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Research Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Work one-on-one with a Research Director and develop Research Director skills * Coordinate with Data Team on survey programming, link testing, banner points, weights, and crosstab needs prior to any ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Work one-on-one with a Research Director and develop Research Director skills * Coordinate with Data Team on survey programming, link testing, banner points, weights, and crosstab needs prior to any ...

EAB

Director, Research Advisory Services

Washington, DC · On-site

Director, Research Advisory Services EAB is the leading global provider of research and advice to higher education and K-12 institutions. Our research programs help executives at client organizations ...

EAB

Director, Research Advisory Services

Washington, DC · On-site

Director, Research Advisory Services EAB is the leading global provider of research and advice to higher education and K-12 institutions. Our research programs help executives at client organizations ...

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Research Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$59.8K

$199K

$239.8K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Reston, VA is $199,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,000.00 and $238,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How to become a research director?

To become a research director, candidates typically need a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in research roles, and strong leadership and project management skills. Progression often involves advancing through research positions, developing expertise, and demonstrating the ability to oversee large projects and teams.

What does a research director do?

A research director oversees research projects, manages teams of researchers, and develops strategies to meet organizational goals. They analyze data, ensure research quality, and often coordinate with other departments to implement findings effectively. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and familiarity with research tools are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying job in research?

The highest paying research roles are often senior positions such as Chief Scientific Officer or Director of Research in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or finance. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

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 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 much do research directors make in the US?

Research directors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior research directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and benefits included.
More about Research Director jobs
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Research Director jobs near you
Social Science Research, Director

Social Science Research, Director

American Institute of Physics Incorporated

College Park, MD • On-site

$122K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Social Science Research, Director


WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact. We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!


SUMMARY: The Director of Social Science Research is a senior leadership position within our research team, responsible for leading social science research initiatives focused on understanding and strengthening the physical sciences enterprise. Working closely with the Chief Research Officer, the Director leads a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, data scientists, survey researchers, and research analysts conducting research on higher education, workforce pathways, scientific communities, participation and opportunity, scientific societies, and the conditions that shape scientific progress.

The Director oversees a portfolio that includes longstanding longitudinal surveys, annual research agenda projects, externally funded initiatives, and strategically aligned contract research. Through this work, the Director helps generate actionable insights for AIP Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and the broader scientific community.

This role offers the opportunity to steward and evolve one of the longest-running social science research programs focused on the scientific enterprise in the United States. The Director will lead a team of nine researchers, oversee a research portfolio with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.5 million, and help shape the next generation of research on the future of the physical sciences enterprise.


WHAT YOU’LL DO

Research Program Leadership: Leads the social science research portfolio, including annual research agenda projects, longitudinal studies, externally funded initiatives, and strategic contract research. Oversees and evolves surveys, studies, and data assets to ensure their continued relevance and value to the physical sciences community. Identifies emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities and develops research that informs decision-making across the scientific enterprise.

Team Leadership and Operations: Leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately nine researchers, data scientists, and analysts. Oversees an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and ensures the effective allocation of staff, contractor, and financial resources. Fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Research Excellence and Insight: Serves as AIP’s senior authority on social science research methodology, guiding the design and execution of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Ensures research activities are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with best practices. Produces actionable insights that support Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Thought Leadership and External Engagement: Represents AIP as a visible leader in the research community through publications, presentations, webinars, reports, and other forums. Builds relationships with scientific societies, institutional leaders, funders, and external partners while advancing the visibility, relevance, and impact of AIP’s research.

Partnership Development and Portfolio Growth: Cultivates strategic partnerships with Member Organizations, collaborators, funders, and other stakeholders. Works closely with the Chief Research Officer and Grants & Development Office to pursue funding, partnership, and growth opportunities that strengthen the reach, sustainability, and long-term impact of AIP’s research portfolio.


WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Research Leadership

  • Significant experience leading social science research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
  • Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, and communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
  • Experience managing complex research portfolios with multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.

People and Organizational Leadership

  • Experience leading, mentoring, and developing research teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Experience managing budgets, resources, and research operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead change, build organizational capacity, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Thinking and Influence

  • Ability to connect research to broader organizational, community, and societal priorities.
  • Experience translating complex analyses into actionable insights that inform decision-making.
  • Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, scientific societies, or the broader research enterprise is highly desirable.

Partnership and Resource Development

  • Proven success securing external funding through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or sponsored research.
  • Experience developing competitive proposals, project budgets, and collaborative partnerships.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills with academic, philanthropic, professional, and policy audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or other advanced degree in sociology, education, economics, public policy, higher education, social science research, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with scientific societies, nonprofit research organizations, foundations, government agencies, or other mission-driven organizations.


TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $122,828.00 - $135,111.00


WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.


ABOUT AIP: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!