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.
Associate Director of Research and Evaluation
$79K - $110K *
Drive your career with impactful research and evaluation leadership, guiding the university's applied learning initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance student success through data-inform...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate marketing strategies and lead campaigns to drive engagement and sales. Oversee budget management, team leadership, and performance analysis across digital platforms, ensuring alignment with b...
3 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Engage with federal science enterprises and enhance partnerships to secure funding. Drive strategic legislative proposals, manage Congressional relationships, and lead proposal efforts to support atmo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Data and Analysis
$112K - $179K *
Join our Data & Analysis team to lead strategic growth initiatives, leveraging data-driven insights to solve marketing challenges and inspire innovative solutions for clients while fostering a collabo...
2 days ago
Associate Director, Data and Analysis
$112K - $161K *
Transform your career by leading data-driven strategies that fuel client growth. Collaborate with teams to innovate marketing solutions and exceed client expectations through effective brand and acqui...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovative EDI solutions across Manufacturing and Distribution, enhancing integrations through collaboration, expertise in EAI, and ensuring operational excellence with lead...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $155K *
Shape agency-wide project management initiatives, enhance processes, and lead teams to overcome challenges while fostering collaboration and best practices across departments for optimal performance a...
1 week ago
$86K - $108K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering impactful engineering solutions. As a Project Coordinator, you'll oversee project progress, manage finances, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ens...
3 days ago
$150K - $210K *
Drive your career with a strategic leadership role overseeing complex workplace projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality tenant improvements and renovations, ensuring...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate your career by driving property acquisitions and dispositions. Collaborate with teams to evaluate opportunities, conduct due diligence, and negotiate deals that align with growth objectives...
Today
$130K - $140K *
Empower decision-making by executing complex due diligence and risk assessments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide actionable insights and mitigate risks associated with third parties...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Advisor Recruiting
$150K - $180K *
Champion high-impact growth by leading advisor recruiting efforts while cultivating strategic relationships that enhance value and drive future opportunities for an established financial services orga...
3 weeks ago
Shift Supervisor, Research Operations
$118K - $182K *
Champion the seamless execution of automated lab workflows, ensuring operational excellence and quality while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced research environment. Your leadership will drive...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to lead innovative media strategies for a Fortune 500 client. Drive collaboration, mentor talent, and create impactful media plans across diverse channels while delivering actionab...
1 week ago
Director, Clinical AI Research & Evaluation
$186K - $279K *
Drive the scientific foundation for trustworthy clinical AI systems, leading research and evaluation methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, regulated practices that...
Yesterday
$85K - $100K *
Transform clinical operations by leading a dedicated team, ensuring high-quality care, and fostering professional development while collaborating with administration and stakeholders to enhance progra...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Lead the technical orchestration of a major client migration, fostering relationships and ensuring the success of the Kraken platform adoption. Shape dynamic strategies while addressing complex techni...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$87K *
Shape the future of youth mental health by leading therapy programs, supervising staff, and ensuring quality care in a supportive environment. Drive impactful change while fostering professional growt...
3 days ago
Program Director, Smart Living Center
$80K - $85K *
Lead and support the development and growth of innovative programs promoting independence and community integration for individuals with disabilities, while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance...
Reposted 6 days ago
Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Programs, and Research
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of immigrant services by leading policy and program initiatives. Oversee a diverse portfolio to enhance access, economic opportunities, and community integration, ensuring cohesive st...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Project Controls
$165K - $188K *
Pioneer the future of project controls by leading a team to enhance cost, schedule, and risk management across a diverse portfolio of construction projects, ensuring data transparency and informed dec...
1 week ago
$90K - $95K *
Champion research excellence by leading pre-award strategy and compliance across departments. Enhance proposal competitiveness and operational consistency while guiding Research Administrators to ensu...
Yesterday
Associate Director - Delay Expert
$140K - $175K *
Champion construction dispute resolution as an Associate Director, leading forensic delay analysis and claims preparation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional client...
3 weeks ago
Director, Government Relations (CO)
$102K - $115K *
Empower state agency partnerships by managing contracts and projects, ensuring timely delivery and strategic alignment with health outcomes. Lead cross-departmental teams to enhance healthcare systems...
2 weeks ago
Director, Government Relations (CO)
$102K - $115K *
Champion strategic partnerships with Colorado state agencies, managing contracts and innovative projects to enhance health outcomes and technology infrastructure. Lead cross-departmental teams, ensuri...
2 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.