ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Research Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stryker

Director, Research

Washington, NE · On-site

$202K - $337K/yr

Excellent communication skills when dealing with a variety of constituents, both inside and outside the organization; excellent verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present ...

JLL

Director, Research

Chicago, IL · On-site

Director, Research - REMS Americas Role Purpose JLL's Real Estate Management Services (REMS ... An effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with senior clients and ...

JLL

Director, Research

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Director, Research - REMS Americas Role Purpose JLL's Real Estate Management Services (REMS ... An effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with senior clients and ...

JLL

Director, Research

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Director, Research - REMS Americas Role Purpose JLL's Real Estate Management Services (REMS ... An effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with senior clients and ...

Sutherland

Director - Research

Rochester, NY

Strong presentation, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders at Head of Function and CXO levels X. Previous experience in a front-office, research ...

Sutherland

Director - Research

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

Strong presentation, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders at Head of Function and CXO levels X. Previous experience in a front-office, research ...

Pulse Labs AI, Inc.

Director, Research Services

Director, Research Services - Remote About Pulse Labs Pulse Labs, backed by Google and Amazon, is a ... Set and communicate a compelling vision for the business unit: one that aligns with company goals ...

Amgen Inc. (IR)

Strategic Communications, Corporate Affairs Director - R&D & AI&DSkip to main content#Strategic Communications, Corporate Affairs Director - R&D & AI&D page is loaded## Strategic Communications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsResearch JobsDirector Research Communications Jobs

Director Research Communications information

See salary details

$35K

$102.3K

$170K

How much do director research communications jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research communications in the United States is $102,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of research communications do?

A Director of Research Communications is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to effectively communicate research findings and initiatives to a variety of audiences, including the public, stakeholders, and the scientific community. They work closely with researchers, faculty, and leadership to translate complex scientific information into clear, accessible content for websites, reports, media relations, and events. Their role often includes overseeing a team of communication professionals, managing media inquiries, and ensuring that the organization’s research achievements are highlighted and understood both internally and externally.

How does a director of research communications typically collaborate with scientists and stakeholders to ensure accurate and impactful messaging?

A Director of Research Communications works closely with scientists, researchers, and institutional stakeholders to translate complex research findings into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences. This role often involves organizing regular meetings with research teams, reviewing scientific content for accuracy, and aligning messaging with organizational goals. Effective collaboration requires building trust with researchers, understanding technical material, and providing guidance on storytelling and strategic dissemination. These efforts help ensure that research achievements are communicated accurately, ethically, and in ways that resonate with both specialized and general audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of research communications, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director of Research Communications, you need expertise in science communication, strategic messaging, and a relevant advanced degree (such as in communications, journalism, or a scientific discipline). Familiarity with media relations platforms, digital communication tools, and content management systems is typically required, along with experience in public relations or research environments. Outstanding leadership, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills help you translate complex research into accessible narratives and foster collaboration. These skills are crucial for enhancing an organization's reputation, increasing research visibility, and ensuring effective communication with diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Director Research Communications vs Research Communications Manager?

AspectDirector Research CommunicationsResearch Communications Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees strategic communication initiatives, manages teams, and aligns research messaging with organizational goals.Executes communication plans, manages content creation, and supports research dissemination under supervision.
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Communications, Public Relations, or related field; extensive experience in research communication.Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field; experience in research or science communication preferred.
Work EnvironmentLeadership role within research institutions, universities, or corporate R&D departments.Team-based environment, often within research organizations or academic institutions.

The main difference between a Director Research Communications and a Research Communications Manager lies in scope and leadership. The director typically leads strategic initiatives and manages teams, while the manager focuses on executing communication plans. Both roles require strong communication skills and experience in research settings, but the director holds a higher level of responsibility and strategic oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Communications jobs?

The most popular types of Research Communications jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Communications jobs?

