Student Information Systems Manager

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

Please note: Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 17th June 2024

The Role and Department

The Student and Academic Services Directorate provides a professional administrative support service to staff, students and potential students of Durham University.

The Academic Registrar is the head of the directorate and is responsible to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) for its management. The following services fall under the remit of the Student and Academic Services Directorate:

• Academic Registrar's Office



• Curriculum, Learning and Assessment



• Student Immigration and Funding



• Student Recruitment and Admissions



• Student Registry


All of the services are based on the Mountjoy site in Durham City.

The Student and Academic Services Directorate operate a hybrid working model with the opportunity to split working at home and in the office, which is in the Palatine Centre, South Road, Durham.

The role of Student Information Systems Manager sits within the Student Information Systems Team as part of the Student and Academic Services Directorate. Working closely with IT teams the post holder will help to ensure that systems work effectively to deliver services and processes across the University.

Managing a portfolio of student lifecycle systems, the main focus of the role will be our core systems including our student records system, customer relationship system and timetabling. Helping to prioritise improvements and bug fixes in the backlog, with a strong focus of optimising the value of the dev team's work and promoting honest and transparent communication regarding capacity and capability to achieve goals.

Working closely with the Senior Student Information Systems Manager and stakeholders, the post holder will have a background in business analysis and duties will include:

• Manage the product development process.



• Identify user needs and trends.



• Ensure sprint goals/outcomes meet customer expectations.



• Develop user stories and define acceptance criteria.



• Plan releases and upgrades.



• Review feature requests in line with product roadmap.



• Identify opportunities to streamline business processes.



• Set sprint goals.



• Follow progress of work and address production issues during sprints.



• Identify improvements to our agile methodology based on results and feedback.



• Keep track of industry trends., We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates., Service Delivery/Development


• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.



• Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University's frameworks and regulations.



• Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise, in line with the University's policies, regulations and values.



• Manage the delivery of bug fixing and improvements to student information systems across the University to a high standard.



• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from [key stakeholders and others who you work with] and contribute to ideas and service improvements.



• Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources.



• Look for ways to improve [processes, techniques and outputs/results] across all areas of your work.



• Identify any learning needs required by stakeholders and arrange any training via the Training Manager.


Planning and Organisation

• Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services that are provided by [the Student Information Systems Team].



• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of the Student and Academic Services Directorate.



• Seek feedback from key stakeholders] so that [bug fixing and improvements] are being prioritised to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements.



• Analyse data on the level of service being provided by the Student Information Systems Team to recommend areas for future improvement.



• Meet the development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required.


Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University's policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.



• Use your operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.



• Coordinate and organise committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints.



• Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.



• Use your expertise to provide training or guidance to other stakeholders.



• Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.
  
  1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).


2. Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and analysis of IT projects and management information systems.

3. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements within an IT environment.

4. Experience of providing technical advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.

5. 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.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.

7. The ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

8. Strong digital competence across a range of management information systems, Office-based projects such as Microsoft 365 and project management tools.

9. Knowledge/experience of records-based systems.

10. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain up to date skills.

11. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.

12. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to listen and interpret complex business needs.

13. Strong customer service skills

14. The ability to work well in cross-organisational teams.

Desirable Criteria

15. Familiarity with Agile/Scrum.

16. Familiarity with Banner Student Records System and CRM.

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.



• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.



• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).



• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.



• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.



• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.



• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.



• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).



• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.



• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.



• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.



• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.


Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.