Data & Reporting Specialist (HESA Student Returns) - RGU07651

Robert Gordon University; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished educational institution in Scotland seeks a detail-oriented individual to manage student data and ensure accurate reporting for statutory returns. You will collaborate with various stakeholders and refine internal processes to maintain compliance with legal requirements. The role offers the opportunity to work both remotely and in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

46 days annual leave

Onsite nursery

Sports centre access

Qualifications

• Experience working with large datasets and databases.
• Strong skills in reporting and data analysis.
• Ability to produce clear operational materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor quality of student data.
• Develop and document internal processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for data returns.

Skills

Data analysis

Quality assurance

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

First Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SITS Student Record Database

Job description

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is widely recognised as a distinctive part of Aberdeen and Scotland’s education landscape. Every one of our employees makes their own unique and equally important contribution to our success, at every level of our operation.

Do you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for turning complex data into meaningful insight? We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative individual to join our team and take a leading role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely submission of our statutory student data returns.

In this role, you will be central to delivering the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record, HESA Aggregate Offshore Record, and Discover Uni Record Returns. Working closely with our Student Records Manager, you’ll help shape and refine our internal processes to meet evolving statutory reporting requirements.

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing and monitoring the quality of student data to ensure accurate reporting.
• Advising colleagues across the university on data requirements, providing guidance and training where needed.
• Developing and documenting internal processes, as well as creating user-friendly operational and guidance materials.
• Working with large datasets in systems such as SITS to extract, validate, and analyse information.
• Building strong working relationships with stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality statutory returns.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience of working with large datasets and databases, ideally a student record system such as SITS.
• Strong skills in data analysis, quality assurance, and reporting.
• The ability to produce clear, user-friendly operational and training materials.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the confidence to manage competing deadlines.
• A collaborative and proactive mindset, with the ability to influence and support colleagues at all levels.

Why join us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a role that directly influences the quality and reputation of our institution. You’ll gain exposure to high-profile statutory reporting, enhance your technical and analytical skills, and be part of a supportive team that values accuracy, innovation, and continuous improvement.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 5 November.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Student Records Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: Responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely submission of student data for the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Returns. The role requires meticulous data management, including audits and compliance checks, while aligning internal processes with statutory HESA reporting requirements. The role demands effective collaboration with key stakeholders and the ability to manage a diverse workload within strict deadlines

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for the implementation of the operational processes for the production and submission of the statutory HESA Student Returns.
• Take the lead on the identification and delivery of a suite of audits/reports to support the ongoing production and maintenance of the statutory HESA Student Returns. Monitor data quality ensuring that the collection, processing and reporting of data is accurate. Complete regular audits to ensure the integrity of the data.
• Collaborate with the Student Records Manager to incorporate changes in HESA statutory reporting requirements into internal processes.
• Provide advice and guidance to system users in relation to data requirements for the HESA Student, Aggregate Offshore and Discover Uni Returns.
• Maintain and update documentation and guides related to HESA Student Returns processes.
• Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, such as Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, SENDA, DDA, and Data Protection.
• Undertake any other duties as required which are consistent with the job purpose or as directed the Student Records Manager.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• A first Degree or equivalent experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong record keeping skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in interpreting and applying HESA Data Specifications.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proven ability to manage work under pressure while adhering to established procedures.
• Strong IT literacy, with experience in administrative systems development.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse complex data.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.

Experience

• Experience in analysing complex information and providing actionable insights.
• Experience in administrative systems development and implementation.
• Prior experience prioritising tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Work experience within the higher education sector or a similar data-focused role.
• Systems development and implementation in an administrative context

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• Membership of a relevant professional body e.g. AHEP, ARC

Knowledge & Skills

• Competent in the use of SITS Student Record Database.
• Significant knowledge of HESA Student Returns.

Experience

• Experience in compliance or quality assurance roles.
• Experience in preparing and presenting management information, both written and verbal.
• Experience of engaging with the wider context with an interest in government Data requirements and usage.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication – Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery – Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customer’s expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 3: Analysis and Research – Experience of identifying or designing data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation, and producing reports that identify key issues and findings.

Behaviour 4: Decision Making – Experiences of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.

Behaviour 5: Initiative and Problem Solving – Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.

Behaviour 6: Planning and Organising – Experience of planning, prioritising and organising your own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives.