About the roleIn the last 12 months, Bath Spa University has introduced a centralised Data & Insights Service (DIS), a department of expert staff in all things data, evidence, management information and business intelligence. With oversight and responsibility for applicant, student, alumni, and staff data and the systems which house them, along with feedback and survey analysis, insight generating and intelligence reporting, the team is broad and works in a matrix-management style to draw on individuals’ expertise and skillsets to deliver a sector-leading service to the rest of the university.The role of the External Reporting Manager is a critical lynchpin in the Service, working across several of our datasets and taking the operational lead on most of the university’s external and statutory reporting requirements. Line managing a number of Data & Insights Officers, who have a responsibility for data quality and consistency, this role requires a mix of driving forward data improvement and quality monitoring, directly undertaking specific statutory and external returns, and collaborating with others to encourage consistency in other external reporting across the organisation. Below you will see where this role sits in the departmental structure.This role is to be undertaken in a hybrid way, with some time on campus to meet the team and key stakeholders, the exact amount can be discussed at interview and is negotiable and flexible for the right candidate.About you (requirements)To be successful in this role, you will have a strong background in higher education data, and the requirements of statutory and regulatory agencies. Fundamentally, you will be a deadline-driven individual who is able to effectively manage operational activities while escalating risks as soon as they become apparent. While any experience of data analysis would ideally have been developed in an education setting, we are confident that we can train a successful applicant on data analysis and have staff that can support the successful applicant. What is more important is that you have a keen eye for detail, are a team player, and are collaborative in nature as well as practice.With your background in data, we expect you to have experience managing large datasets, working to ensure good data governance practices and compliance with national standards on data protection and processing. While this is fundamentally an opportunity to follow an agreed set of processes and protocols, we would love to see some originality in your approach to data analysis, and your ability to both innovate and take initiative in how you approach projects will pique our interest.Finally, while you do not necessarily need to have previous line management experience, an ability to manage a varied workload and conflicting deadlines is important. You will be expected to demonstrate an ability to work with individuals at all levels of an organisation, using your expertise to steer where appropriate and drawing on others’ skillsets to drive forward a set of strategic priorities.About usBath Spa University is focused on creative enterprise and guided by our four values of respect, inclusivity, collaboration and sustainability. We teach around 8,000 students on a set of campuses around Bath, with most being located at Newton Park, including a listed Georgian house and grounds, or Locksbrook Road, our new city-centre art and design campus. Our research centres focus on creative industries and humanities.Our purpose is to challenge our students and staff to realise their talent and thrive, for their own benefit and for the wider good. By doing this we will think and make the world better.The Data & Insights Service is one of the three departments within Academic Planning, along with Student and Registry Services, and Future Students. We provide data management services, analysis and insight generation, and business intelligence to academic schools, professional services departments, and the senior management team. Furthermore, the Service is responsible for the vast majority of the university’s statutory and external reporting requirements. We strive to provide an excellent customer service to the organisation, as well as acting proactively to drive research and exploration in areas previously unexplored. With a significant internal annual development series, and opportunities for formal and informal external training, we seek to develop our own knowledge and expertise while developing the University’s use of data in decision-making.How to applyPlease note that CVs will not be considered and those included with application forms will be removed. Any queries regarding the application process or our website should be emailed to hrcontact@bathspa.ac.uk.If you think you would be a good fit for this role and want to have an informal conversation about anything contained here, please get in touch with Tracey Moore on t.moore@bathspa.ac.uk. Similarly, if you think you have what it takes to be an External Reporting Manager but are not sure you meet every point on the person specification, please still get in touch. We’d be happy to chat about what you could bring to Bath Spa University.Please note that we use anonymous shortlisting therefore request that you do not include any personal details or reference to protected characteristics (such as gender, age or race) when completing your supporting statement.We offer excellent facilities and benefits to our staff. These include a pension scheme, flexible working practices, an employee assistance programme, and family-friendly policies. Please use the link below to see our full facilities and benefits package:
https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/work-at-bath-spa/rewards-and-benefits/We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community