Director of Research & Insights, HESA

at  Global University Systems

Global University Systems (GUS) is focused on becoming one of the world’s most dynamic, inclusive, and diverse education organisations. GUS is an international network of higher education institutions, brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications. GUS delivers a wide variety of programmes, including bachelor’s degree programmes, master’s degree programmes, professional training, English Language training, and corporate & executive education. When someone chooses to study at one of our institutions– whether on campus in Europe, North America, or even in their own home – they’re joining a network of 100,000 students worldwide. When you decide to work with GUS, you will be joining an industry leading, global organisation that has a reach in over 150 different countries.

POSITION:

We are seeking a dynamic and driven Director of Research & Insights to lead our market research efforts. This role is ideal for a mid-career professional with a proven track record in higher education research, particularly with experience handling HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) data. The successful candidate will be passionate about leveraging data to drive strategic decisions and will possess the hunger and ambition to make a significant impact.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Education, Statistics, Sociology, Business); advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in market research or insights, with a focus on higher education.
• HESA Expertise: Demonstrated experience working with HESA data is essential.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Research Leadership: Lead and manage market research projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality outputs and actionable insights.
• Data Analysis: Utilize HESA data and other relevant datasets to conduct comprehensive analyses and generate meaningful insights.
• Reporting & Presentation: Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate research findings to stakeholders, including senior leadership, academic institutions, and external partners.
• Strategy Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform and develop strategic initiatives based on research insights.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the higher education sector to ensure research efforts align with industry needs.
• Team Management: Oversee and mentor junior researchers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.