Job Description

Data Analyst - Marketing Strategy Insight and Propositions

Advert Reference Number:

1243

Job Location:

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department:

Strategy and Insight

Salary:

38,784 to 46,049

Closing Date:

9 December 2025

Weekly Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:

Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date:

1 September 2027

Welsh Language:

Not Applicable

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK's largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this

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About the Role

The Analyst plays a key role in providing high-quality, evidence-based insight that supports the University's marketing strategy and delivery objectives.



Operating within the Marketing Strategy, Insight & Propositions function, the postholder delivers analytical insight to inform strategic decision-making, evaluate performance, and identify opportunities to drive growth.



This role works closely with colleagues across Marketing and is part of a community of analysts across the organisation, contributing to a data-driven culture, ensuring decisions are informed by robust evidence and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Insight Development

To plan and undertake detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis to generate actionable insight on student recruitment, at all stages in the recruitment funnel, retention, and qualification and module performance. Work with the Senior Data Analytics Manager to define datasets, commission them from internal services teams where applicable, process and cleanse the data and turn it into a usable format. Respond to ad-hoc data queries from within the Unit. Identify emerging market, audience, and behavioural trends that can inform marketing strategy and proposition design.

Performance Measurement and Reporting

Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualisations using BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to track performance and share insight effectively. Support regular monitoring and reporting of marketing and student number performance against institutional targets. Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, communications, and propositions, providing evidence-based recommendations for improvement. Contribute to the development of consistent, reliable metrics to measure institutional marketing and engagement performance.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with internal stakeholders across MarComms, Academic Services, and DSA to understand reporting and data needs, advising on analytic approach and constructively challenging where needed. Present complex analysis in clear, accessible formats for a range of audiences, including non-specialists and senior leaders.

Professional and Analytical Excellence

Build and maintain a wide network of peers across the University, to be part of a community of practice to share project outputs where applicable, best practice and to stay abreast of developments within the analyst and data community at the OU. Maintain awareness of sector trends, competitor activity, and data analytics best practice. Uphold the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and information security. Support the continuous improvement of analytical processes, systems, and reporting tools across the function.

About You

Essential Criteria

Degree (or equivalent experience) in a subject with a strong mathematics, statistical, or analytical element. Proven experience manipulating, analysing and interpreting large, complex datasets (+1gb). Proficiency in analytical and data visualisation tools: SQL, SAS, Tableau and Power BI. Ability to use Microsoft Excel to an advanced level. Training will be provided to the successful candidate to further develop these skills. Ability to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities within deadlines. Experience producing high-quality reports, dashboards, and presentations to support performance monitoring and communicate insights. Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and within and across teams. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in both approach and outcomes.

Desirable Criteria

Experience working within higher education, public sector, or a large complex organisation. Understanding of marketing strategy, acquisition strategies, or proposition development in an educational or commercial context.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email

careers@open.ac.uk

quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our

Staff Benefits page

(clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it's a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office some attendance in the office will be required in response to business needs. We'd expect this to be twice per month on average.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place W/C 12th January.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

CV Supporting statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your skills and experience meets the essential and desirable criteria listed above).




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