Business Development Higher Education

281-***-**** ************@***.*** LinkedIn Profile Seattle, WA

•Jesse Jones Global Leader Award Recipient • Harvard Business School Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate • Houston Business Journal 2019 Woman Who Means Business honoree • Management adjunct faculty with 4 teaching excellence awards

•Leadership Houston Class # 38 fellow • Former business development manager marketing US exports in key sectors and promoting fair trade and compliance • Twenty-year experience in higher education, marketing, organizational development, fundraising, development, business development, change management, events management, PR and branding • Twenty-year experience in higher education with focus on recruitment, enrollment management, curriculum management, retention, accreditation, and compliance.

•Higher education leadership, organizational development & program management • Marketing market research PR • Business development • Student success alumni engagement • Innovation entrepreneurship • Strategic planning

•College access, equity & minority initiatives • Budget administration/allocation • Regional and international expos/events Curriculum & program development • Grant & volunteer management • Resource management

Amplified and sustained strategic alliances while spearheading community engagement initiatives.

Introduced 4 bachelor's programs effectively at Lone Star amid the challenging pandemic landscape, resulting in a remarkable 400% surge in enrollment within a single year.

Responsible for pivotal functions, including assessment, evaluation, research, reaffirmation, and accreditation, ensuring alignment with both regional and programmatic standards.

Revamped articulation and prior learning assessment processes, maximizing efficiency.

Transformed UHD's MBA program from Houston's smallest to Texas's largest over three years.

Secured and facilitated a naming endowment valued at $10 million.

Accomplished a 30% reduction in the cost per MBA lead and 10% increase in yield ratio over three years.

Steered enrollment management initiatives, including the evaluation of recruitment goals for graduate programs.

Managed UHD's branding endeavors, targeting diverse audiences, such as consulates and community partners, and achieved a 200% increase in leads-flow over three years.

Reduced conversion time by 70% in 2019 through PR initiatives, enhancing the traffic-to-lead ratio by 25% over three years.

Led national marketing campaigns across various channels, including direct, referral, email, organic, paid, and social, resulting in an average increase of 55% in page views, 12% in referral traffic, 5% in post re-sharing, and a 10% growth in followers.

Delivered comprehensive student success services, spanning career planning, registration, transfer and placement assistance, student activities, and recruitment efforts.

Developed and implemented a holistic enrollment management system, integrating the entire student experience from recruitment to retention, inclusive of assessment, advising, and counseling.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

Drives strategic workforce initiatives, executing Seattle Colleges' Workforce Development Strategic and Operational Plan to meet emerging industry and educational needs.

Steers Seattle Colleges’ district-wide participation in national and statewide workforce programs, representing on the Workforce Education Council and overseeing platforms like Start Next Quarter.

Spearheads innovative business plans to expand industry-based and customized training solutions within the service economy.

Orchestrates Workforce Programs’ presentations and development efforts at local, regional, and national levels to strengthen professional networks and economic impact.

Champions marketing and outreach strategies, boosting program enrollment and increasing Seattle Colleges' visibility within the workforce education sector.

Fiscal and Resource Management

Oversees budget planning and ensures spending aligns with Workforce Development goals; prepares cost projections to address future needs.

Secures funding by collaborating with the Seattle Colleges Foundation and Grants Office, ensuring sustainable revenue streams for workforce programs.

Generates revenue through training programs, government grants, and foundation support, advancing entrepreneurial workforce initiatives.

Administers major grants, including the Worker Retraining Grant (~$5M) and Perkins, manages fund allocations, and supports advisory functions.

Cultivates partnerships with entities such as the City of Seattle and Seattle Housing Authority, strengthening funding for Seattle Colleges’ workforce programs.

Partnership Development and Community Engagement

Advances collaborations with regional and national entities, including the City of Seattle and Puget Sound Workforce Development Council, to address workforce needs.

Establishes and nurtures partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations, aligning training programs with workforce requirements.

