Market Research Analyst Senior

Market Research Analyst Senior

The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Market Research Analyst Senior, who will lead mixed-methods research projects that drive data-informed, strategic decision-making. In this important role, you will drive secondary research to inform market strategy and sizing and develop qualitative and quantitative research to inform the center's portfolio and strategic priorities. You will synthesize and interpret large amounts of data and translate findings into relevant insights.

Balancing hands-on execution with strategic oversight, you will conduct sophisticated market analyses while also managing partnerships with third-party research agencies.

Market Strategy and Sizing

• Drive comprehensive discovery and analysis of secondary sources, including labor market trends, government and third-party data, and competitive landscapes, to inform market and marketing communications, content, and B2B partnership strategies.
• Execute precise market sizing calculations, as well as pricing and benchmark analyses to support high-growth initiatives.

Marketing Strategy and Effectiveness

• Design and execute targeted primary research, including framing objectives and defining appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This includes recruiting, fielding, monitoring, and reporting on various studies to inform portfolio decisions and initiative demand.
• Develop data-derived and secondary-sourced learner personas and segmentation models to identify target populations and enrich marketing planning.

Research Operations and Project Management

• Maintain and disseminate knowledge of industry trends and serve as an expert resource for the center and partners across U-M, managing an internal knowledge center for all benchmarking and research materials.
• Synthesize and translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and reports tailored for diverse audiences, from peers and senior leadership, to represent student and learner interests and influence strategic direction.
• Manage market research and analysis operations, including project flow and intake requests.
• Calibrate research efforts based on the scope of the problem and available timelines to deliver clear, actionable insights.

Relationship Management

• Manage relationships and project work between CAI, university partners, and third-party research agencies, including proposal development, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Supervise student fellows working on market research and analysis projects as required.

• 5 or more years of experience in market research
• Proven experience with secondary research methodologies, including competitive benchmarking, landscape tracking, and macro-trend analysis
• Familiarity utilizing labor market databases, economic/government data sources, or proprietary industry research platforms (i.e. Lightcast)
• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Marketing, Market Research, Business Analytics, or a related field
• Gather and interpret large amounts of data
• Knowledge of statistical packages (e.g., Python, R, SPSS, SAS)
• Knowledge of both secondary data synthesis techniques and primary data collection methods (polls, focus groups, surveys)
• Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities.