Our Principles in Action
In everything we do, we apply Our Principles in Action
About King’s College London
King’s College London is consistently ranked one of the top 7 Universities in the UK, and amongst the top 40 universities in the world, has a turnover exceeding £1.3 Bn, is the fourth oldest university in England, and is based in the heart of London. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online, and has over 12,000 employees. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant arts and culture ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. King’s vision is to make the world a better place through world-leading education, research and service to society. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress.
Our Faculties
Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School • The Dickson Poon School of Law
Appointment details
Salary
£75-85k + LWA
Terms
Indefinite
Hours of work
Full time (35 hours per week)
Closing date for applications:
27 June 2025 17:00
Vacancy ID
116186
Role Overview
The Director of Student Market Research, Insights, and Planning leads a team responsible for providing data-driven support for student recruitment and marketing strategies. This role involves conducting market insight and research analysis, identifying the prospective student journey and decision points and influencers, and ensuring accurate measurement and reporting of performance metrics. The Director will also be responsible for providing the data driven analysis that supports the recruitment planning across faculty and markets, and also will be providing consolidated reports on the marketing funnel metrics and performance. Reporting on the return on marketing investment is a critical component of the role. The role also includes responsibility and oversight of the reporting and the technical aspects of the CRM and email systems. This team serves as the research and insight hub for the university, providing critical information and understanding regarding incoming students. The role has three direct reports.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
• Lead the student market research and insights team to provide data-driven support for recruitment and marketing strategies. • To be the single source of truth about student recruitment prospective journey to enrolment data and analysis for Kings College London. • Collaborate with Director of faculty student recruitment and the Director of UK & International Student recruitment to identify key areas for marketing investment based on data analysis/insight. • To be a lead on the university CRM strategy, and to ensure effective joined up end to end data collection and reporting. This will add value to the enhanced effectiveness of the student recruitment strategies. • To own the email strategy and make recommendations on the timeliness of email delivery to the prospective students. • To ensure that the technology that supports the CRM and email systems is delivering effectively and efficiently. • Ensure accurate measurement and reporting of performance metrics to inform strategic decisions. • Manage budgets effectively, ensuring all activities are monitored for their return on investment (ROI).
Market Analysis and Research
• To be the ‘go to’ team for information and insight pertaining to the prospective student. • Conduct comprehensive market analysis workshops to review previous cycle data, competitor analysis, and help to set future recruitment targets. • Initiate insight research into student behaviours, mindset, and needs, and gather and analyse data related to the recruitment cycle and market trends. • Commission bespoke research to optimise student recruitment strategies at both the university-wide and faculty levels. • Provide critical in-cycle market information to support tactical adjustments in recruitment and marketing plans. • Ensure that the information within the CRM is accurately analysed and reported to the decision makers and planners within the university.
Collaboration and Communication
• Take lead and direction from faculties and the Director of Faculty Student Recruitment and the Director of UKL & International student recruitment, bringing new research and insights to planning meetings. • Build and maintain relationships with external research partners and vendors. • Deliver required market insights and trends to faculty and marketing teams to inform strategic decisions. • Ensure regular, clear, and transparent reporting and communications to internal King's teams, including student recruitment metrics and return on marketing investment measures.
Tools and Data Analysis
• Employ CRM systems, e.g. Microsoft Dynamics, to manage and analyse student recruitment data. • Use survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) to gather and analyse student feedback and insights. • Implement data visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to present research findings and insights.
Team Management
• Manage and support three managers: Head of Student and country market research and insight; Head of student marketing data analysis, marketing metrics and planning; and Head Marketing systems (CRM and email). • Ensure that the team works cohesively to provide accurate and timely insight and research to inform student recruitment planning and product development. • Coach and develop the direct reports, providing constructive and timely feedback throughout the year.
Essential Criteria
• Data Accuracy: Quality and accuracy of market research data and insights provided, with a target accuracy rate of 95%. • Market Analysis: Effectiveness of market analysis workshops in setting clear recruitment targets, measured by the number of actionable insights generated per workshop. • Student Journey Mapping: Development and presentation of comprehensive student journey maps, with a target of completing maps for all major student segments within the first year. • Performance Reporting: Timeliness and accuracy of performance metric reporting, with a target of 100% on-time report submission. • Research Impact: Impact of bespoke research on optimising recruitment strategies, measured by the number of strategic decisions influenced by research findings. • Collaboration: Level of collaboration with marketing and recruitment teams, measured by the success of delivery, the frequency and quality of joint initiatives and projects. • ROI Measurement: Monitoring and reporting on the return on investment for all research activities. • Budget Management: Effective management of research budgets and resources, with a target of staying within budget 95% of the time. • Stakeholder Satisfaction: Satisfaction levels of internal stakeholders (faculties, marketing teams) with the insights and support provided, measured through regular feedback surveys with a target satisfaction rate of 90%.
