Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Mehdi Chaji

North York,Canada

Summary

Dynamic higher education leader with over 10 years of experience driving international student enrollment, success, and program innovation within post-secondary institutions. Proven expertise in strategic planning, partnership development, and the design and delivery of innovative ESL/EAL, and pathway programs. Multilingual communicator committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a strong ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams, global partners, and institutional stakeholders.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Acting AD, Student Success & Program Innovation

Toronto Metropolitan University English Language Institute (TMUELI)
Toronto, Ontario
04.2023 - Current
  • Led the development and implementation of strategic and business plans aligned with TMU’s internationalization and enrollment goals.
  • Designed a new EAP program, as well as an immersion program, through faculty and partner collaboration, informed by pedagogical research and market trends, leading to over 300 student enrollments.
  • Developed a new Graduation Language Preparation Program in collaboration with TMU's Transnational Education Team, to be delivered offshore and onshore.
  • Strengthened ELI’s global brand as a leader in innovative ESL programming by collaborating with over 12 different universities abroad, and representing ELI on key Languages Canada initiatives.
  • Collaborated with peers across TMU to develop innovative solutions for educational challenges.
  • Oversaw academic operations, including registration, enrollment forecasting, group payments, and program delivery systems, to ensure service excellence.
  • Led budget planning and financial oversight for enrollment, student services, and instructional delivery; ensured fiscal responsibility, and ROI.
  • Collaborated with recruitment leadership to set regional targets and co-develop onshore recruitment strategies to support recruitment efforts.
  • Partnered with the Marketing team to develop global digital marketing campaigns, oversee promotional materials, and implement conversion-focused communications.
  • Managed and supported staff performance, training, and inclusive team development; advised leadership on organizational design and workforce planning.
  • Championed academic innovation by leading Languages Canada and TESOL compliance and quality reviews, developing pedagogical frameworks, and advancing instructor development.
  • Developed student success strategies, experiential learning programs, and retention-focused initiatives, leading to over 97% student success and 100% student retention.

Manager, Student Success

Toronto Metropolitan University English Language Institute (TMUELI)
Toronto
09.2021 - 04.2023
  • Managed the cyclical operations of ELI’s student success services, including advising, transition programming, and engagement workshops, to support student retention and progression.
  • Supported the Assistant Director in advancing strategic priorities while leading the delivery of student-centered services.
  • Designed and implemented a peer mentorship initiative and one-on-one conversation programming to enhance student integration and engagement.
  • Coordinated with admissions and faculty advisors to maintain accurate student records and cohort coding within the Student Information System.
  • Developed academic policies tailored to each English Language Pathway Program to support students’ transition into, through, and beyond the ELI.
  • Collaborated with international student groups, campus stakeholders, and external partners to deliver impactful co-curricular programming and workshops.
  • Led the development of innovative, experiential learning opportunities that fostered both academic and personal growth.
  • Worked closely with TMU’s policy team to map the full student lifecycle, and co-create a comprehensive internal and external communications plan.
  • Monitored advising bookings and tracked student success meetings to ensure timely and effective support throughout each intake.
  • Provided operational coordination and leadership to a team of Student Success, Transition, & Engagement, and Program Outreach Advisors.
  • Supported the International Recruitment team in developing and executing ELI’s Recruitment Plan.
  • Delivered training to new staff on departmental systems, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across services.

EAP Program Admission Officer & Reg. Team Lead

York University English Language Institute (YUELI)
Toronto
12.2019 - 08.2021
  • Coordinated daily operations and provided guidance to a team of six unionized staff, addressing technical questions, and ensuring consistent execution of responsibilities.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvement, and submitted actionable recommendations to the Assistant Director for review and implementation.
  • Facilitated onboarding and delivered comprehensive training for new YUSA and YUTA staff on departmental systems, workflows, and service protocols.
  • Proactively identified and supported at-risk students by offering tailored guidance, resources, and interventions to improve outcomes, and retention.
  • Led the department’s academic and financial appeals process, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and legal guidelines, and prepared cases and precedent materials for Assistant Director review.
  • Served as the lead for CRM (Destiny) improvement testing, collaborating with IT to relay team feedback, and optimize system functionality.
  • Acted as the point of contact for resolving routine staff inquiries and operational challenges, providing expert support on registration systems and best practices.