For Director Research Communications jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Research Communications job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,257 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Research Communications & Stewardship

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Associate Director will partner with leaders in Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to build strategic and tactical stewardship and engagement programs and activities. The Associate Director is responsible for the execution of the vision and strategy for stewardship and volunteer engagement efforts that engage and retain donors and volunteers; strengthen relationships with grateful patients, constituents, and/or alumni; express gratitude; show the impact of gifts and volunteerism; and inspire future giving and enhanced engagement.
The Associate Director, Research Communications and Stewardship sits within the Office of Strategic Initiatives with a dotted-line relationship to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, and is responsible for producing written materials that communicate the impact of philanthropic support for a major research initiative and significant faculty program to donors and university leadership, while managing the coordination and production of those materials across a complex network of internal partners.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Partner with DOFF leaders to manage a dynamic donor recognition program across donor audiences.
  • Partner with DOFFs with volunteers, boards, and councils to foster rewarding volunteer experiences and maximize board effectiveness.
  • Foster community among staff supporting leadership volunteers by convening regular meetings and discussions.
  • Independently develop, design, and produce high-quality stewardship deliverables.
  • Write and design personalized donor impact reports and create other special stewardship pieces for donors.
  • Utilize different platforms and communication tools, such as videos, to convey impact to donors and enhance stewardship efforts.
  • Utilize database (CRM) in daily work, including updating individual records, pulling reports, and interpreting dashboards and data.
  • Remain updated about industry best practices and routinely suggest new ways to implement and push the field forward as appropriate.
  • May partner with other DOFFs to align stewardship and engagement opportunities with broader messaging, brand and priorities.
  • Support the development and execution of university-wide volunteer events.
  • Manage the creation of biennial welcome letters from the chair of the University board of Trustees to new advisory board/council members.
  • Oversee the Board Portal program.
  • Maintain an online set of institutional guidelines, policies and procedures, and other resources to support DOFF partners.
  • Serve on institutional working groups/committees and lead training as needed.
  • May supervise staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above, the Associate Director will:
  • Translate complex scientific research into clear, compelling written materials for non-specialist audiences, including personalized donor impact reports, faculty research narratives, and stewardship content tied to a major research initiative and significant faculty program.
  • Serve as the primary coordination point across multiple university offices-including research administration and the Provost's Office-managing timelines and driving timely delivery of stewardship and communications deliverables.
  • Cultivate a working knowledge of evolving research priorities and faculty activity within a major philanthropic initiative in order to surface timely, accurate, and meaningful updates for donor audiences.
  • Contribute to stewardship communications planning and content strategy, identifying opportunities for proactive storytelling and donor engagement tied to institutional research priorities.
  • Build and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, research administrators, and advancement colleagues across schools and divisions in a complex, highly collaborative institutional environment.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Three years of related experience, with at least two years of professional experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific research into clear and compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences.
  • Experience in donor stewardship, advancement communications, or a related function in higher education or an academic research environment.
  • Familiarity with life sciences research, academic research environments, or the research enterprise in a university or academic medical center setting.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, including experience coordinating across multiple teams and managing concurrent deadlines.
  • High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment; comfort working with and in support of senior institutional leadership in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications:
Technical Skills and Expected Level of Proficiency:
  • Philanthropy CRM Tools: Developing
  • Donor Relations and Stewardship: Advanced
  • Philanthropy Event Planning: Advanced
  • Philanthropy Financial Tracking and Reporting: Advanced
  • Philanthropic Creative Development: Advanced
  • Oral and Written Communication: Advanced
  • Project Management: Intermediate
  • Strategic Communication: Advanced
  • Stakeholder and Volunteer Engagement: Advanced
  • Ethical Standards and Compliance in Philanthropy: Advanced

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Donor Relations Officer
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Associate Director, Research Communications & Stewardship
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD
Starting Salary Range: Minimum: $62,899 - Maximum: $110,100 (targeted salary: $80k-$86k; commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine and University Institutions
Department name: 60009052-Office of Strategic Initiatives
Personnel area: University Administration
#LI-Hybrid

What Johns Hopkins University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Johns Hopkins University logo

About Johns Hopkins University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

View All Johns Hopkins University Jobs

Apply