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Director Research Development Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

AXIUS GROUP LLC

R&D Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

SUMMARY The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and ... Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role applies advanced engineering principles ...

RD Henry and Company, Inc

Draftsman

Wichita, KS

Reports to the Director of Research and Development Accountabilities: The main job responsibility is to draw customs for job folders and return them to Customer Service promptly. Work with Research ...

RD Henry and Company, Inc

Draftsman

Wichita, KS

Reports to the Director of Research and Development Accountabilities: * The main job responsibility is to draw customs for job folders and return them to Customer Service promptly. * Work with ...

University of Kansas

Research Aide

Lawrence, KS · On-site

IPSR supports faculty-led research centers, their directors, and a network of more than 100 ... KPC has a portfolio of projects around the newly developed Care Board dashboard. The research aide ...

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Director Research Development information

See Kansas salary details

$58.4K

$145.1K

$191.7K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Kansas is $145,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,400.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Research Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Research Development, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, project management, and grant writing, usually backed by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is essential, along with certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) being advantageous. Strategic thinking, leadership, and excellent communication skills are critical for building collaborations and guiding multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for securing funding, ensuring research integrity, and driving innovative projects to successful completion.

How to become an R&D director?

To become an R&D director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, science, or technology, along with extensive experience in research and development roles. Advancing often requires strong leadership skills, project management abilities, and a track record of successful innovation, with many professionals pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to enhance their qualifications.

Is it hard to get into R&D?

Getting into a Research and Development (R&D) role like a Director Research Development typically requires extensive experience in research, project management, and technical expertise. Candidates often need advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D., along with a proven track record of innovation and leadership in their field.

How does a Director of Research Development typically collaborate with other departments to drive innovation within an organization?

A Director of Research Development often works closely with cross-functional teams such as product management, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership to align research initiatives with organizational goals. This role involves facilitating communication between departments, ensuring that research projects support strategic objectives, and integrating insights from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration helps drive innovation, as the Director ensures that research outcomes are actionable and directly contribute to product or service enhancements. Regular meetings, joint project planning sessions, and clear reporting structures are common practices to maintain alignment and foster a culture of innovation.

What does a director of research and development do?

A director of research and development oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of research projects to develop new products or improve existing ones. They manage teams of scientists and engineers, allocate resources, and ensure projects align with company goals, often requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and knowledge of industry trends.

What is the difference between Director Research Development vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector Research DevelopmentResearch Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD preferred), leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis, experimentation
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, corporate R&DUniversities, research labs, industry R&D
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in research developmentDetails about research-focused roles and career paths

The main difference between a Director Research Development and a Research Scientist lies in their responsibilities and focus. The Director oversees strategic planning, manages teams, and collaborates across departments, while the Research Scientist conducts experiments, analyzes data, and advances scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Director typically has more leadership experience and works in a broader strategic context.

What does a Director of Research Development do?

A Director of Research Development leads and manages the planning, coordination, and execution of research strategies within an organization. They are responsible for identifying funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, and overseeing proposal development to secure grants and support research initiatives. Additionally, they work with faculty or research teams to ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with institutional goals, while supporting innovation and the growth of research programs.

How much does a director of R&D make in the US?

A director of research and development in the US typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on industry, company size, experience, and location, and the role usually requires advanced degrees and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Kansas? For Director Research Development jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Director Research Development jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Director Research Development job openings:
Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Kansas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,110 per year, or $69.8 per hour.
Research Development Officer

