CRM and Data Implementation Manager

About Resources for Autism (RfA) 

Since 1997 when we started as a small playgroup set up by parents dismayed at the lack of provision for their autistic children, Resources for Autism (RfA) has grown into a major deliverer of services and support in London and the West Midlands with a turnover of circa £2.5m per year. Our mission is to support and enable autistic people to live happy and fulfilling lives. We want to change society’s attitude to autism whilst also providing essential services and enriching opportunities to autistic people. We are a values-driven organisation which employs values-driven people who want to make a difference. Our values are: Inclusion, Creativity, Compassion, Courageousness and Expert.  

Our Services 

All of our services across children and adults and parent/carers, mirror the wider organisational mission of providing safe, fun and meaningful support that enables personal development. These services require the implementation and maintenance of robust back-office systems to ensure quality and drive efficiency.

Role intro - Modernise Systems to Transform Lives — Join Us as our CRM and Data Implementation Manager

We are embarking on a landmark digital transformation. As our CRM and Data Implementation Manager, you will lead the technical delivery and integration of new cloud-based platforms for HR, case management, outcomes reporting and fundraising.

This is a SaaS-first transformation, using flexible and proven platforms. You will act as a key project lead — overseeing data migration, system configuration, supplier liaison, and rollout support — ensuring that our systems meet user needs and future-proof our services.

Additional detail:

As part of this major project we are creating two roles – Digital Transformation Lead; and CRM and Data Implementation Manager.

The CRM and Data Implementation Manager will act as technical product manager for our new suite of SaaS/ CRM solutions, working closely with chosen implementation and provider partners. The focus includes:

• HR management system 
• Case management system 
• Outcomes and reporting management system 
• Fundraising database/ capabilities 

Provisionally we are looking at introducing HiBob to fulfil the HR needs and either Lamplight or CiviCRM for the Case management and Outcome system. The intention is that within the case management system we can incorporate fundraising data too. We currently use Apricot, and have done for a long time. Other data and information is held in many other places i.e. spreadsheets, MSForms, Wufoo. We need technical development expertise for the duration of this project, which is not available among our current staffing cohort, to manage liaisons with providers, and lead on the technical specification, product management, data transfer, roll-out and maintenance of the systems. Alongside this role, we will be recruiting a Digital Transformation Lead who will lead on implementation and change management, work with users to review systems design, and train staff in the effective use of the systems. The postholder will work closely with them to drive the project forward on time and on budget, and to ensure that the technical specifications are aligned to the information needs of the organisation and the needs and working practices of staff. 

This role will be time limited to a two-year fixed-term contract initially, but with the possibility to extend at the end of that period to manage the ongoing implementation and development of the systems. This will be subject to funding. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• Lead on the technical product management process to ensure the efficient delivery a fit-for-purpose and workable system 
• Work closely with the implementation partner to ensure that RfA’s information management and recording needs are met by the system being designed and commissioned 
• Use a recognised technical product management methodology to oversee implementation of the systems 
• Lead on the analysis and cleaning of existing data sources, working with the implementation partner to ensure data is preserved where possible and viable 
• Act as Data Controller for RfA in the meaning of the Data Protection Act in respect of the new database system 
• Ensure that the commissioning process and implementation/installation of the system are delivered on time and on budget 
• Constantly review the development process to ensure focus on organisational needs and prevent function creep 
• Work with the Digital Transformation Lead to help design a programme of ongoing training to ensure that colleagues are confident and expert in the use of the systems  
• Work with the Digital Transformation Lead to train digital change champions within each of RfA’s teams across the organisation to act as drivers of transformation 
• Plan for development and upgrades to the system so that it can keep pace with changes in technology and practice 
• Work closely with the Digital Transformation Lead as part of a Transformation Team to match the technical specification and development to the needs of users 
• Any other duties required to ensure the project is successfully delivered 
• Uphold and adhere to the values of RfA at all time 
• Ensure there is always compliance with RfA’s safeguarding policies and procedures 
• All staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in our services 
• Undertake any other duties asked of you that are commensurate with your grade 

Flexible working: 

Our core office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Flexible working from a remote location is available for this role, however there is an expectation that at least 40% of weekly hours (c. 1 day for this role) will be worked from our offices at either 858 Finchley Road NW11 6AB or 581 Pershore Road B29 7EL. There may be some occasional out of hours working at weekends or evenings to accommodate the training of our sessional staff but this will be rare and with plenty of notice. 

