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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$110K - $130K *

Manage a clinical research portfolio, leading a dedicated team to drive innovative research. Oversee operations, ensure compliance, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance program success and eff...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Elevate quality standards by leading performance improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of excellence in healthcare delivery across the orga...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing quality management initiatives, overseeing compliance and performance improvement activities within a skilled nursing facility, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards...

1 week ago

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

$153K - $184K *

Transform marine research by managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring project success, and fostering innovation in ocean, coastal, and river engineering. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Can...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the possibilities in higher education and science design. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape innovative spaces that inspire learning and discovery while strengthening client relationship...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of grant management by leading the City Council Discretionary pilot expansion, engaging stakeholders, and driving operational excellence across city agencies to enhance service delive...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $200K *

Engage with senior stakeholders to translate partner needs into actionable strategies, overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs. Foster collaboration among teams to deliver impactful outcomes while...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$60K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading retail search strategies across multiple platforms. Drive measurable business results for clients while managing campaigns that optimize bidding, keyword strategies, and pe...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$85K - $95K *

Transform data into actionable insights by leading comprehensive analysis and reporting initiatives. Collaborate across departments to optimize data systems and enhance decision-making through advance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Drive strategic growth by overseeing project excellence and innovation. Lead a dynamic team to enhance operational efficiency, manage risks, and achieve financial targets while fostering a culture of...

Today

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

$95K - $100K *

Join a team that's driving client success through innovative integrated marketing solutions. Oversee performance media strategies, manage client relationships, and lead cross-functional teams to achie...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $140K *

Elevate project management excellence by overseeing large-scale digital initiatives, guiding junior staff, and ensuring timely, budget-compliant deliverables while collaborating with clients and cross...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$145K - $160K *

Elevate your career by leading diverse consulting services for government departments. You’ll synchronize project activities, ensure quality, and maintain strong stakeholder communication for effectiv...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$136K - $198K *

Champion analytics excellence by guiding clients and teams, leveraging deep expertise in Adobe Analytics to drive strategic decisions and enhance measurement practices in a fast-paced environment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $200K *

Drive the strategic development and modernization of educational programs, integrating digital learning and high-impact curriculum across events and platforms to enhance training for artists and salon...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of Political Science through visionary leadership, fostering collaboration, and enhancing academic excellence while managing departmental operations and promoting student success...

2 weeks ago

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

$137K - $235K *

Join a dynamic team to drive preclinical evidence strategies and foster physician collaborations, enhancing innovative medical solutions that improve patient outcomes through strategic partnerships an...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Join us to lead strategic technical initiatives, drive solution architecture, and ensure successful delivery of complex engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and exec...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate your career by driving revenue growth through full-cycle sales in a dynamic B2B SaaS environment. Collaborate with teams to refine strategies, engage clients, and transform complex technical s...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform your sales career by owning the full cycle of B2B SaaS deals. Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver value, build relationships with decision-makers, and provide insights that d...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful personnel management within a leading environmental agency. Oversee HR functions, budget management, and compliance while collaborating across departments to enhance employee services...

1 week ago

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

$87K - $91K *

Inspire excellence by ensuring clinical trial data quality through thorough reviews, communications with trial sponsors, and innovative process improvements in a pivotal role supporting ClinicalTrials...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Support cross-departmental collaboration by managing scientific projects, driving activities, and enhancing processes within a diverse team. Engage in program development and oversee funding initiativ...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research initiatives by managing scientific portfolios, facilitating cross-department collaboration, and driving program development to enhance health outcome...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $137K *

Join us to design and lead a transformative college counseling program at a new Jewish college-preparatory high school, fostering student growth and academic excellence while building a vibrant educat...

1 week ago

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

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.