| Abstract: |
Creation of a framework for Brand and Reputation Metrics in Education represents a significant milestone in the field of marketing and communications in the sector. Stemming from a global collaboration led by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), this framework highlights and addresses a critical need for consistent measurement and evaluation practices in marketing and communications. The thought leadership group established the following parameters to guide their work: (1) Mission: Develop an industry-wide framework to measure marketing and communications performance; (2) Vision: Create a framework as the industry standard; and (3) Goals: Develop tools to measure, guide, and strengthen member services to support marketing and communications efforts. The framework was developed in response to growing recognition among educational institutions of the strategic importance of marketing and communication functions, combined with the gap in availability and consistency of measures and benchmarking. The process included regular online meetings and a two-day, intensive in-person workshop, drawing on the expertise of marketing and communication professionals from diverse backgrounds. The goal was to devise a simple and basic framework that could be easily implemented by institutions of all sizes and resource levels. The framework encompasses six key categories of measurement, including brand development, recruitment and retention, strategic communications, alumni engagement, philanthropy, and external engagement/public affairs. Each category addresses specific aspects of marketing and communication performance, providing institutions with examples of actionable metrics to guide their strategies. The foundation proposed in this framework is geared to empowering and encouraging institutions to establish measurable goals, assess progress, and create continuous pathways to success. By providing a standardized approach to measurement and evaluation, this framework seeks to serve as a cornerstone for the future of marketing and communications in education. |