If you're motivated by using data and insight to shape meaningful change and excited about the idea of working in a democratic, student-focused environment and want to work in a lively and vibrant organisation; then this job opportunity might be what you've been searching for.

This role allows you to make a real impact within the Membership space to develop and deliver a programme of research and insight that better understands the views and key issues affecting students. An opportunity to work with the Student Voice and Advice Centre teams at a pivotal time, as we strive ensure that our work is driven by evidence and impact and the decisions we take are informed, representative and empower our elected leaders to advocate confidently and effectively for the student voice. W

We are super excited to be developing capacity within this area to take our insight capability to the next level and embed data at the heart of decision making and shaping the future of our organisation.

What’s on offer:

Salary: From £33,093 to £37,682 per annum, plus excellent benefits including holidays and a contributory pension scheme.

Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week. Some evening or weekend work will be required from time to time and will be agreed in advance.

Location: 2 days per week working from home, 3 days per week from Warwick Students’ Union, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL. This will be subject to change depending on needs of the business. Occasional off-site working is required.

Closing Date: Monday, 8 June 2026 at 16:00

Interview Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026

Benefits: 22 days holiday plus no less than a total of 18 days at Christmas, Easter, New Year, May Day, Spring and Late Summer bank holidays or days in lieu thereof, a dedicated wellbeing programme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, substantial pension scheme and salary extras.

Who are we?
Part business, part charity, part membership body, Warwick Students’ Union is a vibrant place to work. An independent organisation in our own right, we’re professionally run, but different. Our talented teams support elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and fulfil potential; we empower them to make all this happen.

Warwick Students’ Union is one of more than 550 students’ unions across the country. And with more than 25,000 members, over 250 societies, 70 sports clubs, hundreds of elected representatives, a huge range of services and a bold strategy, we’re one of the most exciting.

What’s the role?
We want to put evidence, data, and insight at the heart of improving the student experience by engaging and listening to student needs and ensuring that Warwick SU is data-driven and making evidence-based decisions for the benefit of our members.

We are looking for a talented individual who is passionate about student-led insight and unlocking the value from internal and external data sources. You will partner with colleagues across the SU to develop capacity by taking our data and insight capability to the next level, changing how we work and ensuring that the decisions we take are driven by data.

Who are you?
You will be comfortable working in a democratic, student-led environment with a good understanding and interest in current issues and themes in Higher Education and Students’ Unions. You will be able to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight enabling colleagues and student leaders to make informed, impactful decisions.

Excellent knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, along with knowledge of best practice in market research techniques will be essential to gathering appropriate data to produce key insights.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration and organisational skills are also essential to this role.

Why apply?
The exact opposite of corporate, we’re progressive, passionate individuals working to make a difference in unconventional workplaces.
In return for your enthusiasm and experience, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector, a contributory defined contribution pension scheme and excellent holiday allowance.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments and are actively looking for people who share our values.

Whoever you are, we’d love to hear from you.

Any queries, please contact jobs@warwicksu.com.

Job Description & Person Specification

JOB TITLE: Data & Insight Researcher (2-Year Fixed-Term Contract)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Policy and Governance Manager and, through them to the Director of Membership, Chief Executive and Board of Trustees

RESPONSIBLE FOR: N/A

WORK CLOSELY WITH: Student Voice Team, Advice Centre, Members of the Communications & Marketing Department, Full-Time & Part-Time Student Officers, Senior Managers, Department Managers, University Research Team, Membership System Provider, external organisations

MAIN PURPOSE FOR JOB: To act as a strategic partner across WSU, leading on the development and application of data and insight to inform decision making, strengthen the student voice, provide insightful market research, analyse and present findings to inform organisational priorities.
To develop and deliver a programme of research and insight to understand the views, experiences and key issues effecting students.
To provide support and deliver a strategy that builds WSUs research capacity and supports the Union’s influencing priorities through its representation structures and campaign work.
To monitor and analyse datasets and trends to underpin WSU influencing, projects and campaigning work.

