Insight and Evaluation Manager

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK higher education institution is seeking a dedicated Evaluation Specialist to enhance student success through data analysis and evaluation frameworks. The role involves managing evaluation methodologies, leading stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the success of Access and Participation Plans. Ideal candidates will have strong qualitative and quantitative analysis skills and be able to translate data into actionable insights. The position offers a flexible hybrid working model based in Milton Keynes. Join us to make a real impact in education!

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Range of benefits for employees

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop rigorous evaluation frameworks and methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support a data-led approach to evaluate activities to address inequity.
• Lead development of evaluation frameworks and methodologies.
• Work with stakeholders to analyze data and communicate findings.

Skills

Development of evaluation frameworks

Quantitative data analysis

Qualitative data collection

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Tools

SPSS

NVivo

Job description

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 2 years from start date

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

About the Role

The Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students) goal is to increase the proportion of students who succeed in OU study, whilst addressing inequity in student outcomes to ensure that students from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds have equal access to opportunities and outcomes.

To do this, we work with students, faculties and units across the University, colleagues in our four nations and external stakeholders to deliver continuous improvements that benefit students at every stage in their journey with us.

You will work collaboratively to manage/support a data-led approach to the design, monitoring and evaluation of activities being implemented to deliver the institution's Access and Participation Plan (APP). Our objective is to address inequity in outcomes for students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. This role is critical in ensuring our programs and initiatives are achieving their desired outcomes and making a measurable impact.

You will provide specialist knowledge of evaluation methodologies and be responsible for working with key stakeholders to oversee all aspects of the evaluation lifecycle, from designing frameworks to analysing data and communicating findings.

Key Responsibilities

Support a Data-led Approach to the Design and Evaluation of Activities to Address Inequity

• Commission the generation of specific data sets to support insight work.
• Undertake research to generate insight, and evidence drivers of student inequity.
• Lead and advise stakeholders on the development and execution of evaluation frameworks, methodologies and data collection tools to deliver Type 1 and Type 2 evidence of impact in alignment with the Office for Students required standards of evidence and the OU’s APP goals.
• Manage and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software and data visualisation tools.
• Capture lessons learned and clearly communicate key findings, conclusions and recommendations for improvements as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of an evaluation culture and environment within the organisation, including knowledge and evidence management.

People and Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Proactively develop opportunities for student involvement in designing activities through the development of processes, procedures and strategies.
• Support and organise sessions and workshops to involve student voices in the design and implementation of interventions.
• Form productive working relationships with other Higher Education Institutions and external agencies (e.g., Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education, TASO).
• Promote communication and consultation with key stakeholders and ensure that activities and outcomes are communicated to the relevant audiences using appropriate channels.
• Work with key stakeholders within the organisation to deliver a whole-provider evidence-informed practice

About You

• Proven ability to develop rigorous evaluation frameworks and methodologies to deliver evidence of impact.
• Demonstrated experience of leading the development of Theory of Change models to underpin evaluation design.
• Proven experience with quantitative data collection and analysis methods (e.g., survey design, statistical modelling, quasi-experimental designs).
• Proficiency in qualitative data collection and analysis methods (e.g., designing and conducting focus groups, interviews, thematic analysis).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor content for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear and actionable insights that support management decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Strong capacity for independent work, excellent attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies, specifically as it relates to addressing systemic disadvantage in higher education settings.
• Broad understanding of the UK Higher Education environment and factors.
• Understanding the factors that impact access, participation and success in Higher Education.
• Expertise in applying quasi-experimental designs (e.g., Difference-in-Differences, Regression Discontinuity Design, Propensity Score Matching) to rigorously evaluate program effectiveness and establish causal links between intervention and outcomes.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS)
• Practical experience using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo).

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [e-mail] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Working Location: It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be between 1-4 times per month. Full-time working based from our Milton Keynes site is also supported if this is preferred by the candidate. Expenses associated with travel to our Milton Keynes site are not reimbursable. Occasional wider UK travel may also be required - expenses for this travel will be reimbursed.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Interview dates are to be confirmed.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document:

• A Supporting Statement of up to 1000 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the essential criteria for this role as detailed above. Please attach this to the CV field of the application form.

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application,please contact:[e-mail].

Looking for Associate Lecturer (AL) roles?

Please use our AL home page to find AL vacancies.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.