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.
Senior Manager Government Affairs
$125K - $150K *
Reimagine legislative engagement as a Senior Manager guiding policy and funding strategies for advanced nuclear deployments. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence congressional priorities and se...
Reposted 2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a leading research team to explore AI agent behavior in complex enterprise settings. Drive initiatives on knowledge accumulation, learning, safety, and privacy while advancing the state of the ar...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Empower product innovation by leading strategy, execution, and team development in a transformative software-focused environment. Drive comprehensive product outcomes through strong cross-functional c...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join us to drive product strategy and execution for a key software area. Lead teams in developing market-driven solutions, enhancing B2B SaaS offerings, and ensure customer value throughout the produc...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director, Integrated Media
$110K - $130K *
Oversee strategic media direction across diverse accounts, ensuring integrated solutions align with business goals, while guiding team development and performance optimization for maximum client impac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Oath Technologies - Chief of Staff
$146K - $219K *
Support the growth of a dynamic research team by overseeing operations, finance, and hiring. Collaborate closely with leadership to build infrastructure and adapt to evolving needs in a fast-paced env...
1 week ago
Associate/Investigations (Risk, Investigations & Analytics practice)
$95K - $105K *
Unlock investigative insights by conducting in-depth research on individuals and entities. Partner with teams to deliver comprehensive reports for diverse clients while fostering a collaborative envir...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead clinical excellence at community-based programs, enhancing service quality and coordination. Drive program performance, support staff growth, and ensure effective delivery of behavioral health se...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Integrated Investment
$70K - $125K *
Lead the charge in optimizing performance campaigns across video and digital channels. Drive strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure seamless execution to meet client goals and KPIs while fost...
1 week ago
$135K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving account strategy and performance, ensuring customer success through renewals and upsells. Build trusted relationships with executives to enhance commercial growth and achiev...
2 days ago
$140K - $180K *
Lead strategic account planning and execution to drive significant growth in Enterprise and Government accounts, focusing on multi-year expansions, complex negotiations, and maintaining strong relatio...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Elevate enterprise growth by driving account expansion and renewal strategies while managing complex negotiations and stakeholder relations to ensure long-term value creation and sustainable performan...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing campus infrastructure through effective project management. Oversee all phases of planning, design, and construction, ensuring projects meet academic and rese...
Today
$88K - $105K *
Drive impactful projects by collaborating with leaders to define goals, streamline processes, and implement solutions. Utilize data-driven methods to enhance project management capacity and ensure suc...
Yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Optimize project delivery by managing scope, budget, and schedule for diverse architectural and construction projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and quality while driving strategic d...
3 days ago
$164K - $190K *
Lead the charge in managing complex DoD acquisition programs, utilizing advanced analytical techniques to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with senior management to deliver strategic s...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading program management initiatives for full-spectrum security operations. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective execution of projects, budgets, and strategic commun...
6 days ago
Senior Manager, Business Development
$135K - $160K *
Transform business development strategies across diverse Finance practices, driving high-value opportunities and enhancing client relationships. Collaborate with senior staff to implement impactful ma...
5 days ago
Clinical Research Psychologist
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through expert psychological assessments and interventions, ensuring adherence to GCP standards while collaborating with interdisciplinary tea...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping national conversations by guiding impactful research and policy reports. Collaborate with experts to ensure clarity and rigor in publications, while creatively disseminating...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate growth by leading the sales cycle for enterprise solutions, engaging legal professionals from major law firms. Build robust relationships, manage multi-stakeholder deals, and drive revenue...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Drive the successful implementation of a Title III grant project, overseeing operations, managing resources, and collaborating across departments to enhance student retention and institutional effecti...
2 days ago
Director, Data Strategy & Analytics, Retail
$140K - $160K *
Unlock data-driven strategies and insights to elevate retail campaigns. Lead a talented analytics team, manage client relationships, and drive innovation in measurement, enabling transformative result...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Tackle complex reliability challenges by leading maintenance data analysis and investigations. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance aircraft reliability, reduce costs, and improve operational...
1 month ago
$125K - $140K *
Drive the development and management of clinical solutions to optimize healthcare payments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while leading and supporting the DRG team to enhance efficiency and...
Reposted 3 weeks 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.