Skills and Competencies
• Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of research and insights professionals. • Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning skills to develop and implement effective research and insights strategies. • Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to interpret complex data to inform decision-making. • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively. • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with marketing, recruitment, and other internal stakeholders. • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion. • Research Methodologies: Expertise in various research methodologies and tools. • Data Visualization: Proficiency in data visualization tools to present research findings and insights. • Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. • Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Market Research, Business, or a related field; Master's preferred. • Proven experience in market research and data analysis, preferably in higher education. • Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data. • Excellent project management and organisational skills. • Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
Vision 2029
King's Vision builds upon our history of service to society and takes us to our 200th anniversary in 2029
About the Global Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate
King’s College London is the leading destination for ambitious students from across the world because of our academic excellence, reputation and research impact. Our focus is ensuring the best possible student experience, from the beginning of their journey with us as prospective students through to enrolment so that our students can thrive in our diverse and inclusive community in central London. The Global Student Recruitment and Admissions directorate delivers marketing, student recruitment and admissions services in partnership with Faculties, creating strategies to attract growing numbers of students from across global markets, as well as from the UK. As a directorate we are responsible for the delivery of student recruitment targets, ensuring cohesive recruitment strategies and planning from lead generations and attraction, admissions, through to conversion and enrolment. King's College London is embarking on a new phase of development, and we are seeking to recruit new talent to work alongside its amazing team within the Global Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate. We aim high in everything we do, and we expect accountability and data driven decision making in all recruitment planning and delivery. King's College London has recently experienced successful recruitment years, and we are committed to continual improvement in its global student recruitment and admissions services. King’s College London is at a pivotal moment, with robust business analysis underpinning its sustainable growth objectives, there is significant potential to enhance King’s reputation and extend its influence within the UK and globally.
Student Market Research, Insights & Planning Structure
About King's
Background information about King's
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Faculties & Departments
Our 9 academic faculties
Please quote the vacancy id: 116186 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 27 June 2025 17:00
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring to the role (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities
Role Overview
The Director of Student Market Research, Insights, and Planning leads a team responsible for providing data-driven support for student recruitment and marketing strategies. This role involves conducting market insight and research analysis, identifying the prospective student journey and decision points and influencers, and ensuring accurate measurement and reporting of performance metrics. The Director will also be responsible for providing the data driven analysis that supports the recruitment planning across faculty and markets, and also will be providing consolidated reports on the marketing funnel metrics and performance. Reporting on the return on marketing investment is a critical component of the role. The role also includes responsibility and oversight of the reporting and the technical aspects of the CRM and email systems. This team serves as the research and insight hub for the university, providing critical information and understanding regarding incoming students. The role has three direct reports.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
• Lead the student market research and insights team to provide data-driven support for recruitment and marketing strategies. • To be the single source of truth about student recruitment prospective journey to enrolment data and analysis for Kings College London. • Collaborate with Director of faculty student recruitment and the Director of UK & International Student recruitment to identify key areas for marketing investment based on data analysis/insight. • To be a lead on the university CRM strategy, and to ensure effective joined up end to end data collection and reporting. This will add value to the enhanced effectiveness of the student recruitment strategies. • To own the email strategy and make recommendations on the timeliness of email delivery to the prospective students. • To ensure that the technology that supports the CRM and email systems is delivering effectively and efficiently. • Ensure accurate measurement and reporting of performance metrics to inform strategic decisions. • Manage budgets effectively, ensuring all activities are monitored for their return on investment (ROI).
Market Analysis and Research
• To be the ‘go to’ team for information and insight pertaining to the prospective student. • Conduct comprehensive market analysis workshops to review previous cycle data, competitor analysis, and help to set future recruitment targets. • Initiate insight research into student behaviours, mindset, and needs, and gather and analyse data related to the recruitment cycle and market trends. • Commission bespoke research to optimise student recruitment strategies at both the university-wide and faculty levels. • Provide critical in-cycle market information to support tactical adjustments in recruitment and marketing plans. • Ensure that the information within the CRM is accurately analysed and reported to the decision makers and planners within the university.
