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Research Development Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research ... Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research ... Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth

USO

... Manager is responsible for providing prospect research, portfolio management, data analysis ... development. Pipeline Reporting: * Review pipeline reports for accuracy and ensure all planned ...

Cmu

Business Development Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

At SSD our teams engage in ground breaking software research, development, and transition for the ... As the primary SSD Pittsburgh based Business Development Manager for DoW & Federal Agencies, you ...

NewMarket Services Corporation

R&D Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the ...

NewMarket Services Corporation

R&D Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the ...

CEL - Critical Power

R&D Manager

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

... management. Product Development: · Own the end-to-end R&D / Product Development process from concept to launch. · Utilise FOK methodology to ensure the proposed design meets production Takt Time ...

CEL - Critical Power

R&D Manager

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

... management. Product Development: • Own the end-to-end R&D / Product Development process from concept to launch. • Utilise FOK methodology to ensure the proposed design meets production Takt Time ...

Virginia Zoological Society

Development Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Development Manager directly supervises the Development Specialist and works closely with them ... Assists with grant research, writing, and proposal preparation. * Assists in producing fundraising ...

Virginia Zoological Society

Development Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$65K - $75K/yr

The Development Manager directly supervises the Development Specialist and works closely with them ... Assists with grant research, writing, and proposal preparation. * Assists in producing fundraising ...

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All JobsResearch Development Manager JobsResearch Development Manager Jobs in Virginia

Research Development Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Virginia is $100,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Director (R&D)

Riverside Research Institute

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors & Systems) group, the Director will pursue and grow applied R&D opportunities with IC and DoW customers (e.g. NGA, NRO, AFRL, military services, etc.), lead corporate-wide Independent Research & Development (IR&D) efforts and manage existing R&D contracts. The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research offices while reporting to the Vice President of the Sensors & Systems Business Unit.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth
  • Provide technical direction, leadership, and management oversight of a substantial IR&D budget in artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Lead and shape capture and proposals, developing strategy to expand our existing technology baseline in alignment with the Riverside Research wide strategy and vision.
  • Significant customer interaction, initiating customer contact to create new business opportunities at DoD and IC organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, USSF, SDA, etc.
  • Collaboration across the larger Riverside Research organization to facilitate the development and transition of revolutionary solutions in important technology areas in the intelligence automation, system and sensor orchestration and sensor technology spaces, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, system integration, field testing, data collection, and software development.
  • Experience as a Principal Investigator for programs, setting technical direction and guiding teams in executing complex development projects that regularly involve multiple technical fields and cross-disciplinary work.
  • Grow the next generation of associate directors, managers, and scientists through mentorship
  • A leader that is responsible for developing consensus from among competing inputs to include customer feedback, diverse technical opinions, and team dynamics

Riverside has created a collaborative culture that stands apart from their competitors. With a strong business base, forward-looking vantage point, and growing internal R&D capabilities, the Director will be strongly positioned to grow his/her enterprise.
Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain SAP access.
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience is typically required for an employee at this level, and 8 years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in leading teams to solve complex technical problems, and developing and growing teams and an organization around a unified vision
  • Experience in new business capture, such as shaping program opportunities and proposal writing; preferred if experienced leading proposal efforts
  • Motivated individuals with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to perform a wide variety of related tasks, have exceptional oral and written skills, and experience presenting to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated understanding of program management processes and ability to prioritize multiple, concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
  • An established professional reputation for excellence in customer support and program execution
  • Collaborative leader with the highest integrity and moral compass
  • Sound business judgment, keen conceptual skills, intellectual discipline, self-confidence, imagination, well-developed management skills, and the personal ambition to play a major role in the growth and success of a high-end government research and services company with a strong heritage for high quality and responsive service to its clients
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD
  • Experience with automation of intelligence collection, orchestration, and analysis activities through software, particularly efforts leveraging Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLM's) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
  • Has an existing network of USG Customer contacts at DoD and IC research and development organizations, or has experience growing and maintaining a customer contact network
  • Demonstrated success in leading the capture of DoD and / or IC R&D opportunities at organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, DARPA, USSF, SDA,
  • Technology roadmap development experience
  • Experience with programming and scripting languages (e.g., Java, C++, MATLAB, Python, Bash)
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple sites
  • A minimum of bachelor's degree in related field (Engineering, Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, etc.) and several years of relevant experience required with strong preference for PhD degree.

Global Comp
$000,000- $000,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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