Represents Seattle Colleges in committees and events, advocating for workforce education and maintaining awareness of legislative changes.

Program and Student Success Leadership

Oversees High School Career & Technical Education and dual credit initiatives, expanding student pathways to workforce readiness.

Collaborates with the Vice Chancellor to enhance enrollment, retention, and completion in workforce programs.

Assesses program quality, utilizing research and analysis to ensure responsive, relevant workforce offerings.

Leads district-wide Corporate, Customized Training, and Continuing Education programs, tailoring support for working students and meeting industry needs.

Key Achievements:

Increased Student Job Placements: Successfully developed the Workforce Development Strategic and Operational Plan to increase student job placements within high-demand industries over two years.

Expanded Program Enrollment: Launched new industry-based training solutions targeting a 7% increase in enrollment in customized workforce training programs within one academic year.

Secured Funding: Collaborated with the Seattle Colleges Foundation and various government agencies to secure over $2 million in grants and funding, ensuring the sustainability of workforce programs and advancing economic development initiatives.

Improved Retention Rates: Collaborated with the Vice Chancellor to enhance support strategies, targeting a 15% improvement in retention and completion rates in workforce programs over two years.

Comprehensive Student Services Oversight:

Led leadership and oversight for all aspects of student services, including student recruitment, enrollment management, admissions, placement/testing, PLA, transfer, orientation, registration and records, financial aid, and retention.

Delivered vision and direction for an integrated student services and student development model, encompassing graduation, completion, transfer, partnerships, and college-to-career pathways, while collaborating closely with instruction to create a student-centered system.

Strategic Partnerships:

Spearheaded the identification and development of innovative opportunities for impactful collaborations with strategic partners.

Cultivated influential working relationships with key stakeholders at all organizational levels, driving the identification and realization of mutually beneficial opportunities.

Harnessed exceptional communication and collaboration skills to not only forge but also elevate partnerships, significantly contributing to organizational growth and success.

Strategically managed partnerships while aligning initiatives with organizational objectives to drive transformative outcomes.

Comprehensive Enrollment Management:

Architected and executed a dynamic enrollment management system, seamlessly integrating the entire student experience from recruitment to retention. This strategic approach encompassed robust assessment, personalized advising, and counseling components, ensuring a holistic and student-centric approach to academic success.

Strategic Prioritization and Improvement:

Identified key priorities, initiates policy, process and procedure recommendations, and assesses the effectiveness of student support.

Managed and nurtured relationships with alumni through various communication channels, including email newsletters, social media platforms, and alumni events, resulting in increased engagement and participation in fundraising initiatives.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership:

Demonstrated expertise in strategic fundraising leadership, successfully executing initiatives to secure scholarships from corporations, and foundations.

Instructional Innovation and Trend Integration:

Guided the department in staying up-to-date on the latest trends in instructional methods, technology, on-line learning, and effective pedagogies.

Revolutionized the Prior Learning Assessment process to guarantee exceptional standards in course equivalency.

Professional Growth and Recruitment Leadership:

Developed and implemented faculty and staff professional growth plans that leverage employee talent to achieve LSC goals.

Spearheaded the recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and retention of qualified faculty, employing innovative strategies to attract diverse and exceptional candidates.

Key Achievements

Orchestrated the seamless execution of assessment, accreditation, and academic program reviews.

Spearheaded a comprehensive organizational development initiative, resulting in transformative enhancements.

Catalyst behind an exceptional 400% surge in baccalaureate enrollment, attaining a remarkable 90% success rate and an impressive 97% completion rate, setting a new standard for academic achievement.

Engineered the development of an award-winning transfer webpage, showcasing innovation and excellence in facilitating seamless transitions for students.

Chaired Curriculum Team for BAS-EMTM and ensures that the program meets the SACSCOC requirements in the area of Student Learning Outcomes, Program Learning Outcomes and Unit Effectiveness Plans.

