ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Development Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Granules

Manager, Analytical R&D

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

With our sites in Chantilly and Manassas, Virginia, we have R&D through manufacturing and packaging of our medicines including pulsatile drug release in tablet and capsule dosage form, orally ...

AIPAC

Manager, Prospect Research

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $125K/yr

Deliver detailed, actionable research reports and insights to front-line development staff to enhance donor acquisition and engagement efforts. * Leverage publicly available political and civic ...

AIPAC

Manager, Prospect Research

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Deliver detailed, actionable research reports and insights to front-line development staff to enhance donor acquisition and engagement efforts. * Leverage publicly available political and civic ...

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. Qualifications : Required : • Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance • At least three (3) ...

BAE Systems

Ops Research Anst II

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $123K/yr

We're looking for a talented professional to contribute to the development and execution of policy research, recommendations, and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring policies align with ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsResearch Development JobsResearch Development Jobs in Reston, VA

Research Development information

See Reston, VA salary details

$50.5K

$105.9K

$171.7K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Reston, VA is $105,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is research development?

A Research Development job focuses on identifying funding opportunities, developing research proposals, and fostering collaborations to support research initiatives. Professionals in this role assist researchers in securing grants, managing research projects, and aligning proposals with funding agency priorities. They often work in universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments to facilitate innovation and strategic growth. Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical responsibilities of a research development professional?

Research Development professionals are primarily responsible for identifying funding opportunities, assisting with proposal preparation, and supporting strategic research initiatives. They often work closely with researchers, faculty, or scientists to develop competitive grant applications, ensure compliance with guidelines, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. The role may also involve coordinating workshops or trainings, managing research portfolios, and tracking emerging trends in funding. Working in teams and liaising with administrative departments is common, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment that supports both individual and institutional research goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research development?

To excel in Research Development, a strong background in scientific research, project management, and grant writing is typically required, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems such as IRB protocols is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills help professionals effectively manage complex projects and secure funding. These abilities are essential to drive innovation, streamline research processes, and support institutional or organizational growth.

What do research development professionals do?

Research development professionals support the planning, coordination, and management of research projects, often helping secure funding, develop proposals, and facilitate collaboration among researchers. They may also assist with grant writing, compliance, and project reporting, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Their work typically occurs in academic, government, or industry research settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Development jobs in Reston, VA?

For Research Development jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Development jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Development jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Development job openings:

Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,902 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Development Research Manager (Job ID: 2026-3816)

The Brookings Institution

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world.

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:

  • Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world
  • Expand economic and social opportunity for all
  • Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions
  • Advance peace and security worldwide

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

The Office of Development manages fundraising across the institution. Focused on a constituency-based fundraising model, our team works directly with the research programs and executive office to set an overarching fundraising strategy that supports the important work of our scholars.

In Brookings Development, we aim to: 

  • Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects to raise critical financial resources in support of the institution’s fiscal health and to advance the mission of Brookings.  
  • Safeguard Brookings’s institutional values of Quality, Independence, and Impact. 
  • Amplify the impact of our scholars’ research and steward our donors’ generosity with compelling and innovative programming for our donor groups.
  • Support our Board of Trustees in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities to protect and sustain the institution. 
  • Partner closely with our colleagues across Brookings by providing best-in-class fundraising and fundraising operations to benefit all research programs. 
  • In everything we do, strive for excellence, act with integrity, communicate with honesty, show respect and collegiality, be proactive, collaborative, creative, and solutions-oriented.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Please be advised that The Brookings Institution is currently undergoing a multi-year strategic plan implementation, and as part of this effort, the role, supervisor, and program may change.


Ready to contribute to Brookings' success?

The Development Research Manager conducts, manages, and coordinates philanthropic research for the Institution. The Manager responds to research requests from the Office of the President, the Vice President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), and other development staff. They support the fundraising efforts of the Institution by identifying and evaluating donor and prospect philanthropic interests and capacity with a focus on individual donors. The Manager works closely with other development researchers and the frontline fundraisers in Development by recommending new prospects for qualification and cultivation to build the giving pipeline. The Manager oversees a portfolio of fundraisers, projects, programs, and funding initiatives that require research services. They also compile current biographical and financial information and news on donors and prospects for visit/call briefings and event lookbooks for senior leadership. The Manager will also proactively identify potential prospects within the guidelines of federal, state, and local laws and institutional policies and procedures. Reports to the Director of Development Research.

Prospect Identification and Research (70%)

  • Writes prospect profiles,due diligence summaries, leadership briefings, and other research products, createsprospect lists, determinesphilanthropiccapacity, pathways,networks,and interests,working closely withfundraisers. 

  • Oversees theresearch components of the event lookbook process, coordinatingcloselywith other keydevelopment staff as needed. 

  • Compiles and analyzes biographical, wealth, and philanthropic information from all available resources to identify new prospects forBrookingsdonor groups, special projects, or core needs supportin their portfolio. 

  • Ensures that all suspects, prospects,and donors are researched and assigned capacity ratingsusing best practice methodsand those ratings are updated regularly. 

  • Ensures that prospect research activities meet the needs oftheir portfolio of fundraisersin support oftheir revenuegoals. 

  • Other research projects as needed. 

Data Management and Strategy (30%)

  • Works with thedevelopment research team onthe assignment and tracking ofsuspects andprospects fortheir portfolio. 

  • Trackssuspects and prospectsas they aremoved through the pipeline from qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

  • Participates in portfolio reviews with frontline fundraisers. 


Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required;a minimum ofthreeyears ofexperience researching prospects in a development setting.Experience in a related institution and/or familiarity with public policy organizationsis highly desirable.  

Knowledge/Skill Requirements  

Research proficiency, including solid knowledge ofresearch andmediaresources.  Strong analytical and evaluative skillswith attention to detail. Ability to extract information from a databaseandorganize,analyze, and present it inMicrosoftExcelor other formats for optimal utility. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment andsubmit work productsaccurately andquickly.Capacity to exercise independent initiative and judgment.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. 

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening, you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first-generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Apply