Head of Data Insights and Evaluation

Scope and purpose

The Head of Data Insights and Evaluation will develop, coordinate and manage MEI’s data strategy, collection, analysis and reporting in support of the organisation’s strategic and operational goals.

They will chair MEI’s Data and Reporting Group.

The post-holder will lead MEI’s evaluation, ensuring that all internal stakeholders understand the strengths and areas for development in MEI’s project implementation and impact, leading to continuous improvement.

The holder of this role will ensure that evaluation is an integral part of all MEI activities, including the collection of appropriate high-quality internal data in a manner that is appropriate, ethical and efficient and facilitates effective reporting.

The Head of Data Insights and Evaluation will collaborate with the Chief Learning Officer and the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications to ensure that MEI’s impact is communicated effectively, and to write evidence-informed reports that educate and influence external stakeholders.

We are looking to appoint an individual who is available to commence the role as soon as possible.

However, we are willing to wait for the right candidate if they are required to serve a notice period with their current employer.

Main duties and responsibilities

Data governance, assurance and access. The post holder will

• Be responsible for MEI’s data strategy, ensuring data collection and reporting supports organisational priorities.
• Be responsible for establishing and managing internal data governance, definitions and reporting.
• Lead discussions on performance measurement and reporting requirements with the Senior Leadership Team and across the organisation.
• Supervise the work of individuals contributing to data and reporting.

Evaluation. The post holder will

• Work with MEI’s Senior Leadership Team on the internal evaluation of MEI’s work, advising colleagues on data collection strategies as required.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to identify research and evaluation questions to support decision-making across the organisation.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and maintain organisation and project-level theories of change and impact frameworks.
• Develop appropriate high-quality tools such as online surveys and feedback forms.
• Be responsible for quality assuring, analysing and reporting on the implementation and impact of MEI’s programmes to different stakeholders as appropriate.
• Lead on developing and maintaining relationships with organisations undertaking external evaluation of MEI’s work, including identifying future opportunities for evaluation and research.

Reporting and Insights. The post holder will

• Curate and analyse external educational data, including School Performance Tables, JCQ data and 16 to 18 allocations, to generate insights relevant to MEI’s vision and values.
• Work with the Chief Learning Officer and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications to write evidence-informed reports that educate and influence external stakeholders.
• Provide data, impact evidence, analysis and insight to inform strategic communications, funding bids, tender responses, consultation responses, policy submissions and partnership proposals.
• Support the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships with MEI’s approach to measuring and evidencing MEI’s social value.
• Key relationships
• Chief Learning Officer
• Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships

MEI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people that it serves.

All our staff share this commitment and have a role to play in safeguarding.

Successful applicants will be subject to a comprehensive set of pre-employment checks.

Person specification

Essential

Desirable

• Degree in a STEM subject.
• Significant experience of data handling, quantitative data analysis and application of statistics in a business, policy or education environment.
• Ability to assess the quality of data and evidence and critique findings to ensure rigour in the interpretation and use of data analysis.
• Knowledge of evaluation design, theory of change development and survey methods.
• Ability to understand, interpret and present complex information in a clear and simple way verbally and in writing, and to present data visually in helpful ways.
• Effective working with colleagues and stakeholders to identify evidence and data needs, devise analysis and deliver requirements.
• Ability to deliver multiple work strands to high quality, with good time management and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Fluency in working with data using standard professional tools, including the Microsoft suite.
• Working knowledge of GDPR and data protection policy and practice.
• Postgraduate qualification in a STEM or education-related discipline.
• ONS researcher accreditation.
• Experience of working in the education sector, with government, or in a policy-related environment.
• Knowledge of maths education to age 18 in England and of MEI's work and programmes.
• Familiarity with published education datasets.
• A thorough knowledge of external datasets relevant to the work of MEI.
• Experience in report writing.
• Additional information

This role is home/remote based and will involve some travel and occasional overnight stays away from home, with expenses paid.

The role may also involve occasional work on a Saturday.

The closing date for applications is Friday 21 August.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview before the closing date.

Early applications are encouraged.

Interviews will take place online on Thursday 3 September.