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Research Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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RESEARCH NURSE

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) conducts research spanning clinical areas including hematology, cardiology, pulmonary, sickle cell disease, and vascular medicine. We are seeking an ...

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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 Sep 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 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 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 Reston, VA?

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

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

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

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

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

Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in Reston, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,041 per year, or $95.7 per hour.

Project Director - Library & Cultural Institution Research

Washington, DC • On-site

Jobtailor
See more jobs at Jobtailorexternal

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

  • Serve as the single point of accountability for a multi-year researcher engagement and assessment program at a major federal research institution
  • Lead the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to evaluate researcher behaviors, perceptions, and experience, both onsite and online
  • Direct process development, policy/procedure analysis, and risk management activities related to research services delivery
  • Oversee statistical analysis and reporting, translating findings into clear recommendations for institutional leadership
  • Manage relationships with the client's Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and program stakeholders, including regular status meetings and documentation of key decisions
  • Lead delivery of written reports, including preliminary findings, final report, and implementation plan
  • Deliver executive-level presentations
  • Coordinate project planning, scheduling, and quality control across all research workstreams
  • Supervise and direct a project team, including managing an Alternate Project Director and supporting staff
Requirements
  • Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience developing and leading survey activity in support of research libraries or cultural institutions
  • Demonstrated experience participating in overseeing evaluation design, data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting
  • Ability to manage a team and oversee program requirements and staff
  • Prior experience conducting researcher/patron experience assessment specifically within a library, archive, or museum setting
  • Experience presenting findings and recommendations to executive-level government leadership
  • Familiarity with federal quality/deliverable standards and COR-based contract oversight
  • Advanced degree (e.g., MLIS, MPA, or related field) in library science, research methods, public administration, or a related discipline
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, statistical analysis, and program management within research libraries or cultural institutions. Proven ability to manage teams, oversee program requirements, and deliver executive-level presentations and reports.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Survey Activity Development
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Team Management
  • Executive-Level Presentations
  • Researcher Experience Assessment
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • Qualitative Research Methodologies
  • Quantitative Research Methodologies
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Data Collection
  • Evaluation Design
Soft Skills
  • Relationship Management
  • Communication
  • Leadership
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree (MLIS, MPA)
Industry Keywords
  • Federal Research Institution
  • Research Libraries
  • Cultural Institutions
  • Contracting Officer's Representative
  • Federal Quality Standards
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