Person Specification 

Skills and experience 

Skills specific to this role

Essential:

• Experience of leading organisational data system projects 
• Experience of using a technical project management approach to an organisationally significant data system implementation project 
• Knowledge of common database platforms e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB etc. 
• Ability to work with staff to ensure technical development is aligned to user need 
• Experience of data cleaning, normalisation and transfer between systems 
• Knowledge and understanding re: confidentiality, data protection and GDPR 
• Good people skills to be able to engage with and support a variety of different system users 
• Ability to source, design, build guides, training, support tools for system users 
• Good communication skills to be able to update, communicate, liaise with external and internal stakeholders 
• Organised with the ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to produce comprehensive progress reports throughout the project life cycle 

Desirable:

• Database design experience 
• Knowledge of autism/neurodiversity 
• Standard skills expected of all staff 
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to different populations including: colleagues, external professionals, service users, families, volunteers, donors 
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills 
• Understanding of the essential principles of Safeguarding   
• Proficient user of a range of IT systems and platforms, particularly MS Office365 
• Self-starter and able to work independently, using own initiative 
• Non-judgemental, compassionate 
• An inclusive and empowering attitude to autism 
• Confidentiality 
• You will have access to confidential information concerning families and other service users and will be required to maintain confidentiality at all times. 

Staff Benefits:

• 90% of our staff say that Resources for Autism is “a great place to work”. 
• Not only will the work you do ensure we are making vital differences and inspiring others, but our other benefits also include: 
• Flexible working patterns with the option to work in a hybrid way (only available for some roles) 
• 25 days of leave (pro rata for part time roles) each year plus 8 bank holidays and an additional 3 Celebration days that could be used between Christmas and new year, but may be used for other religious days or significant days such as your birthday 
• Access to ongoing training and progress in the areas that interest you 
• Access to our wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Enrolment on to our pension scheme 
• A supportive, warm and fun working environment made up of values driven people who are passionate about changing the world for autistic people 

Application process: 

In order that we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes, all applicants are required to complete an application form which must include your full employment history with clear details, any gaps in employment need to be outlined and explained. You are also required to provide details of your education history. To access the application form you can copy and paste the following link. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=5rsn2bfnrE2lxu_MN0eX4asMsU9DmEhKqzQS_IjU5r9UMkhJQzhCQ1VRUVMyMTc4UzdFNFZHRDhMTC4u&route=shorturl. If you are unable to access the application form, please copy and paste the following link to our website. https://www.resourcesforautism.org.uk/  

In your personal statement we would like to see how you feel you meet the person specification and the requirements/responsibilities of the role.    

If for any reason, such as due to accessibility, you feel you would struggle to complete an application form you can contact us via the below email and we may explore other options with you.   

To discuss the role informally or if you need to contact us you can contact the HR team via button below.   

We particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Resources for Autism. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for our community.

As you would expect, we are a neuro-affirming employer, with a strengths and rights based approach to neurodiversity which affirms neurodivergent identity – we don’t want to “fix” or “cure” autism, and we don’t see it as a “disability” however we do recognise it can be “disabling”. We are working to improve the ways in which we recruit and support neurodiverse employees and those with lived experience of neurodiversity.  

RfA is a Disability Confidant employer and candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria, that have a disability will be guaranteed an interview.   

Deadline for applications: 06.06.2025.

Interviews: Week commencing 16.06.2025.