Market Research Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Sales and Marketing
Job Title:
Market Research Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers the strategic and operational management of activities related to the design, analysis, implementation and or purchase of market research and strategy; the strategic and operational management of activities related to the conception, development, creation, editing, production, implementation and/or purchase of promotional communications, educational communications, or scholarly publications; the strategic and operational management of activities related to the development and implementation of sales strategy, new business/membership/client development, retention of clients/members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies; the strategic and operational management of activities related to communicating during an emergency or crisis situation; and/or the strategic and operational management of activities related to the conception, development, creation, and dissemination of news, research and/or strategic communications; public relations initiatives; and the delivery of large-scale, public events for a diverse audience, including the news media, internal and external stakeholders, key constituents and the community-at-large.
Job Title Definition:
The Market Research Specialist purchases and/or designs, analyses, and implementations a broad array of primary and secondary market research protocols; develops and executes accurate and actionable marketing strategies and/or new programming (Degree/non-Degree/credit/non-credit) opportunities and assesses the overall efficacy of marketing strategies and tactical implementation; provides marketing research consultation and services to ensure that marketing and business decision-making are supported by timely, accurate, and cost-effective data and analyses; supports the development and implementation of strategies targeted at the acquisition of prospects, students, alumni, donors, customers, viewers, listeners, fans, or clients; manages external vendor relationships, soliciting quotes for outsourced services and managing documentation, projects, and budgets.  Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0201 F Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Develop site-visit protocols
  • Proofread questionnaires, reports, etc. for accuracy, consistency, and overall format
  • Assist with the coordination of survey administration
  • Assist with data collection and processing (including administering surveys, coding interviews, and cleaning survey data)
  • Assist with the analyzing and summarizing qualitative and quantitative interview data
  • Assist with program statistical analyses and data cleaning      
  • Review data tables for accuracy and logic
  • May conduct basic quantitative data analysis and produce tables summarizing data
  • Compile literature reviews and information
  • Coordinate mass mailings of research materials and other research-related administrative tasks
  • Assist with report writing
  • Assist in preparing client presentations
  • Respond to external and internal queries

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0202 G Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Conduct competitive/industry/market trend research in assigned areas using appropriate specialized data sources
  • Assist with the management of survey tools and survey resources
  • Provide technical assistance and recommendations on questionnaire design and data organization to ensure data quality and usefulness of research
  • Utilize survey software and data export and import procedures
  • Assist research partners and/or clients in conducting qualitative and quantitative research
  • Communicate research findings and provide relevant and actionable insight to clients for decision-making around identified needs and opportunities; use appropriate tools for clear conveyance of information
  • Meet with internal clients to clarify project scope, and communicate project status

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0203 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Provide guidance and consultation to clients in identifying and articulating problems and/or opportunities to be investigated
  • Manage market research projects, which includes preparing research plans, establishing timelines, managing research project budgets, managing vendors, coordinating data collection and entry, preparing written reports, giving oral presentation, developing appropriate research methodologies, and following up on projects with clients
  • May perform quantitative data collection studies, using paper, mail, electronic surveys; focus group interviews; and /or other quantitative research methods; analyze and interpret data using basic and advanced statistical procedures and methodologies; determine and utilize appropriate analytical tools and methodologies for the project
  • Communicate research findings and provide relevant and actionable insight to clients for decision-making around identified needs and opportunities; identify and use appropriate tools to convey information
  • Conduct competitive/industry/market trend research in specific segments, markets, and delivery modes using appropriate specialized data sources
  • Manage external vendors and solicit quotes for services

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0204 K Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher; Master's Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Consult with clients on feasibility of research projects and the recommended research approach; provide guidance and consultation on research needs, outsourcing, and return on investment
  • Lead research projects, which includes preparing research plans, establishing timelines and project scope, managing research project budgets, managing vendors, coordinating data collection and entry, preparing written reports, giving oral presentation, developing appropriate research methodologies, and following up on projects with clients
  • Manage external vendor relationships, soliciting quotes for outsourced services and managing documentation, projects, and budgets
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative market research based on client project intake; conceptualize, design, and deliver timely research based on appropriate market research practice, client needs, and strategic goals; identify and use cost-effective, efficient, and reliable research resources, techniques, and vendors
  • Conduct competitive/industry/market trend research in specific segments, markets, and delivery modes using appropriate specialized data sources
  • Apply a long-range strategic approach to research to proactively identify market opportunities and threats and student and community needs; initiate strategic, proactive research projects to meet long-term strategic goals and to develop comprehensive market insights
  • Communicate research findings and provide relevant and actionable insight to clients for decision-making around identified needs and opportunities; identify and use appropriate tools for clear conveyance of information
  • Provide leadership in research methods, project management, and proactive research to designated research team/staff
  • Mentor other members of the team on projects and research initiatives and provide guidance on market research best practices
  • May supervise lower level staff

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0205 L Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher; Master's Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Set policies and protocol for research intake and dissemination to clients and stakeholders; implement quality control checks for research projects and communicate them to team members; provide oversight on project intake and management
  • Develop and manage collaborative relationships with partners and/or clients through ongoing meetings and discussions to determine research needs and to develop an understanding of client issues and/or challenges
  • Translate market strategy and client needs into research team member goals and projects
  • Manage external vendor relationships, soliciting quotes for outsourced services and managing documentation, projects, and budgets
  • Provide regular feedback on project status and provide regular updates on progress, issues, and concerns to clients and partners
  • Develop systems and set protocol for efficiently disseminating research to clients
  • Conceptualize, design, and deliver timely research based on appropriate market research practice, client needs, and strategic goals; communicate market research findings, insights, and actionable recommendations through reports, memos, and presentations
  • Meet with clients to understand their research needs, guide them in developing research questions, determine and help them understand the research approach; identify and use cost-effective, efficient, and reliable research resources, techniques, and vendors
  • Keep apprised of market trends, provide recommendations to what types of research to conduct, and guide program decision-making activities
  • Conduct competitive/industry/market trend research in specific segments, markets, and delivery modes using appropriate specialized data sources
  • Manage survey tools and survey resources; develop efficient and effective software tools and processes for administering surveys, data collection, and analysis
  • Provide survey methodology consultation by conferring with other researchers and clients to recommend approaches and methodologies for obtaining insightful and actionable data from surveys; review survey

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.