Parent Relations Executive

THE ACADEMY

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World School for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the Academy is authorised to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes (across 2 campuses), and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We serve a multi-ethnic community in the heart of Dubai, with a student body drawn from over 100 countries. Non-selective, our ethos is grounded in the IB Learner Profile; we encourage intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a real sense of communal endeavour. The Academy has gained national and international recognition for its work to improve outcomes for students, as well as its aspirational and inclusive vision. As a member of the GWA community you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Academy whilst working alongside an exceptionally talented group of teachers and leaders.

GEMS World Academy-Dubai develops inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world. Supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities, our diverse international community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Our aim is to be a leading world-class IB school that maximises every student’s learning and character to enable them to choose their own successful path, and positively contribute to the local and global society.

THE ROLE

We are looking to appoint an outstanding Parent Relations Executive to support the Principal/CEO and Corporate and Community Engagement Manager in developing a strong and active parent community as the central pillar of the academy’s culture.  To ensure achievement of enrollment targets, provide high quality customer service to new and existing parents and promotion and marketing of the academy to relevant stakeholders. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic and determined to support the academy in continuing its improvement and growth.

Key Accountabilities

• Day to day management of the academy’s Front of House/Reception ensures the provision of quality customer service to new and existing parents across all customer touchpoints (across both campuses).
• Management and continual development of the academy’s communication channels, such as newsletters, to ensure the parent community is fully aware of the academy’s activities as a key driver of customer/student retention.
• Organise parent/community events in order to engage parents in academy activities and celebrations and support the academy’s parent engagement activities.
• Promote the academy by providing stories and photographic material that promotes the academy’s achievements both academically and other, for GEMS internal newsletters and the academy’s communication channels (e.g. website, LCD screens, newsletters etc). If required, these should be supported in English and Arabic.
• Collaborate with Principal/CEO, SLT and other members of the FOH to develop and implement retention strategies in order to maintain budget enrollment numbers at the academy.
• Undertake regular surveys of new parent views on enrollment process and other subjects of relevance. Collate responses and produce analysis with recommendations.
• In conjunction with the Corporate and Community Engagement Manager and the Corporate Marketing team, assist with the development and implementation of the school marketing strategy as a key driver of enrolments and ensuring all marketing material, including digital communication is always current.
• In collaboration with the Corporate and Community Engagement Manager and Admissions Manager, develop an events calendar to support the enrollment activities for the academic year.
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Maintain open lines of communication to existing parents to ensure their concerns, complaints and feedback are handled effectively, efficiently and in a timely manner (liaising with other school staff or departments as required)
• Promote, when appropriate, other GEMS schools by arranging appointments, interviews and facilitate relationships between parents and GEMS schools.
• Attend project / staff meetings and serve on committees as required.

Expected Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree is mandatory and must be attested in country of study & UAE MOFA attestation.
• Proficient secretarial skills, and extensive knowledge & experience with MS office programmes.

Expected Experience:

• A minimum two years in a customer service focused role.
• Proven success with meeting sales targets is mandatory; ability to influence the team to deliver quality results and meet sales targets consistently is critical.
• Relationship management experience – able to build and influence professional relationships with peer groups as well as parental community.
• Effective communicator (written and spoken).
• Interpersonal skills, able to operate in a diverse environment.

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• English Speaker with exceptional skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to multi-task and cope with peaks of demand
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Must enjoy public contact and dealing with customers face-to-face
• Exceptional English skills, both verbal and written
• Bi-lingual is an advantage

We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to enhanced checks.

YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITS

An excellent remuneration package is available for successful candidates including; a competitive tax free salary, premium medical insurance and life insurance, working permit and residence visa, flight allowance, tuition fee concession within GEMS schools, 38 calendar days yearly annual leave and other benefits in line with the UAE Labour Law. In addition to these, we offer:

• A collaborative team with an excellent support system
• An excellent programme of continuing professional development
• The opportunity to develop personally and professionally
• A commitment to staff wellbeing, including access to all of our sports facilities, weekly fitness sessions, and staff social events
• GEMS Rewards which offers a package of benefits for staff such as retail discounts, savings on gym membership, cinema tickets and many other offers