Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Shiju Balan

Shiju Balan

Dubai

Summary

With a extensive 18-year tenure in the dynamic field of education, A seasoned professional who has excelled in various capacities, including Registry, Enrollment, Examination, Graduation, and Professional Services. Expertise spans crucial areas such as Operations, Partnership Management, Project Execution, HR, Admissions, Recruitment, Marketing, Sales, and Business Development. Throughout the career, consistently delivered tangible results and facilitated growth initiatives. Track record underscores the ability to drive projects forward and deliver exceptional service within the educational sector. PROFESSIONAL SYNOPSIS CAREER PROFILE - 2

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager - Operations & Business Development

Victorian Institute of Technology
10.2022 - Current
  • Lead and direct service delivery efforts by providing effective leadership to staff ensuring alignment with strategic objectives to optimize performance
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and execute strategic plans for each financial and academic cycle, driving team success and achievement of organizational goals
  • Drive team productivity through continuous monitoring, motivation, and development of team members, supported by rigorous performance management practices
  • Exercise prudent financial management by overseeing day-to-day budgets, maintaining fiscal discipline, and ensuring accurate financial records while optimizing resource allocation
  • Spearhead business development initiatives, with a focus on B2B marketing, research and development partnerships, consultancy services, and licensing agreements to stimulate growth
  • Cultivate and nurture enduring relationships with industry partners, fostering long-term value and proactive business engagement opportunities
  • Identify and capitalize on high-impact opportunities in collaboration with academic groups, expanding revenue streams and enhancing organizational growth
  • Oversee the sales funnel and streamline support processes, leveraging CRM tools like Salesforce to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.

Operations Officer

British Council
10.2021 - 09.2022
  • Develop and execute strategic short and long-term resourcing plans to optimize staff and partner engagement in exam services
  • Ensure strict adherence to local HR policies and procedures during the recruitment and induction process for venue staff
  • Foster strong relationships with venue staff and British Council colleagues to elevate service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction
  • Effectively manage key client accounts, with a focus on prioritizing student experience and wellbeing
  • Conduct comprehensive training sessions for venue staff on essential topics such as Child Protection, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), exam security, and compliance standards
  • Provide extensive wellbeing services to students, including personalized accommodations for candidates with determination or disabilities
  • Maintain positive relationships with former stakeholders and actively manage ongoing partnerships to drive mutual success
  • Design and deliver targeted seminars and training sessions to foster industry relationships and knowledge sharing
  • Oversee the seamless execution of examinations across multiple venues in Dubai and the northern emirates, driving operational efficiency through the identification and resolution of inefficiencies.

Registrar

NI Model School
10.2020 - 09.2021
  • Managed registry department, ensuring streamlined operations and adherence to compliance standards
  • Skilled in verifying certificate authenticity for attestations, collaborating with KHDA and principals to facilitate process
  • Coordinated documentation for Annual KHDA Inspection, maintaining high quality assurance standards and compliance
  • Demonstrated project management capabilities, optimizing admissions processes and enrollment strategies for enhanced efficiency
  • Adept in cross-cultural communication and staff supervision, fostering collaborative and inclusive environment within team
  • Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures, contributing to enhancement of academic registry functions
  • Exceptional time management skills, effectively balancing responsibilities on committees and addressing complaints promptly
  • Fostered partnerships and collaborations, enriching academic support systems and contributing to overall institutional growth
  • Guided students in career planning and wellbeing as dedicated Career Adviser, ensuring holistic support for student success
  • Exhibited strong administrative acumen, contributing to improvement of student and organizational culture.