Provided student advising support and assistance, provides orientation to all students to program, and coordinates student information and orientation sessions.

Responsible for program data and reports for various agencies, site visits, and self-studies Gathers data from program surveys (graduate, employer satisfaction, etc.).

Scheduled classes in conjunction with Executive Dean, Baccalaureate Programs and Partnerships.

Assured that students have met requirements for graduation and credentialing.

Facilitated student appeals and manages student issues.

Reviewed, evaluated, and recommended student-learning materials.

Maintained community relationships; advocated for and marketed the program in the community.

Implemented System policies and procedures; effectively communicated on an on-going basis with System Office.

Responsible for professional development and institutional service as determined in consultation with the Executive Dean.

Coordinated Advisory Committee meetings and served on college and system committees as necessary; participates in college faculty hiring committee.

Taught junior and senior level courses in the BAS-EMTM at a variety of times and locations in response to student and institutional needs.

Made continuous efforts to improve the quality of instruction by reviewing and utilizing innovative methodologies, techniques, and delivery methods.

Developed and used a syllabus for each course or laboratory within college and departmental guidelines.

Planned, developed, and used a variety of teaching methods and materials that assist students in meeting course objectives and are appropriate for students with differing educational and experiential backgrounds and learning styles.

Evaluated students to measure their progress toward achievement of stated course objectives and informed them in a timely manner of their progress in the course.

Key Achievements

Created and implemented the BAS-EMTM education plan that meets the needs of students and satisfies the requirements of federal, state, and local regulations.

Provided leadership to ensure the utilization of a variety of effective and best-practice instructional delivery systems and methodologies.

Led the planning, designing, coordination and implementation of student recruitment initiatives in alignment with campus enrollment goals. Leads teams in facilitating on-campus and off-campus recruiting events.

Developed new strategic initiatives and community partnerships.

Coordinated city-wide events with community partners to increase the reach and visibility of the MBA program.

Planned social media marketing strategies, coordinating the design of promotional material, and distributing in online channels.

Directed, implemented, and evaluated college and program recruitment activities and initiatives that assist in achieving diversity and enrollment goals.

Collaborated with admissions, advisement, engagement, retention, and faculty to ensure accuracy and consistency of communication efforts to prospective and admitted students.

Benchmarked best practices, reviewed the latest research on student recruitment, and assessed current strategies.

Developed sustainable partnerships between industry and higher education institutions to support the program’s growth.

Played a key role in the planning of comprehensive campaign operations, major gifts, special projects, corporate and foundations giving, and planned giving.

Collected and analyzed enrollment data and created reports that helped determine future strategies, and initiatives for recruitment.

Developed, managed, and implemented the marketing plan to include market research, communications, and special events.

Built business development pipeline by engaging with key prospects and community partners.

Assisted the Dean in matters of administrative concerns, academic issues, and special projects or programs as assigned.

Recruited, hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated staff to achieve advancement, recruitment, and enrollment goals.

Key Achievements

Contributed to an average increase in MBA enrolment by more than 2000% between 2014 and 2018

Slashed the cost per MBA lead by 30%

Developed annual and long-term strategic graduate alumni programs locally and internationally in collaboration with other university departments

Charged with assisting the university maintain compliance with all principles, requirements, standards, and policies of SACS and the U.S. Department of Education.

Assisted with articulating student-learning outcomes, collect data using varied assessment methods, and using the findings to improve student learning and all academic and student support services.

Implemented the recruitment plan of the school by working with the dean and the school’s faculty to establish enrollment goals and a plan to achieve enrollment goals for academic programs.

Advised graduate and international students with admissions, immigration and academic issues.

Issue and sign Form I-20, update SEVIS, and assist in other immigration matters so F-1 students can maintain accreditation and remain compliant.

Developed process and workflow roadmaps to define the strategy and plan for each administrative application

Key Achievements

Reduced international application processing time by 50% by introducing a streamlined system.

