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Qualitative Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Science Research, Director

College Park, MD · On-site

$122.83 - $135.11/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Social Science Research, Director WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a ... Significant experience leading social science research projects using qualitative, quantitative ...

NY · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & INSIGHTS Location: Lake Mary, FL (Hybrid) Department: Research & Insights ... Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to produce actionable insights and thought leadership for ...

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Qualitative Research Director information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do qualitative research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for qualitative research director in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a qualitative research director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a research project?

As a Qualitative Research Director, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a central part of the role. You will regularly work with product managers, designers, data analysts, and marketing professionals to ensure research findings are aligned with business objectives. This involves leading workshops, presenting insights, and facilitating discussions to translate qualitative data into actionable strategies. Effective communication and the ability to synthesize complex feedback are key to fostering alignment and driving impactful decisions across the organization.

What is the difference between Qualitative Research Director vs Quantitative Research Manager?

AspectQualitative Research DirectorQuantitative Research Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Market Research, Sociology, or related field; experience in qualitative methodsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Market Research, or related field; experience in quantitative methods
Work EnvironmentLeads qualitative research teams, designs focus groups, interviews, and ethnographiesOversees quantitative data collection, surveys, and statistical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in marketing, consumer insights, and social research firmsCommon in market research agencies, consulting firms, and corporate analytics

The main difference between a Qualitative Research Director and a Quantitative Research Manager lies in their focus areas. The director specializes in qualitative methods like interviews and ethnographies, while the manager handles quantitative data and statistical analysis. Both roles require research experience but differ in techniques and leadership scope.

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

A Qualitative Research Director needs expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and a strong academic background, often with a master's or PhD in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo, Atlas.ti, or MAXQDA, as well as experience in managing research projects, is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills help in guiding teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure rigorous, insightful research outcomes that drive organizational decision-making and innovation.

What does a qualitative research director do?

A Qualitative Research Director leads and oversees qualitative research projects, such as focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic studies, to gain deep insights into human behavior, attitudes, and motivations. They are responsible for designing research methodologies, managing research teams, analyzing qualitative data, and presenting findings to clients or stakeholders. Their role is crucial in informing strategic decisions for businesses, nonprofits, or academic institutions by providing context-rich, detailed understanding of target audiences.
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What cities are hiring for Qualitative Research Director jobs?

Cities with the most Qualitative Research Director job openings:

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

The most popular types of Qualitative Research jobs are:

What states have the most Qualitative Research Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Qualitative Research Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Qualitative Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation--Qualitative Research Design & Method

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Assistant Professor of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation--Qualitative Research Design & Methods, Regular Title Series
Requisition Number
FE04955
Working Title
Department Name
8G060:Educational Policy Studies and Evaluatio
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track
Required Education
Earned doctorate in qualitative research design and methods or related area, or an earned doctorate in disciplinary areas such as education policy, public policy, higher education, or a closely related field with extensive preparation in qualitative research design and methods.
Required Related Experience
Required qualifications include:
  • Experience in conducting qualitative research;
  • Demonstrated or evidenced potential to teach qualitative methods and methodologies at the graduate level;
  • Evidence of scholarly productivity;
  • Experience working with student populations; and
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Required License/Registration/Certification
n/a
Job Summary
The Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation (EPE) in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky invites applications and nominations for a tenure-eligible Assistant Professor position, effective August 15, 2027. The individual will be responsible for carrying out research, teaching, and service within the department. We welcome applicants with methodological expertise in qualitative research design and methods that aligns with the topical areas of focus within EPE.
Main duties and responsibilities include the following:
  • Teach courses in EPE
  • Have an active research agenda including the active pursuit of extramural funding
  • Maintain a professional service agenda appropriate for rank and career stage
  • Assist with the recruitment and advising of graduate students and serve on doctoral program committees
  • Support the strategic goals and priorities of the Department, College, and University

Required qualifications include:
  • An earned doctorate in qualitative research design and methods or related area, or an earned doctorate in disciplinary areas such as education policy, public policy, higher education, or a closely related field with extensive preparation in qualitative research design and methods
  • Experience in conducting qualitative research
  • Demonstrated or evidenced potential to teach qualitative methods and methodologies at the graduate level
  • Evidence of scholarly productivity
  • Experience working with student populations
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications include:
  • Successful post-secondary teaching and advising of graduate students
  • Online teaching experience
  • Research and methodological interests in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and large language models, community engaged inquiry, and participatory research methods

To apply for the position, please upload the following:
  • Curriculum vita
  • Cover letter - Address your qualifications, area(s) of specialization, and desired courses to teach
  • Two representative publications or writing samples
  • Unofficial Academic Transcripts - Official transcripts required upon hire
  • Statement on Teaching, Advising, and Service - (One page, upload under Specific Request 1)
  • Statement on Research and Scholarly Activity - (One page, upload under Specific Request 2)
  • Names and contact information of three people from whom references may be solicited

The review of applications begins September 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Kayla Johnson, Search Committee Chair, at kayla.johnson@uky.edu
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Preferred qualifications include:
  • Successful post-secondary teaching and advising of graduate students;
  • Online teaching experience
  • Research and methodological interests in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and large language models, community-engaged inquiry, and participatory research methods.

Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865