Description
ISP ME Regional Retention Manager Role Profile
Purpose of Role
We are seeking a dynamic Regional Retention Manager to join our team in this new and exciting role. The Schools Retention Manager, based in the central office in Dubai, will report to the Regional Head of Admissions and oversee schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. They will focus on student retention by implementing effective strategies for enhanced satisfaction. Additionally, the Retention Manager will build collaborative relationships with school senior leadership team and parents through engaging initiatives, fostering overall growth and student retention rates. This is a 6-month temporary contract.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Key Responsibilities
- School Engagement: Collaborative Engagement with Senior Leadership: Cultivate strong relationships with the school’s senior leadership team, including principals, heads of departments, and other key decision-makers. Work closely with them to align retention objectives with the overall school strategy and vision.
- Parent Engagement Initiatives: Develop and execute parent engagement initiatives to foster strong relationships between the schools and parents. Organize regular meetings, workshops, and interactive sessions that encourage parental involvement in their child's education and school activities.
- Develop and Implement Retention Strategies: Devise and execute comprehensive retention strategies tailored to each school's unique requirements. Collaborate with school administrators and staff to identify areas for improvement and implement initiatives that foster student retention.
- Collaborative Communication: Foster open and transparent communication with school staff, parents, and students to address concerns and proactively resolve issues that may impact student retention.
- Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Establish and track KPIs related to student retention and success. Regularly report performance to the Regional Head of Admissions and school leadership, suggesting improvements where necessary.
- Parent Communication: Review channels of communication with parents, ensuring they are well informed about school events, academic progress, and important updates. Maintain regular contact through newsletters, emails, and social media platforms.
- Parent Surveys and Feedback: Work closely with the Regional Head of PR to review parent satisfaction levels via the NPS and gather feedback on school programs and events. Utilise the feedback to enhance parent engagement strategies and tailor events to meet the needs and preferences of parents.
- School Events Coordination: Collaborate with school’s Senior Leadership Team and events and Comms Coordinators to plan and execute engaging events that promote parent-school interactions. These events may include parent-teacher conferences, open houses, cultural celebrations, and community engagement activities.
- Event Evaluation and Improvement: Evaluate the success and impact of parent engagement events regularly. Utilise data and feedback to make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement and to plan future events that align with the needs and preferences of parents.
- Parent Volunteer Program: Establish and attend parent volunteer programs in each school to encourage parents to actively participate in school events and activities. Recognise and appreciate the efforts of parent volunteers to strengthen their sense of belonging to the school community.
- Parent Education Workshops: Collaborate with the school’s Senior Leadership Team to Organize informative workshops for parents on relevant topics such as child development, parenting techniques, and academic support.
- Alumni Engagement: Develop strategies to engage alumni, maintain strong connections, and encourage their involvement in advocating for the schools.
- Training and Development: Conduct training sessions for school staff on best practices for student retention, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with the school's retention objectives.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is a distinct advantage.
- Experience: Proven experience in an academic, leadership, or similar role, ideally within a school environment.
- Relationship Building: A demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with a diverse parent community and other key stakeholders.
- Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Fluency in both English and Arabic is a desirable asset.
- Mindset: A proactive, strategic mindset focused on community building and relationship management, with the drive to achieve ambitious goals.
- Analytical Skills: A data-driven and analytical approach to assessing feedback and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Work Style: Ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of a team.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.