Manisha Samal
Associate Director
Riyadh
Summary
International educational professional with 15 yrs. of global experience across 6 countries, driving institutional growth and student success in the MENA region.
Skilled in team leadership, program development, strategic recruitment, and student services. Committed to delivering excellence and academic quality in higher education.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Associate Director for Undergraduate & Master's Programs
IE University
01.2025 - Current
- Guided around 900 prospective students and families throughout the admissions process with personalized support, one-to-one consultations, and information sessions, achieving a 19% increase in applications, 69% rise in admissions, and 11.7% conversion rate
- Executed data-driven marketing and strategic outreach & recruitment activities throughout Saudi Arabia & Bahrain, including high school visits, education & company fairs, conversion events, and Master classes, to increase visibility and enrollment in IE University’s programs
- Represented IE University at 7 global education and company fairs with over 5,000 candidates seeking undergraduate, Master’s, Executive education, and Summer programs
- Developed and fostered relationships with multiple stakeholders, including high school counselors, local & international schools, and IE partnerships
Professor of English & Coordinator
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
11.2020 - 01.2025
- Managed a team of teachers providing guidance in their use of LMS programs in the E-Learning Unit
- Recreated 27 exams following accreditation procedures in the Assessment Unit providing quality assurance
- Assessed and reviewed accreditation processes in the Quality Assurance Unit
- Scheduled 200 instructors in the Scheduling Unit
- Taught General, Health Sciences, & Academic English to university students via face-to-face & online learning platforms: Microsoft Teams and Blackboard
Academic Director
EF Education First
12.2018 - 04.2020
- Managed all aspects of the English language programs as well as a team 8 teachers ensuring high academic standards and excellent customer service for international students
- Pioneered the first remote classes for EF schools in North America during the pandemic.
- Led 4 professional development workshops, 24 classroom observations, and planned 12 academic sessions
- Delivered 78 international student orientations, enhancing cultural awareness and local integration.
- Significantly improved the Accelerated College Diploma Program by designing 4 academically rigorous courses, elevating program quality and student acceptance into partner colleges.
- Evaluated student learning outcomes via data-driven assessments, surveys, and focus groups, leading to the development of courses featuring experiential, AI-integrated, and project based learning.
Academic Director
ILSC Education Group
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Oversaw and developed 6 academic programs (English, French, Hindi, TESOL, private tutoring, and corporate training) in a thriving global language school significantly improving teaching quality and educational services for local & international students
- Managed a team of 22 teachers, including hiring and conducting onboarding training for 9 new staff members.
- Provided ongoing professional development for teachers, conducting 4 workshops and evaluating performance of 10 teachers.
- Introduced 5 new courses to enhance and diversify program offerings.
- Planned 10 academic sessions (averaging 40 classes per term) and assessed over 300 student placement tests.
- Monitored student retention and analyzed performance outcomes to improve learning results.
English Instructor
EF English First
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Instructed international students via online learning platforms using top e-learning technologies and providing individualized assessment
English Professor
Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo
11.2015 - 01.2016
- Taught Advanced English to engineering students incorporating instructional technology for improved language learning
Professor of English & Research Methods
Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Taught and developed 3 professional English curricula tailored to business, interior design, and research methods (English for Specific Purposes & Research Methods for Medicine)
- Coordinated 40 student-led research projects, guiding students through design, execution, and presentation.
Fourth & Fifth Grade Teacher
Colegio Bilingüe New Horizons
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Provided bilingual children with reading & writing skills emphasizing pattern recognition & the use of strategies
Professor of English (Faculty Associate)
ASU Global Launch
03.2014 - 05.2014
- Prepared international students in an Intensive English Language Program (IEP) for entrance into partner American universities
Professor of English
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
08.2010 - 12.2013
- Instructed and advised over 500 students, supporting their academic and language development.
- Collaborated with staff to improve English fluency assessments.
- Provided teacher training and conducted 24 classroom observations to enhance instructional quality.
- Developed the first Academic Writing course for ESOL students.
- Contributed as a key member in the 3-year implementation and development of the New English Program.
UNESCO Intern (Education Sector)
UNESCO
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Permanent Delegation of the Dominican Republic
- Language of Communication: Spanish
- Authored 4 comprehensive reports on global best practices in education, including Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) and Teacher Training, aimed at improving education quality in the Dominican Republic.
- Participated in 4 UN meetings, contributing insights on global education trends and policy development.
UNESCO Intern (Education Sector)
UNESCO
03.2015 - 12.2015
- Dominican Republic National Commission
- Language of Communication: Spanish
- Managed the implementation of the education initiative “Continental Rally 2016 – Schools with a Sustainable Future” over six months, coordinating with government partners, recruiting 15 schools, leading 2 strategic meetings, and securing 8 website publications.
- Featured in 9 newspapers for supporting teacher training from Japan on the understanding and implementation of the Sandwatch Project.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Education: TESOL & Spanish
New York University
05.2010
Bachelor's degree - Psychology/Sociology
Pitzer College
05.2007
Skills
Program management
Certification
022 English to Speakers of Other Languages
Achievements
- Guided around 900 prospective students and families throughout the admissions process with personalized support, one-to-one consultations, and information sessions, achieving a 19% increase in applications, 69% rise in admissions, and 11.7% conversion rate.
- Pioneered the 1st remote classes in EF North America and marketed EF Seattle's global language program to all EF sales offices in Saudi Arabia
- In 1 yr, developed 6 academic programs and introduced 5 courses improving educational services and student learning outcomes for local & international students
- Significantly improved the accelerated college diploma program by designing 4 academically rigorous courses, elevating program quality and student acceptance into partner colleges
- Conducted 78 information sessions with international students providing them with information about the academic program
Timeline
Associate Director for Undergraduate & Master's Programs
IE University
01.2025 - Current
Professor of English & Coordinator
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
11.2020 - 01.2025
Academic Director
EF Education First
12.2018 - 04.2020
Academic Director
ILSC Education Group
07.2017 - 06.2018
English Instructor
EF English First
01.2017 - 08.2017
UNESCO Intern (Education Sector)
UNESCO
06.2016 - 08.2016
English Professor
Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo
11.2015 - 01.2016
UNESCO Intern (Education Sector)
UNESCO
03.2015 - 12.2015
Professor of English & Research Methods
Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
01.2015 - 08.2015
Fourth & Fifth Grade Teacher
Colegio Bilingüe New Horizons
08.2014 - 12.2014
Professor of English (Faculty Associate)
ASU Global Launch
03.2014 - 05.2014
Professor of English
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
08.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor's degree - Psychology/Sociology
Pitzer College
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Education: TESOL & Spanish
New York University