Database Developer & Education Information Systems Lead - Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Role Overview

Database Developer & Education Information Systems Lead at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, part of Aldar Education, located in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Company Overview

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child-centered and innovative schools based in the UAE. The group educates over 38,000 students across owned and managed schools and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organisation places special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training for staff.

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic management, governance and development of academic and operational data systems across Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Ensure the integrity, security and effective utilisation of school information systems while driving automation, reporting and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and educational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Information Systems

• Administer, develop and maintain the School's iSAMS platform.
• Manage integrations between iSAMS, Salesforce, Live Aldar App and other connected systems.
• Lead system upgrades, implementations and ongoing development projects.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and provide technical support where required.
• Support cloud-based data migration and future information system developments.
• Act as the School lead for iSAMS administration, configuration and development.

Data Management & Reporting

• Develop and maintain strategic dashboards using Power BI to support decision-making.
• Produce reports to support Student Progress, Admissions, Attendance, Behaviour, Assessment, Census Returns and Regulatory Reporting.
• Ensure all reporting meets ADEK and Aldar Education requirements.
• Support inspection preparation through the provision of accurate and timely data.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy and security of all academic and operational data.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that automate reporting and reduce manual administrative processes.
• Standardise and automate data processes and reporting to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and enhance decision-making.
• Develop and maintain consistent data standards, governance and reporting practices across the School.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead the strategic management of academic and operational data systems across the School.
• Oversee the ongoing development of the School's academic information systems, ensuring they meet operational and strategic needs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance data quality, reporting capabilities and operational effectiveness.
• Work closely with Aldar Education HQ to support system enhancements, automation initiatives and the implementation of new technologies.
• Act as the cluster subject matter expert for iSAMS, Power BI, Salesforce integrations and associated data systems, ensuring consistency, compliance and best practice.

Stakeholder Support

• Support the Senior Leadership Team through the provision of accurate reporting, data analysis and visualisations.
• Support academic leaders with curriculum, assessment and pupil progress reporting.
• Maintain assessment datasets and reporting frameworks.
• Produce strategic analysis and reports requested by the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.
• Support the Admissions team with data management, reporting and admissions workflows.
• Assist with enrolment forecasting and capacity planning.
• Support the Finance team with student billing and related data where required.
• Work with operational departments to improve administrative efficiency through system development and automation.

Compliance & Data Governance

• Ensure compliance with UAE Data Protection legislation and Aldar Education policies.
• Maintain appropriate user access permissions and system security.
• Ensure the secure handling of sensitive student, parent and employee information.
• Support internal and external audit requirements relating to school data and information systems.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Promote and support a positive culture of health, safety and wellbeing across the School, ensuring all activities are carried out in accordance with Aldar Education policies and procedures.
• Comply with all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policies, procedures and statutory requirements, taking reasonable care for the health and safety of students, visitors and colleagues.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Information Management or related field.
• 4 or more years of experience in a similar area.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong iSAMS experience.
• Experience with Power BI.
• Experience integrating cloud-based systems.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Experience supporting senior leadership through data reporting.

Additional Information

Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package and places special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training. The organisation is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages UAE Nationals to apply. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.