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.
Director, Intelligence & Insights
$175K - $210K *
Drive transformational change as you lead a global team to enhance strategic insights in communications, shaping the future of public affairs through innovative tools and data-driven narratives in a d...
1 month ago
Director, Intelligence & Insights
$175K - $210K *
Lead the charge in shaping strategic intelligence for global communications, driving insights and innovation across teams. Partner with executives to enhance workflows and improve reporting tools whil...
1 month ago
Director, Intelligence & Insights
$180K - $220K *
Drive your career with a global leadership role, managing a multi-disciplinary team focused on intelligence and insights. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to enhance communication strategies and t...
1 month ago
Director, Research and Evaluation, Bureau of Queens Neighborhood Health
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead the Bureau of Queens Neighborhood Health's research and evaluation strategy. Drive impactful projects, ensure health equity, and collaborate with community partners to enhance public h...
1 week ago
Director, Research and Evaluation, Bureau of Queens Neighborhood Health
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping health equity through innovative research and evaluation strategies. Lead impactful projects, guide community initiatives, and drive data-informed decisions to enhance publi...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Optimize laboratory services across acute care and ambulatory settings, providing strategic leadership to enhance clinical quality and operational excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive p...
Today
Assistant Director, Prospect Research
$80K - $84K *
Join our team as a key contributor in prospect research, enhancing fundraising strategies through data analysis and collaboration. Leverage your expertise to inform decision-making throughout the dono...
3 weeks ago
Research and Data Solutions Analyst
$100K *
Transform data into actionable insights as you elevate institutional research efforts, focusing on statistical analyses, collaborative frameworks, and data-driven decision-making to enhance academic o...
Reposted today
Associate Director of Paid Media, Hybrid
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of a high-performing paid media team, driving campaign quality and partner outcomes. Lead strategic initiatives, manage team development, and enhance digital marketing strategies for un...
1 week ago
$130K - $200K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovative quantitative research, enhancing trading strategies and portfolio models through advanced statistical techniques and unique datasets, while managing the full re...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $160K *
Serve as a strategic partner to clients, driving integrated communications and business growth while leading and inspiring cross-functional teams to maximize campaign success and client satisfaction...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Director, Paid Social
$120K *
Drive innovative paid social strategies for high-growth brands, leading a team to achieve measurable revenue outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor the nex...
3 weeks ago
Strategy and Research Program Manager
$87K - $100K *
Lead the charge in enhancing child and family services through strategic oversight, data-driven practices, and collaborative partnerships. Drive initiatives that support equitable access to child care...
5 days ago
Associate Director of Research Operations
$130K - $150K *
Advance your career by providing strategic leadership in oncology and hematology research operations. Oversee clinical trials, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with physician leaders to e...
2 weeks ago
$106K - $135K *
Unlock potential by leading content partnerships and integrated marketing programs across digital platforms. Drive innovative branded content initiatives that align with client goals and deliver measu...
Today
$97K - $119K *
Lead the charge in transforming research into actionable insights for clients. Manage projects, build relationships, and deliver impactful recommendations in a fast-paced client service environment fo...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$97K - $119K *
Lead client-centric research projects by transforming insights into actionable business strategies. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to shape impactful solutions in a dynamic environment, fosteri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$102K - $124K *
Unlock the potential of media effectiveness by leading research design and delivery. Collaborate with clients to translate complex data into actionable insights, while mentoring teams and driving stra...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Business Analytics
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in healthcare analytics, driving client success through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations. Collaborate across teams to optimize campaigns and enhance audience engageme...
1 week ago
Director of Project Management
$130K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic Project Management team to enhance agency workflows, drive efficiency, and foster collaboration across departments, ensuring high-quality deliverables from planni...
Today
Research Scientist - Optimization
$120K - $145K *
Engineer innovative optimization methods that transform decision-making in critical industries by integrating advanced machine learning techniques with real-world applications, driving impactful chang...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist - Optimization
$120K - $145K *
Contribute to advancing AI-driven decision-making by developing innovative optimization methods and collaborating with engineers. Engage in high-impact projects across critical industries, transformin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Advance cutting-edge research in quantum photonics and semiconductor technologies. Lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovation, and foster partnerships to enhance the Texas A&M Semiconductor Instit...
3 days ago
Research Analyst - Cost Estimator
$113K - $277K *
Unlock the potential of defense program cost analytics by developing comprehensive cost estimates and analyses across multiple government projects. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to drive e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr Director Analyst, Data Management Platforms
$172K - $202K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative insights and strategies for clients. As a Senior Director, you'll leverage your expertise to drive impactful research, engage with executives, and mentor team...
1 week 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.