Research Development Officer

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

55% - Research and Grant Development
  • Responsible for managing services related to research and grant development activities for KU units, teams of faculty and staff, and individual scholars in the humanities, creative fields, and humanities-oriented social sciences disciplines.
  • Facilitates collaborations across disciplines and schools at the university.
  • Organizes teams of research partners and assists with complex interdisciplinary proposals.
  • Supervises the RGDO staff.
  • Trains research and grant development staff in grants administration, federal requirements, and university guidelines.
  • Assigns the Research Development Specialist (RDS) to individual and interdisciplinary research team proposals and other tasks, and prioritizes work to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Leads development of outreach and research development educational initiatives.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between KU's Office of Research Awards Management Services (AMS), particularly Pre-Awards Services, and the investigator/research team, providing direct support for proposal preparation to the investigators/research teams.
  • Monitors relevant humanities granting agency priorities and develops/maintains contacts with program officers for advance knowledge of new or revised funding programs and initiatives; communicates this information to researchers and research development teams.
  • Researches and communicates funding opportunities based on specific investigator's/team's criteria.
  • Assists individual humanities researchers/teams in developing long-term funding plans/strategies based on research agendas/career goals.
  • Provides guidance to interdisciplinary investigators/teams on strategic approaches to funding calls based on analysis of funding calls and agency priorities.
  • Develops project management plans for investigators/teams to meet proposal deadlines and advises investigators/teams on university/agency submission requirements, including issues of compliance.
  • Reviews written materials and provides technical editing.
  • Develops proposal materials related to standard elements such as management plans, educational outreach, and data management to include editing for format, page length, and coherence.
  • Works with humanities/humanities-related investigators/teams to develop comprehensive budgets that support research needs based on the research plan and sponsor's guidelines.
  • Reviews and preliminarily negotiates contracts and sub-contracts.
  • Develops and presents investigator events such as trainings, workshops, and other activities on a variety of research-related topics.
25% - Outreach, Networking, and Integrated Research Development 
  • Collaborates with the KU Research Development community of practice, including the research development team in the KU Office of Research (KUOR) and embedded research development personnel in other research centers and institutes.
  • Collaboration will include attending KUOR Research Development meetings, sharing KUOR communications and funding opportunity announcements with campus scholars in the humanities and humanities-related fields, aiding in generating programmatic synergy across KU, and taking part in interdisciplinary research development events. Also collaborates with leadership across relevant academic units and sub-units, as appropriate, and with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Provost's Office on external funding issues, opportunities, policies, and practices.
  • Participates with colleagues across KU campuses to support research development recruitment and education strategies.
  • Oversees the organization and production of grant-related training materials and educational events for humanities and humanities-integrated scholars/teams.
  • Represents the humanities and the University of Kansas to local, regional, and national constituencies.
10% - RGDO Administration
  • Maintains responsibility for the organization and management of all activities of the Hall Center's Research & Grant Development Office (RGDO), including oversight of the Research Development Specialist (RDS) and, if applicable, graduate interns.
  • Sets and ensures compliance with grant-related standards and policies.
  • Oversees maintenance of RGDO's standard operating procedures.
  • Maintains and continually develops the RGDO's sections of the Hall Center's website.
  • Assists with new faculty recruitment.
5% - Professional Development
  • Maintains active membership in appropriate professional organizations and participates in relevant conferences and workshops.
5% - Other Duties as Assigned
  • This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work for this position; it is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties required
,The Hall Center for the Humanities seeks a Research Development Officer (RDO) with a proven history of leadership to direct the operations of its Research & Grant Development Office (RGDO). The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to provide strategic planning and the innovation necessary to effectively meet the challenges of a changing academic and research funding environment. The RDO's primary directive is to provide the direction, oversight, and organizational management to ensure that the RGDO accomplishes its mission: To stimulate external grant and fellowship proposal development and enhance the quality of applications submitted by KU scholars engaged in humanities-focused research, which is a component of the Hall Center's mission: To foster and support research in the humanities and share the knowledge created with a range of communities, on campus and off. The RDO's work contributes significantly to the Research and Discovery component of the University of Kansas "Jayhawks Rising" strategic plan and KU Office of Research strategies for achieving "One KU"-the  integration of major interdisciplinary initiatives across the Lawrence, Edwards, and Medical Center campuses. The RDO works closely with the Hall Center Director to support the Hall Center's applications for external funding to carry out its mission. The RDO is appointed by and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research in KU's Office of Research.

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