JD Senior Data Analyst Oct 2015 V2 CK

JOB DESCRIPTION Senior Data Manager

Job Title: Senior Data Manager, Grade 6 Department: Research and Product Operations Responsible to: Data Management Unit Lead Main Role: To work as a senior member of the Data Management Unit (DMU), conducting data work directly and managing the workload of junior team members. Data work will include providing data collection and capture services to NFER and external agencies, writing code to clean data, script surveys and producing tabulated data. Core responsibilities will also include working to improve data management processes and tools, drive technological innovation across the department, and project manage selected research and business change projects Key Responsibilities: Data work

1. To use SPSS and high level excel expertise, inc scripting, macros and complex data formulae or other software to perform data manipulation.

2. To clean data from a variety of sources, including SQL Server and Access databases and Excel spreadsheets. 3. To develop online surveys and other online data collection tools for research projects, including advising researchers on survey design and data collection methods 4. To produce tabulations and web based dashboard reports. 5. To provide technical support for the users of the SQL database and its associated systems to manipulate data, using SQL queries. 6. To provide sampling support for a range of studies, using SPSS and other techniques for sampling. 7. To produce results for schools and others taking in our research using SPSS, or other packages. 8. To assist with the administration of surveys or data collections. 9. To liaise with staff throughout the Foundation about timetables and requirements for projects. Project management work 1. To design, implement and promote technological innovations throughout NFER. 2. To manage selected research, data collection or data management projects, managing a small team of researchers and/or survey support staff if necessary 3. To plan timetables, resource allocation, workload, data management strategies and production of deliverables for selected research projects PUBLIC 4. To identify areas for operational improvements – e.g. potential new research methodologies – and drive the implementation and use of these improvements 5. To drive enthusiasm for improvement throughout the department and identify inclusive and positive strategies for overcoming resistance to change 6. To liaise with external clients, identify customer needs, and produce outputs that can have a real impact on the world of education policy 4. Staff Supervised (if any): Research staff and support staff as appropriate 5. Person Specification 1 Essentials:  A degree in a numerate and/or research-based subject (e.g. psychology, sociology, statistics, computer science, mathematics, research methods or any other similar discipline)  a very high level of accuracy and attention to detail  scripting experience in Microsoft VBA (e.g. writing Excel macros and SPSS scripts)  advanced Excel skills, including scripting, macros, complex data formulae  experience in working with large datasets  strong problem-solving skills  a methodical and logical approach  good interpersonal skills to work as part of a team  the ability to plan work and meet deadlines  the ability to work on a variety of different areas of work simultaneously  excellent written and spoken communication skills  a keen interest in innovation  a keen interest in research methods and operations Desirable:  knowledge of SQL, java, python, perl or similar  experience of survey design and/or advising on the pros and cons of different methods of data collection  the ability to analyse, model and interpret data  knowledge of sampling theory/some statistical knowledge  .net and VBA programming for Microsoft Office 2007 would be advantageous  knowledge of HTML/CSS coding  knowledge of e-assessment technology  ability to work with a Microsoft SQL Server database in terms of queries and data management 1 The person specification above is applicable at the recruitment stage and will be reviewed when the candidate is in post.

September 2016 PUBLIC