Data science lead 792 views

Summary. DataKind UK is looking for a Data Science Lead to help social change organisations use data for good. They are a tiny but mighty not-for-profit organisation harnessing the power of pro bono data science to bring operational improvements and increased data literacy to the UK social sector. Most importantly, they’re serious about getting stuff done, but they also want to make it fun. Their Data Science Lead will generate a healthy pipeline of well-scoped projects, manage their Office Hours programme and Social Data Society, provide technical oversight of all their projects and provide direct data science advice/support where necessary. Hours and location. They have a preference for the role-holder to be full-time (35 hours per week) and largely based at their (dog-friendly) London office, and are open to considering remote or job share working for the right candidate(s). They support flexible working schedules and work from home days. The role requires regular out of hours commitments – at least two evenings a month and one weekend per quarter for their volunteer events, plus other more ad-hoc evenings. They expect you to take time off in lieu to make up for work done out of your normal working hours. There is the possibility of occasional national and international travel.

• Salary. The salary for this position is £36,000 – 45,000 (full-time) with 5% employer pension contributions, and an annual training budget to support your personal and professional development. This is a permanent role, with an initial probation period of 3 months. Who they’re looking for. They’re looking for someone who is passionate about how social change organisations can make the best use of their data. You are good at translating complex concepts into accessible ideas, and you enjoy working with volunteers. You’re experienced in using data and data science in an operational context, and have 5+ years of experience.
• At DataKind UK they continuously look to improve their services. They’d like you to bring your ideas, helping them to better meet the data/data science needs of the social sector. Ideally you have a keen interest in the role that tech/data will have on society, and want to explore the ways that data can be used responsibly within the social sector. You’ll be one of a small team comprising our Executive Director, Project Manager, Communications Officer and you. They have a vast volunteer community, with around 50 of those serving as core volunteers, helping them to run their programmes. You’ll be line managed by their Executive Director.
  Experience/skills.
  They’d like you to have experience of: Designing data-focused projects
• Project management. Working in/ with social sector organisations
• Working on data or data science projects. Creating and maintaining strong strategic partnerships
• It would be a bonus if you have experience of:. Volunteer management. Presenting technical concepts to lay audiences. What you’ll do. Key Responsibilities:. Project Lead Generation. Generate new project leads by proactively reaching out to social change organisations well placed to benefit from data science. This includes building awareness for DKUK and the support they offer, e.g. by identifying and presenting at relevant social sector events/conferences; and identifying key partners that can provide them with potential project leads. Spot opportunities for, develop and maintain strategic partnerships with other capacity builders. Create a strong network within the social sector, acting as a trusted advisor and signposting where necessary. Ensure a healthy pipeline for their schedule of DataDives and DataCorps, liaising with the Project Manager to identify projects for upcoming DataDives and plan which projects to bring to which events. Project Scoping. Work with the Scoping & Impact committee to review and refine project applications and put together DataDive and DataCorps project briefs. This includes managing and supporting volunteers. Manage two of DataKind UK’s key support programmes. Coordinate the Social Data Society (a meeting of data scientists that work in the social sector) which meets every six weeks. Run monthly Office Hours ensuring social change organisations come prepared and the volunteers can provide the right advice. This includes:. Managing the 15+ team of Office Hours volunteers, ensuring they have the onboarding, training and ongoing support needed to perform their role to a high standard. Overseeing the data use and data science support/advice given to social change organisations. Expanding the current scheme from one location (London-based) to multiple, starting with Edinburgh and Southampton
• Provide technical oversight for DataCorps projects
• Provide support (directly and through signposting). Provide direct support and advice to social sector organisations around their data needs through 1-2-1 support, when queries are not suitable for Office Hours
• Design events to support charities with their use of data, such as a series of technical workshops for social change organisations. These will be run with the communications officer. Develop and maintain partnerships with key data/digital infrastructure organisations to enable signposting of social change organisations to the most relevant support.
• Develop resources that are appropriate for and accessible to social change organisations (i.e. translate technical into non-technical)
• Advocate for the responsible use of data and its applications within the social sector. About DataKind UK. DataKind UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in their workplace and in their community of volunteers and partner organisations. They particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities, as they would like to increase the representation of these groups in their community. They make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. They are happy to talk about flexible working to accommodate your needs. They strive to create a workplace and community where you can be yourself and achieve your full potential.