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Research Director Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Protein Research Manager - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$92.80K - $171.60K/yr

This position reports to the Global R&D Director for Alternative Proteins within the Human Nutrition Research team. It is based on-site in Decatur, IL, and may require up to 15-25% travel.Key ...

KINDERCARE

Site Director at Baum Elementary

Decatur, IL

$16.35 - $33.15/hr

As a Site Director, you will use our nationally recognized curriculum as a framework to create ... We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and ...

KINDERCARE

Site Director at Hope Academy

Decatur, IL

$16.35 - $33.15/hr

As a Site Director, you will use our nationally recognized curriculum as a framework to create ... We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and ...

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See Decatur, IL salary details

$55.8K

$185.6K

$223.6K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Decatur, IL is $185,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,400.00 and $222,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Research Director?

A research director manages a company’s research and development department. As a research director, you supervise team members, overseeing data collection and analysis, product design, and manufacturing. Other responsibilities include hiring and training new staff, conducting performance evaluations, and gathering information and preparing detailed reports about the progress and outcomes of research projects. The qualifications for a career as a research director are a doctorate in science and at least five years of management experience.

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

To thrive as a Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software, data visualization tools, and research management systems is often required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for guiding research teams, ensuring the quality of deliverables, and aligning projects with organizational goals.

How does a Research Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Research Director, you will frequently work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, data analysts, marketing professionals, and senior leadership. Collaboration often involves establishing research priorities, aligning on project goals, and communicating key findings to various stakeholders. Effective Research Directors facilitate regular meetings, provide clear direction to research staff, and ensure that research insights are integrated into broader organizational strategies. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering impactful research outcomes that support business objectives.

What does a Research Director do?

A Research Director oversees the planning, execution, and management of research projects within an organization. They are responsible for setting research goals, developing strategies, and ensuring that projects align with the company's objectives. Research Directors lead teams of researchers, manage budgets, and analyze data to drive decision-making. Additionally, they often present findings to stakeholders and keep up-to-date with advancements in their field to maintain the organization's competitive edge.

What is the difference between Research Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often advanced degreesBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; some roles prefer advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in research departments, overseeing multiple projectsManaging research teams and projects, focusing on execution
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, academic, and government research settingsCommon in corporate and academic research teams

The Research Director typically holds a higher strategic leadership role, overseeing research initiatives and setting long-term goals. The Research Manager focuses more on managing day-to-day research activities and team coordination. Both roles require strong research credentials, but the Research Director's scope is broader and more strategic.

More about Research Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Research jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Research Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Research Director job openings:
Research Director jobs near you
Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Agnes Scott College

Decatur, IL

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Office: Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Reports to: Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board

Work Period: 12-month

Hours: Full-time

Overtime: Exempt

Job Grade: 10

General Summary: The Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness leads the collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of institutional data in support of evidence-based decision making, strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, and policy development. The Director serves as the college's primary steward of institutional data and intelligence, advancing a culture of inquiry and data-informed practice across all divisions. The role is also responsible for compliance within the guidelines of federal, state, and local laws, and office, division and college policies and procedures. This position reports to the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board and collaborates broadly with faculty, staff, cabinet leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external constituents.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Serve as the college's central resource for institutional data and intelligence-collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and contextualizing information on students, faculty, staff, alumnae, curricula, finances, and other institutional matters.
  • Lead the preparation and submission of required external reports, including IPEDS and guidebook surveys (e.g., U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review), ensuring accuracy, appropriate contextualization, and timeliness.
  • Maintain the OIRE web presence, making available the Fact Book, Common Data Set, and required information on student achievement.
  • Design, administer, and oversee a regular cycle of institutional surveys; ensure results are effectively integrated into assessment, planning, and institutional improvement efforts.
  • Advance data governance by participating in the development and implementation of policies and practices that ensure the integrity, security, and appropriate use of institutional data.
  • Provide strategic leadership for institutional effectiveness and overseeing the Director of Institutional Assessment in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive assessment program by partnering with the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Support student success initiatives by analyzing goals and outcomes, evaluating their alignment with mission and strategy, monitoring benchmarks, and recommending evidence-based measurement and evaluation approaches.

Other Job Functions:

  • Lead and execute special projects commissioned by college leadership, translating complex data into actionable intelligence and decision support.
  • Serve on institutional committees and working groups related to planning, data governance, and strategic planning.
  • Monitor trends, challenges, and innovations in higher education; anticipate future data and research needs; and advise leadership proactively.
  • Provide expert consultation on the design, analysis, and reporting of ad hoc research and assessment studies.
  • Build and sustain a collaborative, data-literate institutional culture through proactive communication, training, and information sharing.
  • Provide ongoing supervision of the Director of Institutional Assessment and any student workers assigned to the office.

Requirements:

Education: Master's-level credential in research, measurement, assessment and/or evaluation, or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the position. PhD or EdD preferred.

Experience: Minimum of three years of professional experience in higher education research and planning.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Demonstrated expertise in higher education research methods, data analysis, and applied statistics, with the ability to translate findings for non-technical audiences.
  • Proficiency in data collection, synthesis, interpretation, and presentation, including experience developing dashboards and data visualizations.
  • Working knowledge of higher education enterprise systems (e.g., Banner or similar ERP) and familiarity with database structure and query tools (e.g., SQL).
  • Familiarity with IPEDS, SACSCOC accreditation standards, and other relevant federal, state, and regional reporting requirements.
  • Broad knowledge of current trends and issues in higher education, including student success frameworks, enrollment management, and institutional effectiveness practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across an institution-with faculty, staff, senior leadership, and governing board members-exercising sound judgment in matters of confidentiality and prioritization.
  • Skilled communicator, with the ability to present complex analytical material clearly in both written and oral forms to audiences with varying levels of data literacy.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to the accuracy, integrity, and ethical use of data.
  • Strong initiative, intellectual curiosity, and capacity for self-directed work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Physical Demands: Intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, crouching, walking, and occasional moving of light objects. Work is performed in an office.

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Application Process: Please apply online. Position is posted until filled. Due to the overwhelming response to the college's staff openings we are unable to respond personally to individual telephone inquiries. No faxed submissions please.

EEO: To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Agnes Scott College are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Agnes Scott prohibits unlawful discrimination based on protected categories in its employment practices. This shall include, but not be limited to, employment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and termination.

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