When is the Right Time for Higher Education Institutions to Hire a CRM, Marketing or Business Analyst?
Marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts play a crucial role in the success of higher education institutions. These professionals are responsible for managing and analyzing data to inform marketing and business decisions, and to improve student engagement and retention. But when is the right time for higher education institutions to hire for these positions?
Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts:
Strategic Priorities
The first factor to consider when deciding when to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts is the strategic priorities of the institution. If the institution is focused on growth, increasing enrollment, or improving student retention, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts may be a good idea.
However, if the institution is in a stable state, with enrollment and retention rates meeting targets, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts may not be a priority at this time.
Data-Driven (Context-Driven) Culture
Another factor to consider when deciding when to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts is the data-driven (or dare we say, context-driven) culture of the institution. If the institution values data-driven decision making and has a culture that supports the use of data to inform decisions, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts can help to reinforce that culture. Let’s be clear with this one. It is important to note that I have not had a conversation with an institution around data that has not included members from that institution not explicitly stating or at least suggesting they are a data-driven institution. This is more than that. This is an institution that will pause on making key strategic decisions, and instead prioritize (with urgency) getting and/or cleaning as much data as necessary to have the necessary contact to make an informed decision.
However, if the institution does not have a culture that leverages deep data to inform decisions, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts may not be effective or useful.
Budget and Resources
The third factor to consider when deciding when to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts is the budget and resources available to the institution. Hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts can be expensive, and the institution may need to allocate additional resources to support these positions, such as purchasing data analytics software or hiring additional staff to manage data.
If the institution has the budget and resources to support these positions, then it may be a good time to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts. However, if the institution is experiencing financial constraints or has limited resources, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts may not be feasible at this time.
Scalability
The fourth factor to consider when deciding when to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts is the scalability of the institution. If the institution is planning to grow or expand in the future, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts can help to prepare for that growth.
However, if the institution is not planning to grow or expand in the near future, then hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts may not be necessary at this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiring marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts can be a valuable investment for higher education institutions. When deciding when to hire for these positions, institutions should consider their strategic priorities, data-driven culture, budget and resources, and scalability. By carefully considering these factors, institutions can determine when the time is right to hire marketing and business analysts and CRM analysts, and make an informed decision that supports their mission and goals.
