Data and Evaluations Manager

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Data and Evaluation Manager you will:

Manage research and evaluation activities

• Evaluation project design

• Data collection

• Data analysis 

Collaborate on building and applying evidence 

• Embed learning - Work closely with colleagues to interpret and understand evaluation findings to inform programme development, fundraising bids, practice reports and policy work. 

• Sector awareness - keep up to date with developments in education, inclusion, attendance and exclusions, as well as research and evaluation methods relevant to our work

• Internal collaboration - support teams with ad hoc data queries, whether related to our own programmes or data from external sources, such as schools, 

Communicating insights

• Insight reporting

• Knowledge sharing 

• External representation

Our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role for you!

The Candidate
We are seeking a combination of the following skills, aptitude and experience:

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Track record of using research and evaluation methods

• Confidence analysing and presenting data clearly 

• project management skills

• Ability to report and communicate findings 

• Knowledge of the ethical and legal aspects of social research 

• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Strong time management skills

• Passion for The Difference's mission 

You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have either/both:

• Familiarity with the education sector and/or school data systems, example MIS

• Ability to conduct desk research and literature reviews

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people