Michelle Hooper

Oversee regional operations in the Middle East and Africa, focusing on developing and executing student recruitment strategies to meet business goals and growth targets. Expertise in managing MENA region student recruitment, including budgeting, setting targets, pricing, and organizing recruitment activities and events to support annual planning.

· Spearheaded the development and execution of targeted student recruitment strategies, aligning with program-specific profiles and utilizing networks such as agent partnerships and high school councilors.

· Coordinated and represented the Business School at key recruitment events, including information sessions, webinars, postgraduate fairs, and university visits, in collaboration with the Recruitment and Outreach team.

· Acted as the primary contact for prospective students, efficiently managing enquiries through email, phone, and in-person interactions to provide exceptional guidance and support.

· Assessed candidate suitability for programs in line with entry requirements, organizing and conducting consultations to enhance the admissions process.

· Cultivated and sustained relationships with prospective students and offer holders, offering professional advice on the admissions process, program details, and driving the conversion of top-quality applicants.

· Executed outreach campaigns targeting offer holders and applicants-in-progress via multiple channels, such as phone and email marketing, to support business objectives.

· Maintained an in-depth understanding of domestic and international recruitment trends, leveraging market insights to inform strategic planning and decision-making.

• Leading a team of Student Recruitment Sales Advisors & Interns, mentoring & coaching to deliver quality advisory to prospects, and achieve Sales targets & KPIs
• Partnering with the Director of Enrollment to co-create the budget for Student Recruitment & forecast Sales for South East Asia, RCIS, Middle East, Europe & Africa
• Co-create the Marketing strategy & Marketing budget allocation, with a focus on Digital Marketing, SEO, Social Media campaigns & Brand Communications
• Creating & implementing a local UAE school initiative, focusing on brand recognition, securing a competitive position in the UAE education market
• Streamlining processes & driving improvements via close partnership with other Vertical Heads (Admissions & Visa, Academic, Student Services), resulting in cost optimization, time & resource utilization

• Leading a team of Student Recruitment Sales & Marketing Interns, mentoring & coaching to deliver quality advisory to prospects, and achieve Sales targets & KPIs
• Building Student recruitment strategy for RCIS (Russian Common Independent States), Europe & Middle East, focusing on territory plan, budgeting, forecasting & resource utilization
• Developing & Implementing Channels strategy (Direct & Agent networks) in line with Navitas' Regional strategy for onshore & offshore student recruitment
• Utilizing Data & Analytics (Salesforce, StudyLink, Navigate) for Sales Reporting, Management reporting & strategic decision making

• Owned end to end student counseling via Contact Center's multi channel (inbound & outbound) services, delivering personalized value based advisory
• Partnered with all education Departments in the University, to build & deliver optimum solutions to the students

• Strategized, planned & executed student recruitment for Global MBA programs in the Middle East, Africa & India
• Functionally led a team of Telesales & Enrollment Advisors, growing & over achieving enrollment targets
• Grew South Africa & Nigeria territory by implementing process improvements in Lead generation, scholarships, student advisory, Financial Aid counseling etc
• Planned & managed budgets for Student Fairs & Alumni Events in domestic & international markets, hosting successful 'Meet & Greet' events, contributing to enrollment growth

• End to end ownership & delivery of student recruitment targets via student counseling & eligibility evaluations.
• Managing the entire process of visa documentation & interview preparation, ensuring smooth enrollment process.

• Promoted top-ranked programs to potential candidates from the Middle East & Africa via direct marketing and sales activities including in person fairs and events.
• Consistently over achieved individual sales targets and performance KPIs.