Executive Director MIS & Exams
Location: Peterlee
Salary: up to £75,000 per year dependant on skills and experience
Responsible to: Vice Principal (Finance and Business Planning)
Hours: Full time. Full Year
Imperial Recruitment Group are delighted to be partnering with East Durham College on a retained basis to support the appointment of an Executive Director of MIS & Exams.
Overview
The Executive Director MIS & Exams is a leadership role that provides strategic oversight and operational management of Management Information Services (MIS) and the Examinations functions at East Durham College. The role is designed to ensure that the College's data systems, business intelligence, funding compliance, and examination processes are fully aligned with institutional goals and regulatory requirements. The post holder is charged with delivering high-quality, accurate, and timely information that supports curriculum planning, student performance, and overall College effectiveness. This position plays a pivotal role in driving innovation in data management and exam administration, ensuring that both areas contribute seamlessly to the College's strategic objectives.
Main duties
- Work with the leaders in your portfolio to formulate and implement a comprehensive strategy for the MIS and Examinations functions. Ensure that these areas align with the College's broader strategic objectives, responding proactively to changes in the FE/HE and regulatory landscapes.
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of robust policies and procedures that govern data management, business intelligence, funding compliance, and examination administration. Ensure that these policies meet all statutory, regulatory, and internal standards.
- Drive the adoption of innovative reporting solutions, digital transformation initiatives, and advanced analytics tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of MIS and Exams. Promote a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing processes and implementing best practices.
- Oversee the preparation, validation, and submission of data returns to funding bodies (e.g., DfE and OfS) ensuring strict adherence to compliance requirements. Monitor changes in funding regulations and implement strategies to maximize the College's funded income.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive Management Information System that integrates data across finance, HR, curriculum, and student services. Utilise business intelligence tools to produce dashboards and reports that provide actionable insights to senior management, enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Lead both internal and external audits related to funding, data management, and examination processes. Ensure timely follow-up on audit recommendations and continuously enhance the College's systems to meet evolving regulatory demands.
- Provide strategic leadership and management of the Examinations team. Develop and maintain examination policies, procedures, and systems that ensure the smooth administration of assessments and examinations across the College.
- Ensure that all aspects of the examination process, including scheduling, invigilation, and results processing, are executed to the highest standards of accuracy, security, and compliance with external regulatory bodies.
- Provide effective leadership for three critical teams: the MIS and the Examinations team. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development to ensure that both teams deliver excellence in service.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing environment through regular team meetings, performance reviews, and targeted training programs. Encourage cross-functional collaboration to share insights, streamline workflows, and address challenges collectively.
- Act as a key liaison between the College's senior leadership, curriculum teams, finance, and external bodies. Facilitate regular communication and training sessions to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed of policy changes, technological upgrades, and strategic shifts affecting both MIS and exam functions.
- Work with the IT Director to ensure the maintenance and upgrade of management information systems ensuring minimal disruption to College operations.
- Oversee the integration of data systems. Develop and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that define performance benchmarks for the MIS and Examinations functions.
- Ensure that all MIS and examination processes comply with GDPR, data protection laws, and safeguarding policies. Lead by example in maintaining the highest ethical standards and protecting the welfare of students and staff.
- Prepare for and manage unforeseen challenges such as exam disruptions, system failures, or compliance issues. Develop contingency plans and lead crisis management initiatives to safeguard the College's operational integrity.
- Represent the College at sector-specific forums, conferences, and networking events. Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory updates, and technological advancements in both MIS and examination management.
- Oversee relationships with external vendors and service providers. Ensure the MIS and exam-related systems and services meet the College's quality and performance standards.
- Regularly present comprehensive reports and analyses to the Senior Management Team and relevant committees. Highlight emerging trends, strategic opportunities, and potential risks related to data management and examination processes.
Requirements
- A postgraduate qualification in data management, education leadership, or a related field
- GCSE level standard education or equivalent (maths & English)
- Educated to degree standard or equivalent
- Substantial experience in a senior MIS role, with demonstrable expertise in managing large-scale data systems and funding compliance within an FE or HE environment
- Proven experience in managing an examination's function, including process design, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance
- Strong track record of leading and developing high-performing teams within a complex, multi-faceted organizational structure
- Advanced proficiency in modern MIS systems, business intelligence tools, and examination management software
- Deep knowledge of FE and HE funding methodologies, including DfE, Adult Skills Fund and OfS
- Advanced user knowledge with software and tools such as ProSuite, Power BI, and secure digital exam platforms
- Demonstrated experience in project management and system integrations within large educational institutions
- A proactive approach to staying updated on evolving regulatory requirements and technological advancements in both data management and examinations
For more information about this opportunity please get in touch with Dan Pilkington at Imperial Recruitment Group
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