Deeba Alvi
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Strategic operational leader with expertise in regulatory compliance and comprehensive admissions management. Skilled in team leadership, process improvement, and financial management to drive operational efficiency. Experienced in crisis and customer relationship management, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of Operations
Al Fanar School
Dubai, UAE
2024.10 - Current
- Lead all non-academic operations to ensure the school runs efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with KHDA, MOE, DHA, RTA, Civil Defence, and other regulatory bodies.
- Manage cross-functional teams including admissions, reception, facilities,procurement, transport, security, administration, and support services to maintain operational excellence across the campus.
- Coordinate KHDA inspections, regulatory audits, licensing requirements, and government submissions, ensuring full compliance with UAE education regulations.
- Direct facilities, health and safety, and safeguarding across the campus, including risk assessments, emergency planning, and regular compliance drills.
- Monitor budgets and expenditure, ensuring effective resource allocation, financial accountability, and alignment with school objectives
- Oversee school clinic and transport services, ensuring DHA and RTA compliance, licensed medical staff, safe routing, and clear communication with parents and providers.
- Lead and supervise non-academic and support staff, coordinating recruitment, licensing, training, and performance in partnership with HR.
Head of Admissions & Students Recruitment
Amity School
Dubai, UAE
2022.08 - 2024.10
- Developed enrolment strategy to exceed school targets in alignment with senior leadership priorities.
- Oversaw admissions and assessment processes in collaboration with academic and inclusion teams, ensuring efficiency and equity.
- Managed admissions data and student records to ensure compliance and accurate real-time reporting.
- Oversaw reception, marketing, and parent relations functions, supporting enrolment growth while ensuring efficient school operations and exceptional service to parents and students.
- Enhanced parent engagement and customer service standards, contributing to improved satisfaction, student retention, and positive community relations.
Head of Admissions & Students Recruitment
Global Business Studies
Dubai
2021.06 - 2022.07
- Developed and executed a data-driven global enrollment strategy, aligning admissions targets with institutional growth objectives and market demand in international education.
- Led cross-functional collaboration with academic and marketing teams to optimize the student recruitment lifecycle, enhancing conversion rates and ensuring a seamless applicant experience across diverse international markets.
- Managed end-to-end admissions operations for a multicultural student body, ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic alignment with business performance goals.
Senior Admissions Counsellor
Middlesex University
Dubai
2013.05 - 2021.05
- Managed high volumes of enquiries, applications, and leads daily, ensuring efficient processing and strong conversion outcomes within a high-performing recruitment team.
- Delivered an effective, student-centred admissions service across the full applicant journey, from initial enquiry through to enrolment, for a diverse student body of over 110 nationalities.
- Contributed to the achievement of 1,600+ annual student enrolments by consistently exceeding individual conversion targets and increasing recruitment numbers by over 50% within assigned schools.
- Assisted the Student Recruitment Manager in supervising and supporting a team of five, contributing to performance management and operational delivery.
Business Development Executive
Cambridge College International
Dubai
2010.04 - 2013.04
- Designed and implemented monthly promotional initiatives that enhanced lead-to-enrolment conversion rates.
- Planned and executed student outreach initiatives that significantly increased institutional visibility, resulting in a 30% increase in qualified leads.
- Developed monthly and annual enrolment targets, aligning team planning with quarterly and yearly performance goals.
- Counselled prospective students via calls and walk-ins, offering guidance on programmes, fees, and scholarships to facilitate informed enrolment decisions.
Education
Master of Arts - English
Lucknow University
2002.01 - 2004.01
Bachelor of Arts - English and Education
Lucknow University
1999.01 - 2002.01
Skills
- Operations management
- Strategic Operational Leadership
- Budget management
- Regulatory compliance
- Health and safety management
- Crisis management
- Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Data analysis
- Workforce optimisation
- Enrollment Management
- Admissions management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Customer Relationship Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Culture development
- Health and Safety regulations
Certification
- Person In Charge - Advanced Examination & Satisfied the Certification & Scheme Requirements - Highfield International
- Safety & Fire Prevention Awareness Workshop & Practical Training on the Use of Fire Extinguishers - Dubai Civil Defense
- Health and Safety at Workplace Training - Dynatech
- Staff Wellbeing for International Schools - TES
- Child Protection for International Schools - TES
LANGUAGES
English - Proficient
Urdu - Native
Hindi - Native
REFERENCE
Available upon request
Accomplishments
- Enrolment Growth: Increased student enrolment by 30% within the first year through targeted outreach & strategic partnerships.
- Process Efficiency: Reduced admissions processing time to 24 hours, significantly improving responsiveness and family experience.
- Sales Performance: Led a team to exceed sales targets by 50% through enhanced recruitment and conversion strategies.
- Innovation in Operations: Received the Administrative and Support Service Innovation Award for streamlining recruitment processes and boosting productivity.
STRENGTH
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Skilled in using CRM, SIS, and data analysis to track performance, inform strategy, and support sustainable institutional growth.
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership: Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, collaborating with senior leadership, and engaging effectively with families and external partners.
- Operational & Regulatory Excellence: Proven track record in leading non-academic operations and ensuring full compliance with KHDA, DHA, RTA, and Civil Defence regulations.
- Crisis Management & Problem-Solving: Demonstrates resilience and composure in high-pressure situations, utilizing strong professional judgment to resolve complex issues and manage parent escalations effectively.
Timeline
Head of Operations
Al Fanar School
2024.10 - Current
Head of Admissions & Students Recruitment
Amity School
2022.08 - 2024.10
Head of Admissions & Students Recruitment
Global Business Studies
2021.06 - 2022.07
Senior Admissions Counsellor
Middlesex University
2013.05 - 2021.05
Business Development Executive
Cambridge College International
2010.04 - 2013.04
Master of Arts - English
Lucknow University
2002.01 - 2004.01
Bachelor of Arts - English and Education
Lucknow University
1999.01 - 2002.01