The Head of Data and Impact role is a new position in the organisation, reflecting our increased focus on using data-driven insights to drive our strategy and increase our performance.

The Head of Data and Impact will lead data gathering, analysis and insight sharing across the organisation. This includes: looking at who we recruit; the effectiveness of our training and support; the success of our participants and ambassadors; whether we are diverse and inclusive; and most importantly whether we are reaching our organisational goals and vision.

The role will drive increased quantity and quality of data collection. We are looking for someone who will take an ambitious and creative approach in deciding how we gather quantitative and qualitative data. You will explore solutions to gaps in data sources and use your expertise to find the right data for each context.

The Head of Data and Impact will share insights with staff at all levels of the organisation in ways that radically improve their performance. You will use technical skills and understanding of organisational needs to present this data in clear and useful ways. This might be in Excel, Tableau or using other tools.

The post involves communication across the organisation to gain the trust and understanding of all employees’ needs. The role reports to the COO and will work closely with the CEO and Board. The postholder will therefore drive strategic conversations at the highest levels. The role includes line management responsibility of one Researcher. 

Key responsibilities

• Drive a data-led culture of excellence across the organisation, challenge our thinking, and push us to be better at what we do.

• Identify and maintain credible data sources and measures that can hold us to account internally and demonstrate our impact externally.

• Build, and remain responsible for, systems that enable us to track our success as an organisation in the medium- and long-term.

• Lead decisions on what data we gather and how we do so. Implement and manage the data gathering process from start to end.

• Manage data visualisation tools including Tableau. Create dashboards and reports that are accessible and informative for diverse audiences within the organisation.

• Uncover insights about our performance and progress towards organisational goals and the Unlocked vision. Share these insights internally, gaining buy-in from all levels so that your reports lead to real change.

• Work with the External Relations team to collect and represent data in ways that support the external representation of Unlocked.

• Set long-term priorities, including shaping, commissioning and project managing independent partners to undertake research as needed.

• Line manage and develop one Researcher.

Person specification

• Deep experience in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis and methodologies

• Substantive knowledge of statistical methods such as regression analysis, and significance testing

• An understanding of different evaluation methods

• Good understanding of research ethics in social science (and in particular, the criminal justice sector – desirable)

• Ability to set strategic priorities for data gathering as well as delivering complex projects through to completion

• An excellent eye for detail with a strong affinity for seeing interesting and telling trends in complex data sets

• Educated to undergraduate degree level (Master’s level desirable)

• Excellent knowledge of Excel and fluency with data visualisation tools (preferably Tableau)

• High-level proficiency in Word and PowerPoint, able to create professional and visually appealing reports

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a range of audiences; able to switch between technical and non-technical explanations

• Able to build relationships across and outside the organisation

• Strong belief and enthusiasm for Unlocked Graduates’ aims and mission