Contributed to 2% increase in international enrollment 2014/2015 by developing innovative marketing material and implementing insightful student recruitment projects.

Assisted in immigration matters related with F-1 students including signing I-20s and updating SEVIS records.

Approved benefits for F-1 students and their families; educated students and the school about their rights and obligations under F-1 regulations; served as the principal contact between the DHS and the school.

Planning social media marketing strategies and coordinating the design of promotional material and distributing in online and offline channels.

Developed performance objectives, completed annual performance reviews and administered staff evaluations.

Key Achievements

Analyzed and applied new ideas and concepts related to reputation management, media relations, creative campaign development and strategic marketing within a management, business and creative context.

Managed five successful networking and branding events to build HCC brand and connect with various stakeholders.

Key contributor to improved compliance, a 5% retention rate increase, and a 1.5% enrollment increase from India, Vietnam, Nepal and the UAE by working diligently with US Embassies overseas and commercial service offices.

Spearheaded “Study USA” initiative within the US Foreign Commercial Service and the “Discover America: initiative; prepared quarterly fact sheets on commercial and trade issues; resolved trade disputes.

Planned social media marketing strategies and coordinated the design of promotional material and distributing in online and offline channels.

Served as an industry expert on trade related matters which included laws and regulations, market practices, commercial trends and major projects pertaining to key commodity/industry sectors such as Education, Oil and Gas, Travel/Tourism Services, Plastics/Plastic Producing Machinery and Port Development Services.

Key Achievements

Led 25 business delegations from multiple countries to the US with 85% success rate.

Achieved a 10% customer base expansion between 2007 and 2012: generating trade leads and closing 91 complex deals in 15 countries with a total value generated of $21 bill.

Enhanced internal communication between tasks, the project and the USAID via electronic, print and communication tools for internal and external use (newsletters, flyers, articles, etc.).

Prepared detailed media reports, press releases, and marketing materials.

Established great relationships with the public and the media, liaising with thought leaders and organized high-profile events to highlight the project’s community impact.

Key Achievements

Developed and implemented the Information Education and Communication strategy contributing to 40% reduction in maternal mortality rate and 98% polio eradication.

Managed all PR and communication activities of the project related to export promotion or commercial diplomacy.

Organized donor training and study tours to facilitate knowledge transfer and managed the EU billing process.

Developed KPIs to define and measure the project’s progress toward organizational goals and objectives.

Key Achievement

Conducted multi-sector analysis and market entry strategies for European exporters (Country Strategic Paper).

Developed communication materials, flyers, brochures and conference kits; organized workshops.

Drafted, edited and translated magazines, newsletters and all other communication materials and articles

Key Achievement

Key contributor to sector analysis and to the definition of a sector strategy for the European Community, e.g.: Country Strategic Paper (CSP), National Indicative Programme (NIP)

John Snow Inc.

Communication Specialist

Jan 2002-Jan 2005

Led the communication task force for the USAID Healthy Mother/Healthy Child Project

HONORS

LSC Writing Award

Jesse H Jones Global Leadership Award

HJB Woman Means Business 2019 honoree.

2024

2023

2019

Leadership Houston 38th class fellow

2019

Adjunct Excellence Finalist—University of Houston Downtown

Market Research Excellence Award – U.S. Department of Commerce

2016-2019

Superior Honor Award- US Department of State: Organizing the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative, 2011

Meritorious Honor Award- US Department of State: Excellence in execution of Commercial Service Duties,

Extra Mile Award: Going beyond the call of duty in serving CS objectives. 2010

Meritorious Honor Award- US Department of State: Service beyond duties to serve US Commercial Service. 2010

Meritorious Honor Award- US Department of State: Excellence in client outreach, 2009

Extra Mile Award- US Department of State: Outstanding customer service and trade promotion 2009

Grand Canyon University: Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (organizational development focus) 2018

Harvard Business School: Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate 2021

A&M – CT: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate 2024

Edinburgh Business School, Herriot Watt University: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) 2012

Business School, Herriot Watt University: Post Graduate Certificate of Business Administration 2011

The American University: Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration (Major)/ Economics (Minor) 1998

Board member and Committee Chair at the Asian Chamber or Commerce, East End Chamber of Commerce, Women Professionals in Government, & Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association.

