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Director Research Development Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Director, Research Development Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department Center for Applied Communications and Networks Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan ...

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Director Research Development information

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$61K

$151.6K

$200.3K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Texas is $151,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,800.00 and $180,700.00 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 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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Texas are:
What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Director Research Development jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Director Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,587 per year, or $72.9 per hour.
Director, Research Development

Director, Research Development

Texas A&M University

Bryan, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title
Director, Research Development
Agency
Texas A&M University System Offices
Department
Center for Applied Communications and Networks
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Bryan, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.
The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience.
Job Description Summary:
The Director of Research Development for the Texas A&M Center for Applied Communications and Network (CACN), under general direction, provides leadership for the development of research and business opportunities for the center. As a member of the center's leadership team, this position also provides input to and helps to execute the center's research and business activities, strategic planning and development, and program administration.
Responsibilities:
- Leads the development of strategic relationships with potential research sponsors, research partners, vendors, and commercial customers to create new opportunities for the center.
- Monitors solicitations (RFIs, RFPs, etc.) for opportunities appropriate for the center and leads the preparation of research and commercial proposals, including solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules, as appropriate for the opportunity.
- Serves as PI, Co-PI, or collaborator on research and commercial projects, as appropriate for the project.
- Performs outreach, including presentations and speaking engagements at conferences, authoring publications, and supporting other marketing efforts.
- Serves as a liaison with academic and non-academic units of the University as assigned.
- Represent the center to State and Federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, and key industry groups as assigned.
- Serve as an advisor/consultant to the university community regarding matters relating to center operations, as appropriate as assigned.
- Stays abreast of developments in the technical fields related to the work performed by the Center.
- Participates in training and professional development sessions.
- Publishes articles in trade and professional journals as appropriate.
- May supervise other proposal development personnel.
- Forms and leads collaborative teams to respond to research proposals.
- Prepares research and commercial proposals, including problem and solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules.
- Develops technical requirements and system designs for conducting research.
- Participates in funded projects as a PI, Co-PI, or collaborator as appropriate for each project.
- Leads interaction with sponsors, collaborators, contractors, as appropriate for each project.
- Conducts research, executes deliverables, and produces required reports and artifacts as appropriate for each project.
- Attends and presents at conferences.
- Publishes articles in trade and professional journals as appropriate.
- May represent the center to the University, State and Federal agencies, and industry associations.
- May serve on US and International Standards Committees as requested.
- May serve on DHS, DoD and FCC federal advisory boards and committees as appointed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other field related to current and next generation communications and networks interoperability and cybersecurity.
- Seven years experience in research, design, and operations of, and/or business development for communications systems and networks to include five years of management experience.
- Significant ad successful experience with the development of projects for government agencies and/or commercial business, writing winning proposals, and successfully conducting the research or contract work specified in those projects.
Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:
- US Passport and willing and able to perform domestic and international travel.
- Either has or is willing and eligible to obtain at least a Secret-level US security clearance based on a background investigation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Skilled at client relations, requirement assessment and analysis, statement of work creation.
- Expertise in MS office suite of products, including using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications to produce professional-quality proposals and documentation.
- Deep understanding of a broad range of complex network systems, including voice, data, and video networks, including interoperability and cybersecurity.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others in complex, multi-agency environments.
- This position requires frequent travel to other parts of campus, nearby campuses, and other university and state agencies in Texas.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters or PhD in engineering, computer science or other field related to communications and network interoperability and cybersecurity.
Other Requirements:
This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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