Naz Holland

Senior Admissions and Community Engagement Leader with over 12 years' experience across admissions, parent relations, registrar operations, executive office support, and strategic communications within the GEMS Education network.

Former

Head of Admissions and Parent Relations Executive, with a proven track record in enrolment growth, service excellence, and relationship-led admissions strategy. Currently serving as Director of Marketing & Communications and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at GEMS Dubai American Academy, bringing deep insight into Superintendent priorities, operational alignment, and community trust-building.

Director of Marketing & Communications / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) (2024-01 – Present)

Lead integrated marketing and communications strategies supporting enrolment growth and school reputation. Partner with admissions and school leadership teams to deliver seamless admissions journey.

• Lead integrated marketing and communications strategies supporting enrolment growth and school reputation
• Partner closely with Admissions, Front Office, and School Leadership to deliver a seamless admissions journey
• Oversee parent-facing communications, events, and engagement initiatives

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent / CEO at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) (2022-01 – 2025-01)

Provided trusted operational and strategic support to the Superintendent. Acted as a liaison between the executive office, School Divisions, parents, admissions, and front-facing teams.

• Provided trusted operational and strategic support to the Superintendent
• Acted as a liaison between the executive office, School Divisions, parents, admissions, and front-facing teams
• Supported high-stakes parent engagement and sensitive enrolment matters with discretion

Registrar at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) (2021-01 – 2022-01)

Managed registrar operations, student records, and enrolment documentation. Supported admissions data accuracy, compliance, and re-enrolment processes.

• Managed registrar operations, student records, and enrolment documentation
• Supported admissions data accuracy, compliance, and re-enrolment processes

Head of Admissions at GEMS American Academy (GAA) (2018-01 – 2021-01)

Led the full admissions function from enquiry to enrolment. Contributed to enrolment growth from approximately 1,750 students to achieving the target of 2,050.

• Led the full admissions function from enquiry to enrolment
• Contributed to enrolment growth from approximately 1,750 students to achieving the target of 2,050
• Built strong, trust-based relationships with prospective and current families

Parent Relations Executive at GEMS American Academy (GAA) (2014-01 – 2018-01)

Led parent relations, front-of-house experience, and community engagement. Supported admissions conversion through service excellence and relationship management.

• Led parent relations, front-of-house experience, and community engagement
• Supported admissions conversion through service excellence and relationship management
• Delivered onboarding events and community initiatives

Bachelor of Honours in Psychology – University of South Africa

Bachelor of Arts in Health Science & Social Services (Psychological Counselling) – University of South Africa