Honors member at Alpha Chi, Psi Chi, & National Honor Society

Editorial board member for the Journal of Reflective Practice

Sherif, D. (2022). How students’ big five personality traits manifest in perceived social loafing behavior. British Journal of Educational Psychology. (92)3, 1034-1067.

Sherif, D. (2018). Reflective practice on social loafing in college level group projects. Journal of Scholarly Engagement, 2, 134-161.

Sherif, D. (2018). Reflective practice on social loafing in college level group projects. Journal of Scholarly Engagement, 2, 134-161.

Sherif, D. M., & Rios, B. D. (2018). Entrepreneurship across cultural contexts: what Hofstede’s model and GEDI rankings missed in evaluating the entrepreneurial potential in Pakistan, Egypt, and Zambia. In 6th International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Proceedings (p. 407). Academic Conferences and publishing limited.

Sherif, D. M., & Rios, B. D. (2019). Entrepreneurship across cultural contexts: GEDI rankings in Three Countries.

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business.

Sherif, D. (2023). Prior Learning Assessment: Giving Credit Where Credit is Due. League of Innovation. Tempe. AZ. Sherif, D. (2023). Social Loafing and Personality. Psychology Congress, London, UK.

Sherif, D. (2022). Beyond Articulation Community College Baccalaureate Association. Palm Spring, CA.

Sherif, D. (2022). How Big Five Personality Traits Manifest in Perceived Social Loafing Behavior. Berlin Psychology Conference. Berlin, Germany.

Sherif, D. (2022). Experiential Learning in Cyber Security. Community College Baccalaureate Association Conference, Tucson, AZ.

Sherif, D. (2020). How A social Loafer’s Behavior is Expressed in University Level Group Assignments. International Conference on Education and Social Development (ICESD'20), Houston, Texas.

Sherif, D. (2020). Reflecting on Entrepreneurship Programs in Higher Education and Strategies for Tracking their Outcomes. International Conference on Management, Leadership and Business Intelligence (ICMLBI '20), Houston, Texas.

Sherif, D. (2019). Influence of Environment on Grading Equity. Oral presentation at the 2019 International Conference on Management, Leadership and Business Intelligence (ICMLBI '19), Houston, Texas.

Sherif, D. (2018). Mitigating Social loafing poster presentation. ICIE International Conference

Greenberger, S., Sherif, D., & Oliver, J. (2019, March). Social loafing across modalities in university level groups. Oral presentation given at the 2019 International Conference on Education and Social Development (ICESD'19), Houston, TX.

Sherif, D. (2018). Social Loafing in online groups. Oral presentation at the 2019 International Conference on Management, Leadership and Business Intelligence (ICMLBI '19), Houston, Texas.

Sherif, D. (2017). Cross cultural Understandings. Texas Diversity council.

Sherif, D. (2012). Doing Business in Egypt: Opportunities and Threats. U.S. Bilateral Chamber of Commerce. Houston, Texas.

Sherif, D. (2011). Doing Business in the Middle East after the Arab Spring. USTDA Egypt Forward. Houston. Texas. Sherif, D. (2010). Motivating Employees in Multicultural Work Environments. Poster Presentation.

Seattle Colleges – District Office

Senior Executive Director for Workforce Development and Chief Workforce Officer October 2024- present

Lone Star College – System Office (The largest community college in Texas serving 95,000 students) July 2020- September 2024

Executive Dean, Baccalaureate Programs and Partnerships

International Admissions Coordinator/ Graduate Services Coordinator/ Management Adjunct Faculty Nov 2013-Dec 2017

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