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- Tasks: Lead JCQ's data strategy and oversee shared services for exam data management.
- Company: Join JCQ, a key player in UK education, supporting major awarding organizations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and the chance to influence national education policy.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for education, shaping data insights that impact millions of learners.
- Qualifications: Experience in data management and knowledge of national qualifications is essential.
- Other info: Home-based role with interviews via MS Teams; apply by sending your CV and cover letter.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Head of Data and Technical Standards
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) is a community interest company which represents eight leading awarding organisations in the UK : AQA, CCEA, City & Guilds, NCFE, OCR, Pearson, SQA and WJEC/Eduqas. JCQ exists to establish and communicate common arrangements for taking exams and assessments, for most of the exams and assessments offered by the organisations we represent. Every year we issue guidance to schools and colleges to support exam administration with an associated inspection service, to help protect the integrity of exams and assessments.
JCQ and its members lead a number of shared data services to support the administration of examinations. JCQ interacts with government departments, UK regulators and organisations such as UCAS to help improve data systems across the UK that contribute to analysis of trends and support national projects such as use of the unique learner number. JCQ also publishes exam and assessment data for over 1 million learners and circa 6 million qualification results cumulatively across the UK, covering general, vocational and technical qualifications including GCSEs, AS, A levels and T Levels in August and January. Our results data is widely covered across national media channels and the data is used to help stimulate debate across the education sector and inform national policy developments.
JCQ’s Head of Data and Technical Standards role is an essential senior role within JCQ. The appointee will interface with JCQ Board members and key external stakeholders, including regulators and government departments across the UK. The appointee will proactively lead, develop and implement JCQ’s data strategy and support JCQ members in delivering annual programmes of work. The role includes oversight of JCQ’s data related shared services involving data transfer and data protection helping to ensure activities are compliant with regulations and continuously improve.
The Head of Data is key to our biannual results publications and will help deliver all JCQ research programmes. We are moving towards including more VTQ data in our results publications and creating informative data visualisations, to provide insight for stakeholders. The Head of Data will lead this project, supported by JCQ colleagues and technical experts in our member awarding organisations.
The Head of Data and Technical Standards will be responsible for leading and developing JCQ’s approach to data with stakeholders, media and the public. They will be an inspirational ambassador for JCQ and represent JCQ at external conferences and on different media channels. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in data management, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be resilient and able to secure support on new initiatives with an outcomes based and creative approach to drive forward JCQ’s data services. As a leader at JCQ you will champion and model JCQ’s values-based competencies. Ideally the candidate will have experience of working with national qualifications and assessment data in an awarding body, test agency or government department type role. The role is home based, minimum salary is £60,000 plus – competitive level based on experience.
For any queries please contact recruitment@jcq.org.uk
Interviews to be held on 19 and 21 February via MS Teams.
To apply please email your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@jcq.org.uk, failure to do this will mean that your application will not be considered.
For information about how to apply please see our website https://www.jcq.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/
Closing date 5pm on Friday 31 January 2025.
Head of Data and Technical Standards employer: Joint Council for Qualifications CIC
Contact Detail:
Joint Council for Qualifications CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data and Technical Standards
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with JCQ's mission and values. Understanding our goals and how we operate will help you align your experience and vision with what we are looking for in a Head of Data and Technical Standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and data management sectors. Engaging with current or former JCQ employees or stakeholders can provide valuable insights into the role and the organization, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data strategy and compliance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led data initiatives and ensured regulatory compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills. As this role involves interfacing with various stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to convey complex data concepts clearly and effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data and Technical Standards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Data and Technical Standards position. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the overall mission of JCQ to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your relevant experience in data management and your understanding of national qualifications. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead data strategies and engage with stakeholders.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the role by emphasizing your experience with data systems, compliance, and any previous roles in awarding bodies or government departments. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions precisely. Email your CV and cover letter to the specified address (recruitment@jcq.org.uk) before the closing date. Double-check for any additional requirements mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joint Council for Qualifications CIC
✨Understand JCQ's Mission
Make sure you are well-versed in the mission and values of the Joint Council for Qualifications. Familiarize yourself with their role in the education sector, especially regarding data management and assessment standards. This will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience with data management and how it relates to national qualifications and assessments. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully led data initiatives or projects in previous roles, particularly in a regulatory or educational context.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you would explain complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in your interactions with JCQ Board members and external partners.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a senior role, it's important to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your approach to leading teams, driving initiatives, and securing support for new projects. Highlight any experiences where you've inspired others or championed change within an organization.
