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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$150K - $180K *

Elevate our business development strategy by fostering high-level partnerships, driving new revenue growth, and serving as a trusted advisor on data solutions. Engage senior executives to bridge clien...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $140K *

Unlock potential by owning executive-level client relationships, driving integrated strategies, and leading action-oriented touchpoints that translate insights into measurable outcomes while championi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $165K *

Elevate your career by leading impactful digital campaigns that enhance corporate reputation and drive strategic outcomes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions and...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by leading innovative computational research in cancer and chronic diseases. Drive projects from inception to publication while mentoring junior researchers and collaborating wit...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$157K - $197K *

Shape strategic relationships and drive the execution of advice methodologies, collaborating with senior stakeholders to enhance financial planning solutions and align with regulatory standards, ensur...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team in paid search advertising, driving client success through innovative strategies and performance optimization while fostering professional growth and collabo...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $150K *

Partner with us to lead the HR function, driving strategies for talent management, employee relations, and compliance. Oversee initiatives that shape a positive workplace culture while ensuring effect...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$160K - $236K *

Elevate our analytics strategy by leading commercial insights that empower Research leadership. Drive performance measurement, enhance data governance, and foster a culture of data-driven decision-mak...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$160K - $236K *

Join a team that's leading the transformation of business analytics through data-driven insights. This senior role shapes the analytics strategy to optimize commercial performance and drive impactful...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$160K - $236K *

Analyze and drive commercial analytics strategy, establishing strong insights that empower senior leadership's strategic decisions and enhance business performance across a complex, multi-functional e...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$113K - $181K *

Discover transformative opportunities by leading advanced analytics capabilities that drive performance and innovation in healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful data s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K *

Lead the charge in driving client relationships and business growth within Texas. Leverage your expertise in eDiscovery and legal services to identify client needs, foster partnerships, and collaborat...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$170K - $175K *

Drive innovation and R&D strategy to enhance product development and market leadership across global filtration technologies, championing cross-functional collaboration and sustainable growth initiati...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Build and lead a scalable U.S. service organization for battery energy storage systems, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational excellence throughout the post-sale lifecycle, from commissioning...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career forward by leading the U.S. service organization for a growing battery energy storage system business, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational excellence across the entire pos...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $125K *

Elevate your career by driving innovative media strategies that enhance performance and deliver measurable results across diverse platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize campaig...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$70K - $125K *

Drive impactful media strategies by leveraging data analytics and performance insights to optimize campaigns, enhance client engagement, and achieve measurable results across diverse platforms and cha...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$70K - $125K *

Lead the development and execution of paid social media strategies, optimizing performance and client engagement. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective digital activation and drive growt...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$112K - $128K *

Drive business development for large-scale podcast and broadcast campaigns, fostering client relationships and achieving revenue growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$175K *

Lead the research enterprise at a premier institution, driving strategic growth and partnerships. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance global leadership in philanthropy research, ensuring impac...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $190K *

Drive client success by managing accounts, optimizing savings programs, and collaborating with C-level stakeholders. Lead a team to resolve complex issues and enhance operational efficiency through da...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$70K - $94K *

Advance the university's mission by securing private support through strategic donor engagement, proposal writing, and relationship management. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to cultivate partn...

Yesterday

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

$70K - $94K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in fundraising, managing donor relationships, and securing support for institutional priorities. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance engagement and a...

2 days ago

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

$150K - $200K *

Optimize client relationships and agency performance by leading account management efforts. Drive innovative strategies, mentor teams, and ensure project success while fostering collaboration across d...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$220K - $250K *

Transform the consulting practice by leading teams, driving growth, and fostering client relationships. Collaborate with executives to establish clear goals and accountability while nurturing talent a...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.