Database Specialist

Job description

Role purpose:

The Digital Specialist will work as part of our Digital Gateway team to support the data migration function of our project to migrate our supporter data from Raiser’s Edge to the Dynamics 365 database.
Working within a framework set by the project’s Data Lead, the Digital Specialist will draw on established knowledge of Raiser’s Edge to ensure we migrate the right data from our current systems, and that once in D365 the data is structured to Scope’s needs and drives the delivery of our Supporter Journeys Strategy.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities:

• Collate and own a central library of all existing contact data sources including Raisers Edge and spreadsheets, liaising and managing relationships with multiple stakeholder teams who own that data.
• Share and apply a complete understanding of all existing data fields in Raisers Edge and relevant spreadsheets and their relationship with new fields by working with internal subject matter experts and stakeholders as Discovery and Build progresses.
• Deliver the process of data transformation within the framework set out by the Data Lead, ensuring the data workstream delivers the conversion of data from its current to new form.
• Play an active role in the end-to-end migration process delivered by our technical partner contributing to activities including creation and execution of testing delivered by Scope.
• Test migrated data holistically, fields mapped correctly, data linked properly and that integrations are delivering the right data to required quality standards.
• Direct the Data Junior to ensure data is prepared and cleansed for migration.
• Manage, triage, refine and apply feedback and contributions from internal stakeholders.
• Collate central library of data sources.
• Translate source migration data to match data dictionary, reference entities and option sets.
• Combine and append migration data into files for import.
• Apply GDPR rules to data due to be migrated.
• Contribute to agile iteration at a fields level, for example changing field types, adding or removing fields.
• Manage, review and sign off fields required for auditing (based on Subject Matter Expert contributions e.g. Barry Davies – Information Security Analyst).
• Test reporting Product Backlog Items.
• Iterate improvements to source data based on UAT feedback and data load failures.
• Test migrated data holistically, fields mapped correctly, data linked properly (for example a given contact has the right referral or outcomes associated).

Grade based competencies:

• To supervise and encourage team members to maximise their potential through continuous learning whilst challenging and dealing with under performance. 
• To recruit, manage and develop staff within Scope’s HR and operational policies and procedures
• To utilise volunteers appropriately within the department 
• Lead effective and engaging monthly team meetings 

Mandatory for all staff:

• To work seamlessly across department or team boundaries in a collaborative and constructive manner to implement Scope’s strategic direction
• To demonstrate a commitment to customer service excellence and deliver against the requirements of Scope’s quality framework.
• To work within Scope’s policies and procedures.

Internal contacts

Digital Gateway project manager

Data Lead

Project lead

Product owner

Database team

External contacts

Pythagoras (D365 build agency)

Person specification

Qualification

• No essential qualifications

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in the field of data

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Significant working knowledge of databases, their technology, structure and data relationships
• Extensive experience working in Raiser’s Edge and specific understanding of the system and its structure
• Experience working with internal stakeholders and business owners to identify data sets required for business purposes and preparing the data for use

Desirable

• Understanding of an Agile project management approach and demonstrable understanding of key roles and processes in such a team
• Experience reviewing data sets for the purposes of cleansing or migration to improve the quality and effectiveness of organisational data
• Demonstrable understanding of the social model of disability

Skills and competencies

Essential

• The ability to work as part of a team, contributing knowledge and insight to help shape the team’s objectives
• Ability to work independently with data within a framework set by the project plan, to meet project deadlines, and escalate any bottlenecks or obstacles
• Methodical approach to work with an eye for detail to ensure that data sets are properly prepared and testing is carried out in a thorough manner
• Ability to turn explain complex data- and database-related issues and information in terms that can be understood by project colleagues and non-experts won project team and board

Desirable

• Hands-on technical ability with a variety of software used to manipulate, process and analyse data for business purposes.