Data Manager

About AAESS:

Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19, and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditorium; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.

Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.

Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.

AAESS now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Data Manager to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.

We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

Role Purpose

The Data Manager is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant management of all school data within iSAMS. This role plays a key part in ensuring data integrity across academic and operational systems, supporting senior leadership, staff, students, and parents. Core responsibilities include managing gradebooks, termly reports, timetables, teaching set allocations, and providing support for parents via the Parent Portal.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Data Management

• Maintain and update all student, staff, and academic records within iSAMS
• Ensure accurate and timely entry and validation of gradebooks across all subjects
• Oversee the production and quality assurance of termly report cards, ensuring deadlines are met
• Manage timetables and teaching set allocations, working closely with academic leaders on updates and changes
• Monitor attendance and behaviour data to ensure completeness and accuracy

Parent Portal Support

• Act as the main point of contact for Parent Portal queries
• Support parents with access, login issues, navigation, and understanding academic information
• Ensure gradebooks, report cards, timetables, and schedules are published accurately and on time

System Administration

• Serve as the primary iSAMS administrator, managing user access and permissions
• Configure and customise iSAMS modules to meet school requirements, in collaboration with SLT and the regional central team
• Liaise with iSAMS support and the regional central team to resolve issues and manage system updates

Reporting & Compliance

• Produce statutory and internal reports (e.g. census, safeguarding, attendance) as required
• Provide accurate and timely data reports to senior leadership and teaching staff
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and school data protection policies

Training & Support

• Train staff on the effective use of iSAMS, including gradebooks, reporting, attendance, and behaviour tracking
• Provide ongoing support to maintain high data quality and consistency across the school

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in data management within an educational setting
• Strong working knowledge of iSAMS (or a similar school MIS)
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• High level of proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools
• Sound understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles
• Ability to communicate complex data clearly to non-technical stakeholders

Desirable Attributes

• Experience managing academic data cycles (gradebooks, reports, timetables)
• Familiarity with parent communication systems and portals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments in a busy school environment

How to Apply:

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is 26th January 2026.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.