Empowering Higher Education CMOs: The Transformative Power of Support Networks

In a fast-paced and ever-evolving higher education marketing landscape, the role of Chief Marketing Officers has become increasingly challenging. But what if there was a game-changing solution that could revolutionize their professional journey? Join us in this compelling podcast episode as we delve into the transformative power of support networks for higher education CMOs. Discover how these networks not only provide guidance and solutions to common challenges, but also prioritize camaraderie and a sense of belonging that fuel the success of CMOs within their professional community. Get ready to be inspired as we consider what higher ed marketing as an industry could become with support networks that empower CMOs to thrive, innovate, and lead the way. 

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Why Higher Ed CMOs Need a Community

The role of higher ed CMOs has expanded dramatically in recent years. These marketing leaders must navigate a complex landscape of institutional goals, societal challenges, and shifting student expectations. As Kevin Tyler points out, the competitive culture of higher education often isolates CMOs, limiting opportunities for collaboration and shared problem-solving.

The CMO Lab was created to combat this isolation by providing a space for CMOs to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. By focusing on professional development, data-driven insights, and collaboration, the CMO Lab empowers higher ed marketing leaders to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing environment.

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The Evolving Role of Higher Ed Marketing

The role of marketing in higher education has evolved from simply driving enrollment to addressing broader institutional needs and societal challenges. CMOs now engage with issues such as mental health, food security, political polarization, and diversity and inclusion—topics that go beyond traditional branding and recruitment efforts.

As Kevin explains, CMOs must stay fluent in these areas to craft authentic messaging that resonates with today’s students and stakeholders. They are also tasked with balancing the core goals of enrollment, retention, and revenue generation while addressing the broader mission of higher education.

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Addressing the Challenges

Higher ed marketers face numerous challenges, including limited resources, outdated organizational structures, and external pressures from government policies and public opinion. These challenges are compounded by the increasing complexity of their roles, which require proficiency in change management, data analytics, and stakeholder communication.

The CMO Lab is designed to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among CMOs across diverse institutions. By creating a space for shared learning and experimentation, the lab encourages innovation and collective problem-solving. For example, thought clusters within the lab allow small groups of CMOs to work together on solutions to common challenges, such as addressing mental health in marketing or navigating political constraints in red states.

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Collaboration Over Competition

A central theme of the CMO Lab is the shift from competition to collaboration. Kevin emphasizes that higher ed marketers must focus on moving the entire industry forward rather than competing against one another.

Collaboration enables institutions to share best practices and learn from each other’s successes and failures. For example, a small liberal arts college might offer insights into nimble decision-making, while a large research university could share strategies for leveraging advanced technology. This two-way exchange fosters innovation and ensures that the industry as a whole benefits from collective expertise.

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Moving the Industry Forward

The CMO Lab aims to push the higher ed marketing industry toward a more student-centered approach. Kevin highlights the importance of rethinking traditional narratives and meeting audiences where they are, rather than forcing them to adapt to outdated institutional practices.

By focusing on storytelling, empathy, and authenticity, CMOs can create marketing strategies that resonate with today’s diverse student population. Kevin points to examples like Southeast Missouri State University’s empathetic pandemic messaging and NYU’s intentional community engagement as models for how institutions can better serve their audiences.

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What’s Next for the CMO Lab

The CMO Lab’s programming includes monthly webinars, office hours with subject matter experts, and quarterly regional events. The lab also provides a platform for CMOs to access data insights, collaborate on innovative solutions, and share their experiences.

To join the CMO Lab, CMOs can contact Kevin Tyler at Simpson Scarborough for more information. The lab is designed to not only support individual CMOs but also drive institutional success by aligning marketing efforts with strategic goals.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at DD Agency:

DD Agency is a higher ed-specific marketing technology agency that has conducted countless SEO Audits for colleges and universities across the country. 

In these audits, they detail where you currently rank, what you could be ranking for, exactly how copy should be tweaked on website pages, and much more. 

If this sounds like something you could benefit from, give those folks a ping and be sure to mention that Enrollify sent you to claim a 10% discount on any of their SEO offerings. 

Head on over to enrollify.org/ddaseo, or simply follow the link in the show notes below…that will guarantee you get a 10% discount off of your audit. 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

The Application is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!