Research Directors set the vision and direction for research programs, translating complex questions into actionable insights and discoveries. They lead teams, shape strategy, manage budgets, and communicate findings to executives, clients, policymakers, or scientific communities. Browse vetted Research Director opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
Responsibilities vary by organization and field, but often include defining research priorities, designing studies or methodologies, overseeing data collection and analysis, ensuring quality and ethical standards, and presenting results to decision-makers. Research Directors may lead academic, clinical, market, user, policy, or product research.
Employers commonly seek substantial research experience, proven people leadership, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to connect evidence to organizational goals. Roles may require an advanced degree or specialized expertise, depending on the discipline. Familiarity with research methods, data tools, compliance requirements, and budget management can also be valuable.
Research Director roles are available across sectors such as technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, consulting, government, and higher education. Job titles and scope differ by employer: some positions focus on building research strategy and teams, while others emphasize a particular subject area, product portfolio, or methodology.
Use Ladders to discover vetted, high-paying Research Director jobs and explore opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. Review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangement.
$150K - $250K *
Drive innovative communications planning strategies that elevate brand engagement and inspire teams. Lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful media solutions while fostering strong cli...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Lead the charge in strategic communications planning, inspiring teams and clients to leverage media creatively for impactful brand growth while mastering Omni Workflow for seamless campaign execution...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Lead strategic communications planning across diverse portfolios, fostering client relationships and inspiring teams. Drive innovative media solutions and oversee the implementation of Omni Workflow t...
Today
Group Account Director (Medical Affairs)
$165K - $185K *
Join a team that's shaping strategic direction and driving growth across multi-account projects in medical affairs. In this senior leadership role, you'll enhance client relationships, develop teams...
Reposted 6 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of Army capabilities by advising on strategic program management, guiding critical decisions, and enhancing acquisition processes across a diverse portfolio of we...
2 days ago
Director of Strategic Communications
$100K - $120K *
Help us elevate strategic communications by leading initiatives that strengthen visibility, align messaging with priorities, and engage diverse audiences, while managing a team and collaborating acros...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in transforming lives through strategic oversight of a supportive housing program, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed services for individuals facing homelessness and mental health...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Pioneer impactful change by leading a client-centered program that supports New Yorkers facing homelessness and mental health challenges. Drive operational excellence, team development, and community...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in shaping content strategy and research initiatives for HR professionals. Engage audiences through compelling content and educational experiences across various...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy that engages HR professionals through research, thought leadership, and educational experiences across various channels, en...
2 weeks ago
Senior Research Associate, Cohen Center
$74K - $92K *
Lead complex research projects, manage fieldwork, and mentor staff while authoring reports and publications. Collaborate across teams to analyze data and present findings, driving impactful insights i...
1 week ago
$120K - $135K *
Elevate client partnerships by leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-channel teams, and driving growth for diverse accounts. Foster collaboration and deliver exceptional results while navigati...
1 week ago
$89K - $104K *
Empower clients by overseeing clinical programming and staff development. Collaborate with a dedicated team to implement evidence-based practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while e...
1 week ago
$100K - $230K *
Lead measurement strategy for outcome-based media programs, optimizing campaign execution and business outcomes. Manage a team while advising stakeholders on measurement insights and methodologies in...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate the quality of senior living by managing operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive culture. Lead a dedicated team to enhance resident experiences through our core pillars while...
1 week ago
Research Development Professional
$74K - $90K *
Help us enhance research funding success by developing strategic proposals and fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. This role requires initiative and creativity to build effective support...
3 days ago
$105K - $115K *
Lead the charge in overseeing IRB operations, managing a team of analysts, and ensuring compliance with human subjects research regulations while fostering professional development and process improve...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $115K *
Contribute to the oversight and management of IRB operations, guiding a team of analysts while ensuring compliance with regulations. Drive process improvements and provide training to enhance research...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Distributed Research
$140K - $180K *
Lead the charge in managing a high-performing Distributed Research team, defining strategy and collaboration for large-scale data collection, while enhancing operational processes and ensuring impactf...
Reposted 6 days ago
Associate Director, Distributed Research
$140K - $180K *
Lead and develop a high-performing research team focused on decentralizing data collection. Strategize and enhance the capacity of research capabilities while collaborating with cross-functional partn...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic HR initiatives across multiple states, ensuring compliance and efficiency while managing a diverse offshore team to enhance employee experiences and operationa...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Study Start-Up
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in clinical study start-up operations, driving team development and ensuring timely site activation. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance processes, meet regulatory standards, and...
1 week ago
$110K - $135K *
Elevate your career by managing key client relationships while leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic healthcare communications environment. Bring your expertise a...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Lead client engagement efforts and strategies in a dynamic setting, empowering teams to innovate and deliver outstanding solutions, while growing client relationships and ensuring operational excellen...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Empower strategic client partnerships by leading multifaceted engagements in a dynamic environment, leveraging healthcare expertise to devise innovative solutions that foster collaborative teamwork an...
Reposted 6 days ago
What does a Research Director do?
A Research Director leads research strategy and execution. Typical duties include setting priorities, overseeing teams and studies, managing budgets, maintaining research quality, and communicating findings to stakeholders.
What qualifications are needed for Research Director jobs?
Requirements vary by field, but employers often look for extensive research experience, leadership ability, strong analytical and communication skills, and expertise in relevant methods or subject matter. Some roles require an advanced degree.
What industries hire Research Directors?
Research Directors work in industries including technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, consulting, government, and higher education, as well as other organizations that rely on research and evidence-based decisions.
How much do Research Director jobs pay?
Compensation varies based on industry, location, experience, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for available compensation information.
How can I find Research Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.