Regional Director of Student Recruitment

Global University Systems is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward,enabling a brighter future for all.Our network of 30institutionsoffers the broad estrange of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible, and digital-first learning. We currently educate around 122,000 students on campuses worldwide and have 20M+ unique subscribers to our courses. Our global ecosystem powers accessible digital learning and academic achievement.

Position:

The Regional Director of Student Recruitment is a senior leadership position within a private higher education group, responsible for driving sustainable growth through strategic local partnerships, school relationships, and cross-brand collaboration. The role focuses on B2B engagement—particularly with local schools, colleges, and institutional partners—to expand market reach and student enrollment.

This position requires a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a deep understanding of the higher education landscape, proven success in building long-term relationships, and a passion for community-based growth. The ideal candidate excels in stakeholder engagement, sales team leadership, and developing locally rooted strategies that drive enrollment and brand visibility. The ideal candidate will have deep roots and networks in Dubai’s education ecosystem, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record of success in higher education business development.

Relationship Development & Local Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with local Dubai schools, colleges, and education authorities to create a sustained student recruitment pipeline.
• Lead outreach efforts with school counselors, principals, and education consultants in Dubai and the broader UAE
• Act as the primary point of contact for local education stakeholders, ensuring strong engagement, collaboration, and responsiveness
• Initiate and manage local events, workshops, and presentations to drive brand awareness and conversions
  
  

Strategic Business Development

• Build and nurture long-term relationships with agents, institutional partners, and other stakeholders
• Oversee the performance of existing partnerships, ensuring they deliver on agreed goals and objectives
• Represent the institution at key UAE-based industry events, education expos, and government forums
• Identify emerging trends, partnership opportunities, and market gaps within Dubai’s competitive education landscape.
  
  

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead a growing business development team with a strong focus on collaboration, accountability, and results
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics; track progress and optimize outcomes through data-driven decisions
  
  

Operational Leadership and Collaboration:

• Work closely with marketing, admissions, and academic leadership to align partnership efforts with brand priorities and student experience
• Ensure smooth onboarding and integration of new partners into the institution's systems and processes.
• Collaborate across multiple institutions and brands within the group to maintain consistency and maximize shared value.
  
  

Market Expertise and Expansion:

• Lead efforts to expand into new markets, leveraging data and insights to guide decision-making.
• Stay informed on regulatory changes, market trends, and competitive dynamics to maintain a strategic edge.
• Develop innovative approaches to business development that align with the institution's mission and goals
  
  

Requirements:

Experience and Qualifications:

• Proven track record in business development, including managing partnerships and B2B relationships within the higher education sector.
• A deep understanding of Dubai's education landscape with a strong local network of school leaders, agents, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong experience in leading and developing teams, with a focus on performance and growth.
• Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding revenue and growth targets.
• Expertise in working across multiple brands or institutional entities, with a focus on collaboration and alignment.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish long-term partnerships.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, data analysis, and market intelligence tools
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or professional training in recruitment, business, or a related field is a strong advantage
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.
  
  

Other information:

Please note this position is only available on our Consultancy agreement.

We acknowledge receipt of your resume for a position at Global University Systems and sincerely appreciate your interest in our company.

We will screen all applicant CVs and select the candidates whose qualifications and experience meet our requirements. Please note due to the high volume of applications we will only contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success.

Global University Systems equal opportunity employer. We provide equal opportunities and are committed to the principle of equality regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. The post holder may be asked to undertake different or additional duties in line with business requirements at the request of their line manager. There is an expectation that all employees will maintain the values of the Group and will comply with the code of conduct as well as equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding policies