Senior Research Analytics Manager

The purpose of the Strategy, Planning and Insight Department (SPIO) is to work collaboratively to help people to make effective evidence-based decisions and take forward plans and actions aligned to the University's Strategy. The team has an excellent reputation in the sector for the quality of its work and plays an influential enabling role in relation to the long-term development of Durham University.

The Research Analytics Manager will play a critical role in providing the data insight which is required to advance Durham University's research strategy, planning and performance. The postholder will join a team of highly skilled planning and analytics professionals in the SPIO team, and will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues and senior staff across the institution. You will join us at an exciting time as we take forward a new University Strategy and establish impactful research and innovation initiatives at regional, national and global levels.

The Research Analytics Manager will work with complex data sets relating to multiple aspects of research performance, with citations being one key aspect of importance. You will be expected to develop practical ways of enabling insight and understanding; for example, through the development of accessible dashboards, in person dialogue and the facilitation of workshops and other meetings, including those run in partnership with Faculty leadership teams and the University's bibliometrician.

Specific areas of responsibility include: institution-wide analysis of actionable areas for performance improvement; assessment of citations performance in the context of global rankings; mapping and evaluation of research strengths and opportunities, including interdisciplinary connectivity and generation of grant income; analysis of research reputation and impact; and bespoke analysis to inform the identification of potential areas of strategic development. You will have the opportunity to support the leadership of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, and to integrate research insights with broader aspects of institutional strategy and development, including staff and financial planning.

SERVICE DELIVERY/DEVELOPMENT

Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values. Develop and promote an in-depth understanding of university policy and external developments relevant to your role, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of external developments including research analytics, sector data developments and methodological changes in Rankings data methodologies. Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met by the design, presentation and depth of insights carried out in services you are responsible for. Use your professional knowledge and experience as a research analytics practitioner to resolve problems, shape processes and activities, develop systematic analytics and provide subject matter expertise and advice. Provide specialist advice on the analysis and interpretation of complex data and information relevant to your area.

Lead the development of strategic research insights, reports and visualisation resources to be used by the University Leadership, considering key areas such as Citations, Outputs, World Rankings related analytics, and other research data (applications and awards), combining multiple datasets considering external data (e.g. HESA, SciVal) and internal data to build a benchmarked holistic system of analytical resources. Working jointly with Deputy Director of SPIO and Senior Planning and Forecasting Manager to create a roadmap, identifying analytical priorities as well as meaningful engagement with senior stakeholders in Faculties and Departments. In collaboration with Head of BI and Senior Business Intelligence Manager, design key data lake developments and PowerBI dashboards needed to increase engagement with research analytics.

Develop practical ways of enabling insight and understanding through accessible dashboards, in-person dialogue and facilitation of workshops and other meetings. Responsible for operational activity across provision of research insights and analytics. Look for ways to continually improve services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards. Instigate and manage business process reviews to improve the service. Meet the professional development needs of stakeholders, providing training when required. Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed. Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures.

PLANNING AND ORGANISATION

Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services provided. Contribute to the development of operational and strategic-level plans relevant to your area. Scope, plan and implement large-scale/University-wide initiatives within IPP Research Planning and wider strategic rankings and reputation oversight. Oversee projects to deliver agreed objectives while solving any problems encountered. Provide oversight for short-term/temporary project teams. Analyse data about service levels provided by your area and make recommendations for improvement in reports to senior managers and committees. Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources.

COMMUNICATION/LIAISON

Use your professional knowledge to identify and recommend priorities for long-term business plans. Provide professional guidance and advice when managing provision of services such as research analytics, nuancing on data, comparisons and onwards uses in related rankings methodologies. Design creative and innovative communications to promote and increase engagement relating to Faculty and departmental plans and outputs. Influence University policy and standards by leading operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. Design and deliver training to stakeholders. Create strong working relationships, including internal and external networks. Represent SPIO and University at promotional events. Identify opportunities to develop and increase participation in special interest groups. Deputise for Senior Planning and Forecasting Manager as required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2. Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise to influence service delivery, events and activities within the organisation.
3. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
4. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University's reputation.
5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.
6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
7. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems.
8. Proven track record of providing advanced research analytics and insights.
9. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
10. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
11. Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
12. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

13. Expertise in PowerBI and Alteryx (or comparable dashboard design and data transformation technologies).
14. Expertise in using SciVal/Scopus data and research management systems such as Worktribe.
15. Expertise considering the key international University Rankings methodology.
16. Proven track record of delivering successful workshops and building engagement around data and insights.
17. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

BENEFITS

30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (42 days total). The University closes between Christmas and New Year. Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). Ample parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, discount with local bus and train companies, and Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles. Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications. Health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Generous family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave. Volunteering opportunities. Exclusive discounts via benefits portal. Various salary sacrifice schemes. Relocation support including help with removal costs, house hunting and schools. Visa costs covered for eligible roles with interest-free loan scheme for dependant visas.