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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$175K - $190K *

Lead a dynamic team to drive video advertising revenue growth through strategic partnerships with Omnicom agencies. Cultivate relationships, execute market strategies, and collaborate across teams to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead complex projects in public health, utilizing your expertise to manage engagements, support business development, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful projects in public health by leading teams, managing RFPs, and ensuring client satisfaction through effective collaboration and clear communication...

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4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of brain injury rehabilitation research by leading innovative studies, securing funding, and mentoring emerging investigators. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance clinical outc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Shape impactful media strategies by leveraging your expertise in performance media, planning, and buying. Collaborate with clients and mentor team members to achieve business objectives across various...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$93K - $97K *

Empower data-driven decision-making across the College by coordinating analytics, reporting, and research initiatives, translating insights into actionable outcomes while ensuring data quality, compli...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $150K *

Champion clinical research excellence by leading a dynamic team, overseeing study operations, and ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering community partnerships and enhancing participant...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing military communications systems through innovative research and program management, ensuring alignment with operational needs and strategic objectives across multiple conc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $175K *

Lead the charge in defining retail media strategies, nurturing partnerships, and driving innovation across multiple platforms including Amazon Ads and Walmart Connect. Transform Kepler's retail capabi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of healthcare revenue management by leading IDR processes, ensuring compliance, and driving data-informed improvements while mentoring a team of analysts to optimize workflows and enh...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Empower agency growth by leading client relations, driving innovative strategies, and mentoring teams. Maximize profitability and guide overall account success, enhancing client services and fostering...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of public relations by driving agency growth and innovation. Lead high-profile client strategies, enhance team performance, and build strong industry relationships for lasting success...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $150K *

Drive growth and innovation as a senior leader in public relations, overseeing account strategies, building client relationships, and championing team development within an expanding global agency con...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $150K *

Transform the agency's client relations and growth strategy, overseeing high-profile accounts while cultivating new business opportunities and enhancing team development to ensure profitability and in...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $150K *

Join us in driving agency growth and innovation as a senior leader, focused on client relations, team development, and business strategy, ensuring profitability and leading high-profile accounts withi...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $110K *

Optimize media strategies by managing performance-driven campaigns across linear and streaming platforms. Collaborate with clients and teams to ensure effective media buys, budget adherence, and campa...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Architect press functions and lead PR strategies to optimize earned media, transitioning from agency partnerships to robust in-house capabilities. Build senior media relationships and oversee press op...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Elevate Global Guardian's brand voice by crafting compelling copy across various platforms, ensuring consistency and clarity while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate w...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$95K - $115K *

Inspire innovative behavioral health environments, guiding design projects from concept to completion while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and safety in various hea...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining behavioral health design. Lead innovative projects, translate clinical needs into thoughtful spaces, and enhance patient experiences in environments that prioritize digni...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead the design and planning of behavioral health environments that enhance care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful projects that prioritize th...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of behavioral health environments by leading design efforts that prioritize care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transform clinical needs into impac...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Transform behavioral health design by leading projects that enhance care environments. Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to create solutions that support dignity, comfort, and recov...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Join a team that's transforming behavioral health design through innovative solutions, guiding projects that enhance patient care, safety, and dignity, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Lead the charge in designing behavioral health environments that enhance care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex healthcare needs into thoughtful arch...

4 weeks ago

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

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.