Job Outline
The Data Manager is responsible for the development and use of the School’s data systems and the primary focus will be to provide technical support for the School’s management information system, iSAMS, for staff, pupils and parents. The Data Manager will need to be able to efficiently organise, store and analyse data, paying particular attention to its security and confidentiality, and fully grasp the complexity of data management. In addition to iSAMS, other systems in use by the school are Microsoft 365 (SharePoint/Teams), MySchoolPortal, AccountsIQ, SOCS, CPOMS, etc., most of which are linked to iSAMS.
The Data Manager role has recently been separated out from the Examinations Officer due to the increased requirement, the new Data Manager will become part of an active IT Support Department and will work closely with the Head of Digital who will line manage them, the role will also involve working closely with other members of the school community, including strong links with the Deputy Head (Academic), the Examinations Officer, Timetabler, Head of Personalised Learning as well as the majority of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
The Data Manager is directly responsible for the Management Information System (MIS) and some of the core responsibilities include:
•Manage the School’s management information system (MIS), which is currently iSAMS, ensuring its best use and strategic development in conjunction with relevant users and groups, responsible for the day-to-day administration, management, configuration, and development, to include:
oIncreasing the adoption and utilisation of iSAMS, developing the MIS and exploring new features and modules as they become available to meet the needs of the school, working closely with the Head of Digital.
oLead and manage yearly data operations, e.g., rollover, timetable etc.
oManage the production of all statutory returns, e.g. the annual census.
oManage all stages of the reporting process, ensuring parents receive accurate reports.
oProactively ensure all data is correct and up to date.
oAssist in any student changes or additions, applying set and timetable changes etc. as required, working closely with the timetabler and middle management.
oMaintain user accounts, security levels and accessibility.
oDesign and generate regular and ad hoc reports to extract information from the MIS and other systems, this includes SSRS and PowerBI reports to be used by the whole school community to better visualise the data we hold to make more informed decisions.
oEnsure consistent data integration between the MIS and other reliant sources.
oRegularly review the performance and effectiveness of all data systems to ensure they meet the changing needs of the school.
oEnsure the data the school holds within relevant systems is up to date and accurate, cleansing data as required and in line with GDPR/the schools data retention policy.
•Design procedures on data entry and ensure compliance across the school and monitor to ensure these are adhered to.
•Maintain adequate documentation of key data-related procedures and workflows.
•Liaise with staff to provide electronic solutions to improve procedures and make best use of the data systems.
•Create and produce accurate management reports and statistics from the systems as required.
•Work with the Examinations Officer to ensure the smooth management of pupil information during examination results period.
•Work closely with members the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the MIS meets their needs and produces the required data.
•Assist with the development and management of the parent portal, MySchoolPortal and parents evening system.
•Work in conjunction with the Head of Digital to integrate the MIS with other digital platforms, as well as managing some of those other platforms.
•Maintain and develop the school SharePoint Site/Teams landing page in close liaison with the Head of Digital Innovation & Systems, bringing in data from multiple sources.
•Review, implement, and enhance admissions workflows to ensure efficient and effective procedures.
•Provide technical support and training to staff on iSAMS and other programmes that interface with the MIS.
•Participate in and attend meetings and training as appropriate.
•Liaise with external agencies and other schools to keep abreast of developments and share best practice.
•Maintain a clear understanding of the Data Protection regulations (DPA2018 and GDPR) and the implications that they have for managing and protecting school data and help to ensure that the school complies with all applicable data protection regulations.
•Support members of the team, working together and sharing workload at peak times.
•The above does not identify all duties of this post but provides a framework of duties to basis all reasonable additional requests from your line manager on.
Attributes and Skills
•Strong technical skills and ideally familiarity with iSAMS, Power BI, SSRS, MSP, SOCS, CPOMS, and other relevant systems.
•Excellent data analysis skills and the ability to interpret and present data effectively.
•Excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to think strategically about the use of data.
•Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
•Knowledge of data protection regulations and best practices for data management.
The post holder should bring to the post a high level of competency and technical skills as well as good practical, organisational and communication skills, be self-motivated and can prioritise and solve problems. A relevant professional qualification would be desirable.
The post holder should work well with others, and independently, they should be able to take instruction from the Head of Digital but also give advice and receive advice to/from the whole school community, sharing good practices.
This role requires flexibility and the ability to be willing and helpful in the running of the department and the school to meet deadlines. The IT department has a very customer focused view, it is therefore important that our ‘customers’ (the whole school community) are treated with respect, kept up to date, and that any issues are dealt with promptly, communication is key to the department’s success.
Hours of work
This is a part-time appointment (22.5 hours per week), working term time only plus some weeks in the school holidays, working a total of 40 weeks per year. The school operates Monday to Friday, with normal hours between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Due to the requirements of the role, flexibility towards working hours is required. The preferred start date is 23 April 2025.
In addition to a competitive salary, we provide free parking, daily lunch, access to our outstanding sports facilities and a comprehensive benefits package.