Job Description
Executive Director – MIS & Exams
Location: Peterlee
Salary: Up to £75,000 per year (dependent on experience)
Reporting to: Vice Principal (Finance & Business Planning)
Hours: Full time, full year
Imperial Recruitment Group is delighted to partner with East Durham College to appoint an Executive Director of MIS & Exams.
Main Purpose
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.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver strategy for MIS and Examinations aligned to College goals and sector changes
* Lead policies and procedures for data management, reporting, funding compliance, and exams
* Drive digital transformation, reporting innovation, and continuous improvement
* Oversee data returns (e.g. DfE, OfS), ensuring compliance and maximising funding
* Maintain integrated MIS systems across finance, HR, curriculum, and student services
* Produce dashboards and reports to support data-driven decisions
* Lead internal and external audits and ensure continuous system improvements
* Provide leadership of the Examinations function, ensuring smooth, compliant delivery
* Ensure exam processes (scheduling, invigilation, results) meet high standards
* Lead and develop MIS and Exams teams, setting objectives and supporting performance
* Promote collaboration, training, and high performance across teams
* Act as a key liaison with senior leaders, curriculum, finance, and external bodies
* Work with IT to maintain and enhance systems with minimal disruption
* Oversee system integration and monitor SLAs
* Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and data protection standards
* Manage risks, including system failures or exam disruptions, with contingency planning
* Represent the College externally and stay updated on sector developments
* Manage external suppliers and system providers
* Present reports to senior leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities
Requirements
* Degree (or equivalent) and postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
* GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English
* Significant senior MIS experience within FE or HE
* Experience managing examinations, including compliance and operations
* Proven leadership of high-performing teams
* Strong knowledge of funding methodologies (DfE, Adult Skills Fund, OfS)
* Advanced skills in MIS systems, BI tools (e.g. Power BI), and exam platforms
* Experience with systems such as ProSuite and data integration projects
* Strong project management capability
* Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory and technological developments
For more information about this opportunity please get in touch with Dan Pilkington at Imperial Recruitment Group