Senior AAO Officer

Heriot-Watt University
09.2011 - 09.2020
  • Expertly oversee school operations, providing vital support across multiple departments to ensure smooth functioning
  • Streamline online enrollment, student registration, and facilitate examination and graduation processes for enhanced efficiency
  • Lead quality assurance and enhancement initiatives to uphold educational excellence and compliance with accreditation standards
  • Collaborate in the approval of new programs, ensuring alignment with accreditation requirements and participating in periodic reviews
  • Meticulously prepare for internal and external inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory quality assurance standards set by organizations like KHDA
  • Supervise examination procedures, ensuring strict adherence to university policies and regulations, including accurate marks entry and timely result publication
  • Provide specialized support and guidance to Students of Determination, enhancing their academic journey and experience
  • Deliver comprehensive career guidance to students, aiding in their professional development and future success
  • Maintain accurate student records in accordance with university policy, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality
  • Provide robust support to the student services department through various communication channels, fostering a responsive and supportive environment
  • Ensure prompt publication of board results on the school website and dissemination to media outlets, enhancing transparency and accessibility
  • Engage directly with parents to resolve inquiries and facilitate the admissions process, ensuring a seamless experience
  • Collaborate with the SEND department to ensure appropriate class placements for students with special needs, promoting inclusivity and support
  • Actively participated in personnel meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and stay updated on policies and procedures
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Chief Administrative Officer

IGNOU University
03.2008 - 08.2011
  • Directed daily operations at the educational center, ensuring smooth administrative functionality and efficient resource allocation
  • Led the Academic Registry Department, optimizing academic administration processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
  • Managed the Marketing & Admissions Team, enhancing student recruitment strategies and increasing brand visibility
  • Oversaw Admissions Department operations, maintaining high standards of enrollment processes and ensuring a positive applicant experience
  • Served as Examination Superintendent, coordinating and executing center-wide examinations to uphold academic integrity
  • Managed student recruitment & training initiatives, fostering academic growth and skill development among students
  • Provided support to a diverse student body of 2,000 students, ensuring a high-quality educational experience and addressing student needs
  • Advocated for the introduction of new academic programs based on student and market needs, contributing to program innovation and development
  • Coordinated with the main university to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations, upholding academic standards and compliance
  • Ensured meticulous handling of student registration and record-keeping, safeguarding student information and privacy
  • Strategically planned advertising and budgeting efforts to maximize resource allocation and impact in the market.

Marketing Head

MG University
03.2007 - 02.2008
  • Provided leadership to dynamic marketing team, driving admissions and enhancing brand recognition for MGU
  • Developed and executed strategic advertising campaigns to strengthen MGU's market presence and attract prospective students
  • Spearheaded initiatives to position MGU as distinguished educational brand, fostering trust and credibility among stakeholders
  • Directed recruitment and training efforts to build high-performing marketing team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
  • Orchestrated effective orientation programs for newly onboarded faculty and staff, facilitating seamless integration into organization
  • Ensured superior applicant experiences throughout recruitment process, optimizing recruitment and conversion rates
  • Increased brand awareness through the development and implementation of strategic marketing campaigns, contributing to overall growth and success.

Admissions Manager

Birla Institute of Technology
02.2006 - 02.2007
  • Led a dynamic marketing team to spearhead admissions growth, driving strategic initiatives to attract prospective students
  • Ensured the implementation of robust admissions processes and strategies, resulting in favorable outcomes for BITIC
  • Crafted and executed strategic advertising campaigns to enhance BITIC's brand positioning and visibility in the marketplace
  • Positioned BITIC as a distinguished brand within the educational landscape through targeted marketing efforts and brand-building activities
  • Directed recruitment efforts and implemented comprehensive training programs to build a skilled and motivated admissions team

Skills

  • MBA - HRM & Marketing Bharathiar University India
  • Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) Bharathiar University India

Skills

Academic and Student services | Academic Administration | Admissions/Recruitment | Examination Management | Persuasive Communications and Negotiations | Assessment Policy and procedures | Quality assurance procedures | Business Development | Marketing & Sales Problem Solving | Client Relationship | Management Accreditation Standards | Operations Management | Project Management | Partnership/Collaboration | MS Office

Languages

  • English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil.

Timeline

Manager - Operations & Business Development

Victorian Institute of Technology
10.2022 - Current

Operations Officer

British Council
10.2021 - 09.2022

Registrar

NI Model School
10.2020 - 09.2021

Senior AAO Officer

Heriot-Watt University
09.2011 - 09.2020

Chief Administrative Officer

IGNOU University
03.2008 - 08.2011

Marketing Head

MG University
03.2007 - 02.2008

Admissions Manager

Birla Institute of Technology
02.2006 - 02.2007
Shiju Balan