Director of Management Information Services (MIS) & Funding in Liverpool

Salary: Circa £86,000

Job Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

The Director of MIS & Funding is a key strategic and high-profile role across the Group and reports into the Deputy Chief Executive.

Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Department: MIS

Location: Liverpool

Compensation: £86,000 / year

Responsibilities

• Provide effective strategic and operational leadership of the Management Information Service (MIS), Business Intelligence, Funding and Compliance and Business Support teams.
• Have overall responsibility for providing accurate and timely reports and information relating to funding and performance data.
• Ensure timely submission of key statistical and funding returns to relevant agencies.
• Build strong relationships with managers across the College to ensure that data and information required by all stakeholders is available on a timely basis.
• Contribute to, and work as part of the College’s Strategic Leadership Team, including providing timely and accurate information to enable effective management decision making.
• Lead and manage the MIS, Business Intelligence, Funding and Compliance and Business Support teams to meet College objectives and maintain high levels of professional customer service.
• Lead, manage and review systems to ensure effective collection and analysis of information related to College programmes, learners and accommodation.
• Use data management and analytical skills to understand needs and incorporate them into integrated information solutions that support the organisation.
• Contribute to business planning processes and assist with strategic planning for curriculum development and financial planning.
• Provide proactive strategic guidance on MIS issues and implications of funding changes; ensure data compliance with funding and audit guidance.
• Ensure statutory data validation processes and returns are completed within external deadlines.
• Produce timely validated data for funding bodies.
• Provide clear, accurate Management Information reports to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
• Advise staff on accessing information and provide in-house MIS training as appropriate.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators and report issues to leaders and managers.
• Lead liaison with internal and external auditors on data audits.
• Review and improve data-led systems and processes, including the corporate timetabling system.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant funding frameworks and attend sector groups to stay updated on developments in learner information management.
• Performance manage and motivate MIS staff, conduct appraisals, and develop staff through annual development plans.
• Plan and communicate system maintenance and upgrades with minimal business impact.

Professional Practice and Values

• Contribute to the mission and values of the College Group and ensure effective implementation across College life.
• Take responsibility for personal professional development, Health & Safety, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, DPA, Safeguarding).
• Support cross-college activities as required during key enrolment and invigilation periods.
• Carry out any other relevant duties as determined by the needs of the service and grade.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• Experience of managing complex and diverse groups of stakeholders and engaging at both a strategic and operational level.
• Experience of analysing business needs and producing solutions.
• Experience of developing/implementing/managing systems to ensure accurate reporting of records to external agencies by deadlines.
• Experience of developing effective systems for maintaining the integrity, accuracy and completeness of large databases, including student and course records.
• Experience of validating and overseeing the submission of ILRs.
• Experience of College funding rules and requirements.
• Understanding of retention and achievement methodology for all funding streams.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Strong understanding of the relationship between the student record database, individualised student record, and funding agency data standards.
• Ability to identify requirements, specify, develop and produce accurate reports from stored data to inform Group functions and strategic planning.
• Ability to respond to changing data requirements and lead corresponding technical/administrative development.
• Understanding and ability to implement the Group’s Equal Opportunities and Quality Assurance policies in the curriculum.
• Effective oral and written communication and the ability to produce clear analytical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; commitment to targets and high standards; a client-centred approach.
• Flexible attitude to changing demands from clients.

Desirable Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• Ability to write complex SQL queries to extract information.
• Ability to produce reports in Power BI.
• Extensive experience of ProSolution and related products.
• Extensive experience of curriculum planning.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance: 40 days annual holiday allowance, plus 1 annual wellbeing day.
• Pension Scheme: You’ll be part of the Local Government Pension Scheme, with generous employer contributions of up to 20.20%.
• Employee Benefits Platform: Access to the COLC Employee Benefits Platform with discounts and perks, including Cycle to Work, and other wellbeing offers.
• Health and Wellbeing: Health Assured EAP with 24/7 confidential support, online wellbeing portal, Wisdom App, eye test voucher scheme, and flu vaccinations.
• Travel: Interest-free loans to buy annual travel passes with Merseytravel and Merseyrail.
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options based on business needs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for formal and informal development.
• College Benefits: Access to on-site facilities and staff discounts at College salons and restaurant.