Job Specifications
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
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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, w
About the Company
The Open University is an expert in flexible higher education that fits around your working life.
We don't make you choose between a degree and a salary - more than 76% of our students are in full or part time work, while 86% FTSE 100 companies have funded staff on OU courses.
Employers including IBM, The Metropolitan Police, Unilever and many more recognise the value for money we provide, while students appreciate the range of affordable routes we offer. As a result, we are the largest academic institution in the UK, with...
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