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Director Research Development Jobs in Rhode Island

In collaboration with the Director, the Research Center Manager provides leadership through the executive administration, execution, and continued active development of the Center. The position has ...

Assistant Grant Development

Providence, RI ยท On-site

$54K - $58K/yr

Key Responsibilities of the Grant Development Assistant: * Assist the Associate Director in researching new funding opportunities and writing grant proposals and budgets. * Manage existing grants ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Research Development information

See Rhode Island salary details

$64.1K

$159.3K

$210.6K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Rhode Island is $159,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,200.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director research development?

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 does a director 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Rhode Island?

For Director Research Development jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Director Research Development jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Director Research Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,341 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

Assistant Athletic Director for Development

University Of Rhode Islan

Kingston, RI โ€ข On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Title: Assistant Athletics Director for Development

Department: Development

Reports to: Nick Yanco, Associate Athletics Director for Development

Location: Kingston, RI

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt


Position Summary
The University of Rhode Island is on the rise, and philanthropy is accelerating that momentum. With new leadership guiding Rhody Athletics, the University is building a championship-caliber program that competes at the highest level in the Atlantic 10 Conference and Coastal Athletic Association. As URI's national reputation continues to grow, philanthropic investment will be critical to advancing student-athlete success, enhancing facilities, and driving competitive excellence.

The University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) seeks a dynamic, results-oriented leader to serve as its next Assistant Athletics Director for Development.

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Development, with a collaborative reporting relationship to the Vice President and Director of Athletics, the Assistant Athletics Director for Development will help shape and execute the fundraising strategy for Rhody Athletics. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of 125+ major gift donors and prospects, build meaningful relationships, secure transformational philanthropic investments, and advance the strategic priorities of Rhody Athletics while ensuring compliance with NCAA and conference regulations.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-performing fundraiser who is energized by building relationships, closing major gifts, and helping elevate Rhode Island's flagship public research university through the power of philanthropy. Working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President for Unit Development at the URI Foundation, the Vice President and Director of Athletics, and the Chief Business Officer for Rhody Athletics, this leader will play a key role in shaping the future of Rhody Athletics.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Assist in shaping the vision and direction for Athletics fundraising, aligning initiatives with departmental and University goals.
  • Partner with coaches and administrators to identify opportunities, set development targets, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy around specific programs.
  • Integrate Athletics fundraising into broader University campaigns.

Major Gifts and Fundraising Execution

  • Execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that support key priorities including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, capital improvements and facilities, sport operations, student-athlete scholarships, and emerging initiatives within athletics.
  • Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 125+ identified high-capacity prospects and donors capable of making $50,000+ gifts, guiding them through the full lifecycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Develop compelling proposals, impact reports, and engagement opportunities that demonstrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on student-athlete success and program excellence.
  • Achieve established individual fundraising goals and contribute significantly to the overall fundraising targets established for the Athletics development program.


Collaboration & Engagement

  • Serve as a liaison between Athletics, URIF, and advancement colleagues to maximize donor impact.
  • Represent Rhody Athletics at donor, alumni, community, and athletics events, including evenings and weekends.
  • Ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations while maintaining high standards of donor stewardship.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree and 4-5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a proven record of securing gifts of $50,000+, including at least three in higher education, college athletics, or professional sports.
  • Strong track record in relationship management and closing five and six-figure proposals.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with NCAA coaches, academic leadership, and external stakeholders.


Preferred Education and Experience

  • Advanced degree.
  • Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, and pipeline development.
  • Experience within athletics fundraising and an understanding of NIL resource funding.
  • Experience working with corporate partners.
  • Experience with Salesforce, Workday, or comparable CRM/ERP systems.
  • Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, pipeline development, and campaign planning.


Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We remain open to discussion with exceptional candidates.


Join the URI Foundation team!

We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.