Data Analyst

British Society; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

USS pension

Annual leave 25 days (30 with service)

Holiday closure days (Easter/Christmas

Private healthcare

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

The Russell Group is seeking an outstanding Data Analyst to support policy development and advocacy work in Westminster. You will analyse official education datasets, quality assure data, and translate findings into briefing materials and visuals for diverse audiences.

Based in London with flexible home-working up to two days per week, you will contribute to high-impact policy work and collaborate with a Senior Data Manager to elevate data competency across the group.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail with ability to conduct statistical analysis.
• Experience analysing large and complex datasets related to higher education policy.
• Ability to translate data into policy insights and advocacy messaging.
• Excellent judgement on data confidence and limitations, clear written and spoken communication.
• Experience presenting data to diverse audiences and creating accessible visuals.

Responsibilities

• Regularly analyse official datasets from UCAS, HESA, OfS, and DfE.
• Quality assure internal data and analyses with the Senior Data Manager.
• Critique ad hoc data from media, research and think tanks.
• Prepare high-quality briefings in writing and in person.
• Create effective data visualisations and dashboards for advocacy outputs.
• Support policy development with data-informed insights.

Skills

Data analysis

Excel

Pivot tables

Large datasets

Policy analysis

Data visualization

Communication

Presentation

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing Policy team, working with 24 leading UK universities. We’re looking for an outstanding Data Analyst to provide support for our policy development and advocacy work.

Through collaboration and advocacy, the Russell Group works toadvance and champion the positive economic, societal and cultural contributions of our universities. The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level of government, as well as with key research and innovation funders, with business, third-sector partners, regulators, and internationally with like-minded bodies.

The role involves:

• Undertaking regular and timely analysis of official datasets including:
  • Higher Education datasets published by UCAS, HESA, OfS, and DfE.
  • Research and Innovation datasets published by HESA, UKRI, and DBIST.
  • International datasets including the CORDIS Horizon Europe, and Home Office migration statistics
• Providing data analytical support including:
  • Working with the Senior Data Manager to quality assure internal data and analysis.
  • Assessing and critiquing ad hoc data presented in media articles, academic publications and think tank reports.
• Providing high quality briefings in writing and in person.
• Creating effective data visualisations to support analysis, storytelling and advocacy, tailoring outputs appropriately for internal and external audiences.
• Ensuring our policy and external engagement work is informed by an awareness and thorough understanding of relevant data.
• Working with the Senior Data Manager to enhance the overall competency within the Russell Group.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Keen attention to detail and strong analytical skills, including the ability to undertake statistical analysis; expertise in Excel, including pivot tables, is essential.
• Substantial experience analysing large and complex data sets, ideally with the datasets described above.
• Experience of using data to inform policy analysis/development and advocacy.
• Excellent judgement on the confidence of data analysis outputs; advise on the limitations of available datasets and how to use data in ways which are proportionate, robust and not misleading.
• Experience of presenting and explaining data outcomes clearly and succinctly to a range of audiences.
• Experience of selecting and creating appropriate visual formats to communicate complex data clearly, including charts, dashboards, infographics and other accessible formats.
• The ability to work in an agile way in a fast-paced environment, prioritising a varied portfolio of work to tight deadlines. A flexible, collegiate and cooperative approach to working is essential.

Please download our Candidate Pack from https://russellgroup-ac-uk.pinpointhq.com/.

Our offices are based in the heart of Westminster but we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to priorities.

Benefits include:

• Membership of USS pension scheme
• 25 days of Annual Leave at start, rising annually to 30 days
• Additional Easter and Christmas closure days
• Private healthcare insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

The starting salary is £40,000-£45,000, dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for an exceptional candidate.

Closing date for all applications: 17:00 on Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Further information: https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/

£40,000 to £45,000 dependent on skills and experience