Registration Coordinator

York University English Language Institute (YUELI)
Toronto
11.2017 - 11.2019
  • Provided student advising using multiple methods, and offering guidance on YUELI programs and York University undergraduate pathways.
  • Managed and facilitated online student registration, ensuring a smooth and accurate enrollment process.
  • Coordinated admissions, registration, and maintenance of academic records, ensuring compliance with institutional standards.
  • Advised students on alternative academic pathways to York University when they did not meet progression requirements through YUELI.
  • Identified and resolved registration or academic record anomalies by liaising with relevant administrative and academic units.
  • Served as the primary registration contact for the China Representative Office, international students, and external agencies.
  • Supported student orientation processes and monitored registration changes (no-shows, transfers, withdrawals), updating systems to maintain accurate program and class lists.

Project Coordinator, Institutional Partnership, and International Students

Office of the Principal - Government International Relations, York University-Glendon Campus
Toronto
04.2016 - 09.2017
  • Partnered with the Executive Director to initiate and manage strategic projects for the International Relations Department, enhancing student services and institutional partnerships.
  • Developed and executed comprehensive strategies to support international student orientation, transition, retention, and graduation.
  • Provided high-level advising on complex academic matters, including degree prerequisites, language proficiency requirements, and transfer credit evaluations.
  • Planned, led, and hosted large-scale on- and off-campus events with over 300 attendees, strengthening community engagement and student integration.
  • Established Glendon International and delivered bilingual (French and English) webinars to support exchange, and international student onboarding and integration.
  • Built partnerships with community organizations, such as COSTI, to enhance services for international students on and off campus.
  • Collaborated with York International, Keele Campus services, and the TDSB to coordinate campus tours and presentations for over 80 global delegates and education counselors.
  • Drafted and reviewed partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, and compliance with policy standards.
  • Supervised and supported a team of three Glendon International staff (work-study), including hiring, training, task delegation, and performance evaluation.
  • Led operational improvements aimed at increasing international student enrollment and conversion rates.
  • Served as a key liaison between Glendon College departments and prospective international students, clarifying admissions processes, and addressing inquiries.

Bilingual Research Assistant

Office of the Principal - GIIR, York University-Glendon Campus
Toronto
12.2015 - 04.2016
  • Supported the International Relations department by contributing to the planning and execution of diverse projects.
  • Organized and promoted events for international students, while actively enhancing Glendon College’s global presence through outreach to schools in France, Italy, Brazil, and multiple African countries.
  • Conducted research and surveys, managing data collection, and maintaining up-to-date databases to inform departmental initiatives.

Education

Master of Education -

York University
Toronto, ON
01-2024

Bilingual B.A With Honors - Economics

York University - Glendon Campus
Toronto, ON
01-2016

B.A - Purchasing Management and Sourcing

ESITH School – University Hassan 2
Casablanca, Morocco
01-2012

Skills

  • 6 years leading and supervising diverse teams in program innovation, student success, recruitment, and admissions
  • 10 years managing projects, driving international student enrollment growth, retention, and success
  • Proven academic leader in designing innovative ESL/EAL programs aligned with strategic goals
  • Skilled in strategic planning and data-driven market growth initiatives
  • Experienced in operations, enrollment management, and budget oversight
  • Expert in student success, retention strategies, and engagement programming
  • Strong cross-cultural competence and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
  • Effective project and change manager in unionized higher education environments
  • Proficient with student information systems and technology integration
  • Skilled collaborator with internal teams and external partners
  • Multilingual communicator fluent in English, French, and Arabic
  • Demonstrates integrity, inclusive leadership, organizational insight, and strong focus on achieving results aligned with TMU’s core values

Awards

Canadian Soccer Coaching ‘B Licence’, Top 15% of York University Students, Member of the Golden Key International Honor Society

Timeline

Acting AD, Student Success & Program Innovation

Toronto Metropolitan University English Language Institute (TMUELI)
04.2023 - Current

Manager, Student Success

Toronto Metropolitan University English Language Institute (TMUELI)
09.2021 - 04.2023

EAP Program Admission Officer & Reg. Team Lead

York University English Language Institute (YUELI)
12.2019 - 08.2021

Registration Coordinator

York University English Language Institute (YUELI)
11.2017 - 11.2019

Project Coordinator, Institutional Partnership, and International Students

Office of the Principal - Government International Relations, York University-Glendon Campus
04.2016 - 09.2017

Bilingual Research Assistant

Office of the Principal - GIIR, York University-Glendon Campus
12.2015 - 04.2016

Master of Education -

York University

Bilingual B.A With Honors - Economics

York University - Glendon Campus

B.A - Purchasing Management and Sourcing

ESITH School – University Hassan 2

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