Market Research Analyst

iDesign•Dallas, TX

15h•Remote

About The Position

As the contract Market Research Analyst, you’ll serve as an on-demand research specialist who independently executes established market research processes to support program positioning for prospective and existing university partners. You’ll mine IPEDS data, conduct competitive analysis of top providers, integrate internal enrollment and marketing performance data, and synthesize findings into client-ready Gamma presentations. You’ll work primarily with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), with regular visibility to the Executive Vice President and Vice President of OPX. This is an independent contractor engagement (1099). Typical project volume is 10–20 hours. Must be able to attend scheduled project meetings during US business hours (timing set in advance). Outside of scheduled meetings and agreed deadlines, contractors determine their own work hours.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience with IPEDS database navigation and data extraction
Strong competitive analysis and market research skills, particularly in finding and analyzing relevant competing higher education institutions
Proficiency with Gamma presentation software (or ability to quickly learn)
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, enrollment, operations)
Excellent ability to synthesize complex datasets from multiple sources into clear, actionable presentations
Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities
Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex, repeatable research workflows with minimal guidance after initial onboarding
Exceptional written and visual communication skills

Nice To Haves

Higher education industry knowledge, particularly in online program management (OPM) or enrollment marketing
Experience analyzing education market trends and competitive landscapes
Familiarity with university program structures, enrollment models, and market dynamics
Background in market research, business intelligence, or strategic analysis roles

Responsibilities

IPEDS Data Mining & Analysis
Navigate and extract data from the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center
Query degree conferral data by geography, program type, and institution
Analyze 5-year enrollment trends (beyond degree conferrals alone) to identify market leaders, emerging competitors, and growth trajectories, and market saturation signals
Process and organize large CSV data outputs into actionable insights
Identify market opportunities and competitive threats through comprehensive data analysis
Competitive Analysis of Top Providers
Identify and research the top 10-15 competing universities for specific programs and markets
Conduct detailed program parameter research, including:
Tuition per credit hour and total program cost
Credit hours required and time to completion
Course length and structure
Number of annual start dates
Program delivery models and features
Document competitive best practices and "on model" program characteristics
Surface competitive insights and comparative findings to inform leadership decisions around program positioning
Internal Data Collaboration
Work with marketing leadership to access and integrate campaign performance data
Collaborate with enrollment teams to incorporate existing internal enrollment metrics and trend analyses into external market narratives
Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather relevant performance indicators
Ensure comprehensive integration of external market data with internal business intelligence
Data Synthesis & Gamma Presentation Development
Synthesize multiple data sources (IPEDS, competitive intelligence, enrollment metrics, marketing data) into coherent narratives
Create professional Gamma presentation decks featuring:
National and regional degree conferral analysis
Competitive analysis tables and visualizations
Enrollment history and projections
Lead density mapping by region
Market opportunities and strategic recommendations
Produce polished, client-ready Gamma presentations that clearly communicate complex market insights and differentiate iDesign in partner and prospect conversations