Explore Research Director Jobs

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.

What Does a Research Director Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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 Career Opportunities

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.

Find Your Next Research Director Role

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.

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$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Research Director do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.