MAIN DUTIES /RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Insight & Influence – To act as a trusted partner to student leaders, senior leadership, managers and departments to shape priorities through data, insight and evidence. To proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities affecting the student experience and translate these into strategic recommendations. To support the development and delivery of Warwick SU’s research and insight approach, aligning with organisational priorities. To influence planning cycles, campaigns, and policy development through high-quality and timely insight. To assist in providing strategic briefings and insight reports that support decision-making at all levels of the organisation.

2. Research & Insight Delivery – To design and deliver high-quality qualitative and quantitative research across Warwick SU’s Membership department. Lead on key research projects across the academic year, including analysis of the National Student Survey and joint student feedback with the University. Use a range of methodologies (e.g. surveys, focus groups, interviews, workshops, case studies) to capture diverse student perspectives. To ensure research is inclusive, representative and aligned to best practice and ethical standards. Be able to apply advanced analytical techniques to identify patterns, segmentation and opportunities to improve engagement and outcomes

3. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement – To work in partnership with the University to embed student insight into institutional decision-making and co-creation activity. Collaborate with departments across the SU to develop insight-led approaches to their work and priorities. To support student leaders to confidently use data and insight in their campaigning and representation roles and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise the impact of that insight. Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure insight is effectively fed back to students in a clear and engaging way.

4. Data Culture & Capability – To drive the development of a data informed culture across Warwick SU, increasing confidence and capability in using insight. To develop tools, frameworks and guidance to support teams in engaging with data and research effectively. To improve systems and processes for collecting, analysing, and sharing insight across the organisation. Champion accessibility of data, ensuring insight is presented in a clear, engaging and usable format.

5. Analysis & Reporting – To be able to analyse complex datasets, ensuring accuracy, integrity and relevance. Translate data into compelling narratives that drive understanding and action. To develop dashboards, reports and presentations that support real-time and strategic decision-making. To provide insight-led recommendations and support teams to translate findings into action plans

6. General Responsibilities – To ensure all data is handled in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and relevant best practice. To undertake work in line with professional research standards and ethical guidelines. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in data, insight and the HE sector. To contribute and promote a positive, inclusive and collaborative culture with respect to data and insight. To commit to reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical practice. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

EXPECTED STANDARDS

• Undertakes best practice in market research methodologies and practices/operates in-line with the market research society guidelines.
• Keeps up to date with professional practice in this area. Undertakes training as required to keep up to date.
• Excellent team working abilities and interpersonal skills
• Data is accurate, up to date, in the required format and gathered/stored in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and good practice.
• Projects are managed within budget.
• Continually seeks ways of improving Warwick SU’s research and insight approach.
• Information is timely, accurate, engaging, and meaningful.
• To represent the Union, projecting a professional and consistent image.
• To foster mutually beneficial professional relationships.
• Student Voice Manager is fully appraised of all key issues on a timely and accurate basis.
• Maximise interdepartmental cooperation.
• To commit to reducing the Students’ Union’s environmental impact and promote environmental and ethical good practice.
• All the above tasks to be carried out with due regard to the organisation’s policies on Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES

• Degree or equivalent level of education
• Excellent knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research technique
• Excellent knowledge of best practice with regards to market research methodologies
• Experience of designing and delivering some of the following: surveys, focus groups, interviews, workshops or other relevant research and consultation activities.
• Data gathering and data analysis; ability to pull out key insights and findings.
• Experience of working/collaborating with students or young people
• Report writing skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Listening skills
• Interviewing skills
• IT skills: knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite
• Planning and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Negotiation skills
• Teamwork, trust, and confidentiality
• Initiative and creativity in problem solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships and networks with stakeholders.
• Knowledge and commitment to Equal Opportunities

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the HE sector, HE practices and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Charities Act
• Data Protection Act and good governance practice
• Understanding of the student movement and of student priorities
• Demonstrable political sensitivity and diplomacy
• Methodical approach with strong attention to detail
• Experience of a non-for-profit environment