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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$100K - $120K *

Transform the operational landscape by leading facility management, ensuring quality care, and fostering employee development while adhering to regulatory standards and organizational policies...

Today

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

$100K - $120K *

Transform research strategy by managing complex initiatives, enhancing communication, and driving alignment across multiple stakeholders. Collaborate with leadership to execute priorities and promote...

2 weeks ago

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

$172K - $275K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic sales team to achieve and exceed revenue targets across multiple verticals. Drive strategic initiatives in digital sales, fostering innovation and strong cli...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$172K - $275K *

Drive revenue growth by leading a high-performing sales team across diverse verticals. Enhance market share through strategic initiatives, client relationships, and effective execution of sales strate...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$71K - $92K *

Join a team that's dedicated to analyzing and managing risk across financial and non-financial domains. Collaborate with global stakeholders to enhance compliance and reporting processes while support...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $110K *

Lead the charge in clinical excellence by overseeing operations, developing programs, and mentoring staff. Drive high-quality service delivery and foster a positive culture while ensuring compliance a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K - $277K *

Design and implement analytical frameworks for evaluating military systems, driving key decisions in defense operations. Work collaboratively to assess performance, provide actionable insights, and in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$97K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining digital media strategy for luxury brands. Lead and inspire a talented group while driving campaign success and operational excellence. Collaborate with stakeholders to de...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $175K *

Empower client success by leading account health, driving growth, and managing budgets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated campaigns while mentoring your account team and en...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $130K *

Accelerate business growth by leading strategic partnerships and client initiatives. As a key team leader, you'll mentor talent, optimize project profitability, and drive collaborative success across...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$122K *

Transform client relationships and drive growth as you lead strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and optimize project profitability. Your expertise will shape multi-channel campaigns and foster collab...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Elevate youth care by leading clinical services in a residential program. Drive trauma-informed practices, supervise staff, ensure compliance, and foster collaboration to achieve positive outcomes for...

3 days ago

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

$110K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leveraging data analytics to drive strategic insights and optimize performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and deliver impactful solutions t...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Advance K-12 construction projects by managing daily activities, collaborating with teams and subcontractors, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met while adhering to budget and timelines...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$88K - $92K *

Lead the management of clinical services for substance addiction programs, overseeing staff and operations to ensure compliance, deliver quality care, and maintain strong community relationships. Driv...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$195K - $246K *

Lead transformative user research initiatives to shape product strategies, ensuring impactful insights drive decision-making across functions. Elevate the team's capabilities while fostering a deep un...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$108K - $130K *

Lead operational excellence and financial performance at our site, driving team development and compliance with clinical standards while ensuring optimal staffing and productivity for sustained growth...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Champion operational excellence by overseeing oncology site management, ensuring compliance, driving financial performance, and leading team development to support high-quality clinical trials for imp...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing clinical research by managing trials, ensuring compliance, and driving innovation within a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care and safety...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $188K *

Manage Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) processes from triage to implementation, leading complex transactions and fostering relationships with industry stakeholders to position as a market leader in de-ris...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$126K - $188K *

Lead Pension Risk Transfer initiatives through effective management of complex transactions, ensuring seamless execution from client engagement to implementation while building strategic relationships...

Chesterfield, MORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$73K - $101K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic firm by leveraging your analytical skills to drive strategic marketing insights and optimize client engagement across diverse industries. Collaborate with talented tea...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$175K - $205K *

Elevate brand strategy across diverse pharmaceutical accounts, guiding teams and clients to achieve clarity and impact. Shape integrated frameworks and drive growth while ensuring excellence in strate...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $138K *

Accelerate the impact of residential services by providing strategic clinical leadership, ensuring high-quality care, and fostering program growth and compliance in a dynamic behavioral health environ...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.