Data Manager

Start Date: Immediate

Scope: Whole School

Reporting to: Director of Technology

Person Profile

The Data Manager role combines database administration, analysis, application development, product support and project management. The primary responsibilities include maintaining the school's data systems, assisting departments and end-users in accessing and utilising the required data, documentation of procedure and policies, and designing and implementing data systems and procedures. This role is key in supporting the school's journey of deep data collection and analysis.

The school's core data systems comprise of Microsoft PowerApps, iSAMS (SQL), EveryHR, Managebac, Toddle, OpenApply, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Finalsite, LAC (Learning Analytics Collaborative) and third-party web-based services and API solutions. This position offers an excellent opportunity to lead the school towards a modern, user-friendly and data driven institution.

He/She must seamlessly blend interpersonal skills with technical understanding. Strong communication abilities are paramount to understand and address the needs of end-users with clarity and empathy. Simultaneously, he/she must wield exceptional technical acumen to organise and integrate data across systems. With a talent for translating user requirements into tangible solutions, the ideal candidate will bridge the gap between human needs and data-driven outcomes with proficiency.

Qualifications

• have a Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent
• two years and above experience in student information systems or related database management software required
• have experience with school registrar (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• be aligned with the ISL values of belonging, integrity, grit and kindness
• possess strong communication skills and be willing to adapt to the demands of an international school
• be fluent in English (spoken and written)
• have excellent communication and collaboration skills and ability to interact with a range of constituents (parents, faculty, students and school leadership)
• have strong interpersonal relations skills
• have exceptionally high level of attention to detail
• intermediate to high-intermediate user of MS Excel and understanding scripts and data import/export files
• have working knowledge of the Microsoft Eco-System, including Microsoft PowerApps
• have fluency with the management of complex data
• able to handle sensitive and confidential material with integrity
• have willingness and ability to learn new applications
• have proven ability to work independently within tight deadlines and strong time-management, project management, and organisation skills
• have familiarity with or experience in independent schools

Responsibilities

• Data Management : Oversees and maintains all databases for all record keeping in the school's operations, maintains record-keeping standards, manages data system updates, and oversees data transfers between systems. Responsible for data synchronisation across multiple applications and ensuring efficient data flow across databases. In collaboration with the EdTech Coaches, create engaging training sessions for teachers and students of varying skill levels and training documentation on using and accessing the school’s administrative systems.
• Database Administration and Customisation : Customises administrative systems, regularly validates backups, responds to and resolves database problems and develops and maintains data import and export procedures. Provides backup support to users and develops routines to facilitate data usage best practices.
• System Development and Maintenance : Enhances administrative systems with custom programming such as PowerApps and Visual Studio, supports administrative and academic systems with specific tools, maintains data security, and develops and revises custom application. Serves as the primary contact for in-house developed apps and processes and stays abreast of new technologies and approaches to database management.
• End-of-Year Rollover : Facilitates and guides the end-oy-year rollover of all databases to ensure a smooth transition for each academic year. This includes technical configurations for timetable and schedule readiness and ensuring the latest technical recommendations and industry standards are recommended and adopted.
• Project Management : Coordinates with other Tech Hub staff and leaders and coordinates efforts of data ambassadors and other experts to achieve the school’s goals. Manages database installations and updates, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Training and Support : Provide training to the administrative staff on the use of systems, supports the Tech Hub team with support tickets as required and provides support and training to all users of database systems as needed.
• Report Generation and Management : Facilitates the report card and transcript process and evaluates administrative data requests, creates data collection and reports (not academic) in response to business user and school needs.
• Timetable Maintenance : Supports the preparation of the master schedule for teachers and students in Early Childhood through Grade Twelve. Additionally, communicate and document configuration changes to school facilities as they relate to scheduling. Work with divisional heads, department leaders, and deans to support student schedule conflicts.
• System Application Management : Administers and supports the SharePoint platform, develops and configures workflows and process with Microsoft PowerApps, and handles technical issues related to various school management systems. Creates and regularly revises user and technical documentation and procedures.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration and cross school : Works with division administrators to maintain school schedules, collaborates with ISL London remotely for system configuration consultation and ensures smooth coordination and execution of various modules.
• Documentation of configuration and processes : Document all third-party and database configurations and processes to support and facilitate troubleshooting. Including integration and critical processes.

Children Safeguarding and Welfare

ISL Qatar is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with zero tolerance for any breaches of safeguarding standards. All applicants/new staff must undergo child protection screening, including employment references, prohibition from teaching checks, and a criminal records check (DBS or an equivalent certificate from the applicant’s country of residence). All staff are required to actively support the school’s child protection and safeguarding commitments by complying with relevant policies, promoting student welfare, and promptly reporting concerns to Designated Safeguarding Lead(s).

Additional Information

Education is an ever-changing field, and all staff are expected to participate positively in schools’ activities and to adopt a flexible approach to their work. It is understood that areas of responsibility of the job description are not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post or an exhaustive list of all duties performed. The main duties and responsibilities are indicated above. Other duties of an appropriate level and nature may also be required, as directed by the Line Manager.