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.
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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...
3 days ago
$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
Research Analyst - Test & Evaluation - Military/Government Experience
$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
Associate Director, Precision Marketing
$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
$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...
Today
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Senior Manager, User Experience Research
$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
$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
$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
Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Director
$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
Executive Director, Pension Risk Solutions
$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
Executive Director, Pension Risk Solutions
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
$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
Senior Clinical Director of Residential Services
$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
$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...
3 days 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.