**Job Summary** We are looking for an experienced Evaluation Manager to join the central Evaluation team at the OfS. This role is a maternity cover position, expected to last from In this role, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of higher education, using evidence to influence policy-makers and senior leaders. You will be leading evaluation activity and driving evaluative thinking across the organisation, to support the OfS to learn and improve the way we regulate. We are looking to recruit someone with substantial policy and programme evaluation experience, who is passionate about and committed to using evaluation to further impact.The Office for Students (OfS) exists to ensure that English higher education offers the best experience and the best value - for students, for taxpayers, for the economy and for the public good. It is the independent regulator of higher education in England – we regulate higher education on behalf of all students. Our vision is that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.**The role** The Evaluation Manager will help the OfS work more effectively, by leading impactful evaluation activity and evaluative thinking across the organisation. In this role you will:Develop your own knowledge of relevant research and evaluation and share this to build the knowledge of the team and wider colleagues.Initial projects are subject to change, but it is anticipated the Evaluation Manager will lead on the impact evaluation of our approach to Access and Participation Plans (part of how we regulate equality of opportunity in English higher education). Alongside this, the role-holder may lead evaluations of our regulatory work relating to free speech, harassment and sexual misconduct, management and governance or our approach to regulating quality at universities and colleges. The role is one of two Evaluation Managers, working closely with two Evaluation Officers, and reporting into the Head of Evaluation. The role involves collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. The Evaluation Team works in a hybrid way, coming together regularly in person in the office as a team, with a general expectation of two days in the office each week.We are looking to recruit someone with substantial evaluation experience who is committed to using evidence to improve practices and further impact. As a manager in our team, we are looking for someone who values working collaboratively and places high importance on learning, development and sharing knowledge and expertise. We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, skills and experience:Advanced knowledge of research design approaches and the use of data in evaluating social policy. In particular, knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, (quasi-) experimental and theory-based approaches, and knowledge of their limitations and strengths.Excellent project and time management skills, with ability to work independently, Ability to communicate clearly and influence specialist and non-specialist audiences.Holds a postgraduate degree (or has equivalent experience) in a subject with a relevant research component. ability to demonstrate leadership and champion evaluationExperience working in regulation, higher education or the public sector. Experience commissioning and managing evaluation and social research contracts.A working knowledge of access and participation in the higher education sector. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.We want to attract the best people to work with us, and will consider requests for flexible working, including job share and part-time working.**Benefits** Our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life:Health benefits In addition, we take a proactive approach to professional development within the team, and will work with the successful candidate to seek opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience in the role. **Location** This role is based in Bristol. Our main office is in Bristol, with a smaller office in central London. For your application, you will need to upload a copy of your CV (no more than 2 pages) which should set out your relevant qualifications and experience, with information about how these relate to the requirements of this role. There are two online application questions to complete, which allow you to demonstrate your relevant experience and knowledge against selected key requirements of the role. We don’t think AI is suitable for answering these questions, given they are based on your experience. If you do use it, you should consider how its use may impact on the accuracy and clarity of your response. You should be prepared to answer questions about your responses should you be successful in progressing to interview stage. If you have any queries about the role, please contact
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