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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$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 4 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

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading R&D initiatives, managing specialized teams, and driving product innovation to enhance market position and growth. Collaborate across functions to ensure high-q...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$50K - $180K *

Drive project success by managing all aspects of program execution, from budgeting to risk management. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure goals are met while fostering a positive, inclusive work...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Transform data into insights by leveraging statistical modeling and analysis. Collaborate with clients to design and interpret market research studies, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Transform insights into impactful strategies by leveraging your quantitative expertise. Collaborate with clients to design and analyze data, utilizing advanced statistical methods to drive informed de...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$73K - $112K *

Discover insights by analyzing diverse data sets to optimize marketing strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful presentations that drive business decisions and enhance c...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$145K - $177K *

Transform higher education sales by driving revenue growth, managing teams, and crafting innovative market strategies. Lead a dedicated group to exceed targets, foster collaboration, and establish bes...

3 weeks ago

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

$160K *

Shape the future of data-driven marketing by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to deliver impactful insights and strategies that enhance client campaigns and drive business growth acr...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$113K - $277K *

Pioneer advancements in radar systems analysis, leveraging your expertise to model and evaluate RF performance. Drive technical studies, propose solutions, and inform defense strategies within a colla...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $202K *

Optimize assessment strategies by conducting advanced psychometric analyses, ensuring valid and reliable testing processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance measurement methodologies and deliver acti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$107K - $194K *

Shape the future of assessment by conducting advanced psychometric analyses, ensuring valid and reliable testing programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance measurement methodologies and deliver actio...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $161K *

Transform your career by leading psychometric analyses to ensure valid, reliable assessments. Collaborate with experts to enhance testing programs and contribute to innovative measurement methodologie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $202K *

Unlock potential by leading psychometric analyses to enhance examination programs, ensuring valid and reliable assessments. Collaborate with teams to apply advanced methodologies and drive continuous...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$97K - $176K *

Champion the delivery of valid assessments by conducting psychometric analyses and serving as a subject matter expert. Collaborate on testing programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards whil...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$117K - $211K *

Join a dynamic team as a Principal Psychometrician, driving expert measurement services for testing and education programs. Leverage your analytical skills to ensure valid assessments and enhance prog...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$106K - $170K *

Champion innovative media strategies and lead a dynamic team to execute impactful campaigns, aligning client goals with effective planning and performance analysis while fostering strong client relati...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$81K - $129K *

Elevate your career by leading media strategy and planning for diverse clients. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage multiple accounts, and mentor a talented team while ensuring alignment with...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $299K *

Transform data governance by leading teams to optimize processes, enhance data quality, and drive marketing performance. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative solutions and ens...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing resident care by leading nursing operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations, and fostering a supportive environment for staff development and qua...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in defining and elevating content strategy to enhance brand voice, drive engagement, and support business growth through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships across multi...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of content strategy by leading enterprise initiatives that enhance brand voice, engage audiences, and drive growth through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships across mu...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at a leading financial services firm by driving enterprise content strategy. Lead messaging, storytelling, and innovative content initiatives to enhance brand engagement and suppor...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic content initiatives that enhance brand voice and drive growth. As a key player, you'll shape messaging, develop impactful content, and collaborate across teams...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.