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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$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by delivering insightful commercial real estate research and analytics. Analyze complex datasets, manage projects, and communicate findings effectively to support data-driven decision...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$81K - $138K *

Lead impactful research initiatives to combat child labor and human trafficking. Utilize advanced analytical skills to inform policy and enhance global labor standards, while mentoring junior analysts...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$165K - $200K *

Bring your expertise to lead ALL in Education's evolution, driving impactful partnerships, securing funding, and influencing policy for Arizona's Latine students while managing a dedicated team to ach...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$170K - $210K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative measurement frameworks that enhance client campaign effectiveness, drive strategic insights, and optimize media investments across diverse cha...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$170K - $210K *

Strategize and lead the development of innovative measurement frameworks that enhance client campaign effectiveness, driving data-driven decisions and optimizing media investments across diverse chann...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$162K - $175K *

Grow your career with a leadership role focused on developing a major individual giving program, managing a team, and driving fundraising strategies to diversify revenue and enhance donor engagement f...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $130K *

Empower a dynamic team to shape innovative paid search and social strategies, translating business goals into impactful campaigns. Lead execution across major platforms while fostering strong client r...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading paid search and social strategies, translating business goals into actionable plans. Guide a dynamic team while optimizing campaigns for one of the world's most iconic bran...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $200K *

Transform corporate research partnerships by developing strategies that align industry needs with academic expertise, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and secure funding for groundbreaki...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$160K - $200K *

Elevate your career by leading corporate research partnerships that drive innovation and collaboration. In this strategic role, you'll engage with industry leaders, foster transformative alliances, an...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$149K - $202K *

Transform organizational effectiveness by leading innovative design strategies, analyzing workforce data, and collaborating with leaders to enhance talent management and development across diverse tea...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $120K *

Drive impactful communications strategies by overseeing detailed planning and execution. Collaborate with teams to create culturally relevant experiences that align with client goals and market trends...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$70K - $100K *

Lead project implementations for analytics dashboards while guiding partners through each phase. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure success in data validation, troubleshooting, and solution adop...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that delivers strategic leadership and operational excellence, ensuring compliance and quality across multiple site functions while fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $200K *

Drive impactful change in healthcare consulting by leveraging your expertise in clinical operations and research administration. Collaborate with executive leaders to solve complex challenges and fost...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Launch your career by leading legislative analysis efforts, ensuring compliance, managing executive reporting for national defense, and shaping impactful strategies within the Department of Defense's...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$170K - $220K *

Lead the charge in statistical programming, ensuring quality and timelines for clinical development programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and oversee regulatory submissions while mentoring...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$146K - $204K *

Elevate the Municipal Research team by conducting in-depth credit analysis on complex municipal issuers, mentoring junior analysts, and shaping sector insights to drive informed investment decisions a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $90K *

Join a dynamic research team to investigate blood cancer and inflammation biology. Collaborate on innovative projects involving animal models and human samples, utilizing advanced techniques in flow c...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Advance research in blood cancer and inflammation by leading experiments, analyzing data, and mentoring staff. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop innovative therapies and contribute to impactf...

2 days ago

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

$130K - $200K *

Lead the charge in patent analysis and reverse engineering. Oversee strategic investigations, manage client relationships, and drive project success while maintaining operational excellence across var...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Unlock new opportunities by building strategic partnerships with academic institutions to enhance research in neurology, psychiatry, and sleep. Collaborate with principal investigators to drive adopti...

Boston, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of aviation education by leading strategic initiatives, governance, and fundraising for a nonprofit foundation. Drive operational excellence, manage stakeholder relationships, and sup...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of complex multi-site research projects, coordinating teams and resources to ensure timely execution. Lead project planning, budget management, and oversee staff performance while drivi...

3 weeks ago

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

$180K - $210K *

Champion scientific research initiatives by leading the Institute of Coaching's agenda, ensuring rigorous standards and relevance in all scholarly outputs and educational programs, while mentoring tra...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

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.