Change and use evaluation expertise to coordinate a whole provider approach to Access and Participation Plan (APP) intervention strategies, Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) activities and other quality enhancement activities. They will conduct research and scholarship relevant to higher education, and support the development of evaluation around the organisation.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• Use expert data insights of student characteristics to critically analyse student outcomes and student experience indicators to drive improvement in B3 outcomes and to eliminate awarding gaps. Use predictive analytics to anticipate and report forecasts of future outcomes.
• Produce an evaluation framework at BNU based on a Theory of Change and a whole provider approach.
• Create an evaluation methodology to support the requirements in the Access and Participation Plan and Teaching Excellence Framework.
• Lead on developing good practice for evaluation across the University and support in training staff to effectively evaluate.
• Coordinate the implementation and oversight of the commitments set out for evaluation and publication plans in the Access and Participation Plan intervention strategies.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to better understand the student experience, evaluate the impact of actions and make recommendations to leadership teams.
• Produce monitoring and evaluation data and insight reports to support the requirements in the Access and Participation Plan.
• Embed data and data analysis results across the institution using a variety of avenues, including dashboards, infographics and presentations to diverse non-technical audiences, while supporting colleagues to develop their own data literacy and confidence.
• Support the preparation for institutional statutory returns for Access & Participation and TEF through analysis, interpretation and liaison with colleagues. Produce evidence that will support assertions of teaching excellence.
• Contribute to income generation through funding bids for research, evaluation and other projects.
• Network internally and externally with key sector agencies such as TASO, NERUPI, OfS, Guild HE and engage in national and cross-University developments on policy, evidence and impact.
• Understand the data warehouse and student record system to resolve data queries and quality issues with key stakeholders to ensure reliable and accurate information.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
• Deputise for the Business Intelligence Manager where appropriate.