Collaboration and Communication
• Take lead and direction from faculties and the Director of Faculty Student Recruitment and the Director of UKL & International student recruitment, bringing new research and insights to planning meetings. • Build and maintain relationships with external research partners and vendors. • Deliver required market insights and trends to faculty and marketing teams to inform strategic decisions. • Ensure regular, clear, and transparent reporting and communications to internal King's teams, including student recruitment metrics and return on marketing investment measures.
Tools and Data Analysis
• Employ CRM systems, e.g. Microsoft Dynamics, to manage and analyse student recruitment data. • Use survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) to gather and analyse student feedback and insights. • Implement data visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to present research findings and insights.
Team Management
• Manage and support three managers: Head of Student and country market research and insight; Head of student marketing data analysis, marketing metrics and planning; and Head Marketing systems (CRM and email). • Ensure that the team works cohesively to provide accurate and timely insight and research to inform student recruitment planning and product development. • Coach and develop the direct reports, providing constructive and timely feedback throughout the year.
Our Principles in Action
In everything we do, we apply Our Principles in Action
Essential Criteria
• Data Accuracy: Quality and accuracy of market research data and insights provided, with a target accuracy rate of 95%. • Market Analysis: Effectiveness of market analysis workshops in setting clear recruitment targets, measured by the number of actionable insights generated per workshop. • Student Journey Mapping: Development and presentation of comprehensive student journey maps, with a target of completing maps for all major student segments within the first year. • Performance Reporting: Timeliness and accuracy of performance metric reporting, with a target of 100% on-time report submission. • Research Impact: Impact of bespoke research on optimising recruitment strategies, measured by the number of strategic decisions influenced by research findings. • Collaboration: Level of collaboration with marketing and recruitment teams, measured by the success of delivery, the frequency and quality of joint initiatives and projects. • ROI Measurement: Monitoring and reporting on the return on investment for all research activities. • Budget Management: Effective management of research budgets and resources, with a target of staying within budget 95% of the time. • Stakeholder Satisfaction: Satisfaction levels of internal stakeholders (faculties, marketing teams) with the insights and support provided, measured through regular feedback surveys with a target satisfaction rate of 90%.
Skills and Competencies
• Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of research and insights professionals. • Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning skills to develop and implement effective research and insights strategies. • Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to interpret complex data to inform decision-making. • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively. • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with marketing, recruitment, and other internal stakeholders. • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion. • Research Methodologies: Expertise in various research methodologies and tools. • Data Visualization: Proficiency in data visualization tools to present research findings and insights. • Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. • Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Market Research, Business, or a related field; Master's preferred. • Proven experience in market research and data analysis, preferably in higher education. • Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data. • Excellent project management and organisational skills. • Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
Vision 2029
King's Vision builds upon our history of service to society and takes us to our 200th anniversary in 2029
About the Global Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate
King’s College London is the leading destination for ambitious students from across the world because of our academic excellence, reputation and research impact. Our focus is ensuring the best possible student experience, from the beginning of their journey with us as prospective students through to enrolment so that our students can thrive in our diverse and inclusive community in central London. The Global Student Recruitment and Admissions directorate delivers marketing, student recruitment and admissions services in partnership with Faculties, creating strategies to attract growing numbers of students from across global markets, as well as from the UK. As a directorate we are responsible for the delivery of student recruitment targets, ensuring cohesive recruitment strategies and planning from lead generations and attraction, admissions, through to conversion and enrolment. King's College London is embarking on a new phase of development, and we are seeking to recruit new talent to work alongside its amazing team within the Global Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate. We aim high in everything we do, and we expect accountability and data driven decision making in all recruitment planning and delivery. King's College London has recently experienced successful recruitment years, and we are committed to continual improvement in its global student recruitment and admissions services. King’s College London is at a pivotal moment, with robust business analysis underpinning its sustainable growth objectives, there is significant potential to enhance King’s reputation and extend its influence within the UK and globally.
Student Market Research, Insights & Planning Structure
About King's
Background information about King's
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Faculties & Departments
Our 9 academic faculties
Please quote the vacancy id: 116186 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 27 June 2025 17:00
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring to the role (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities