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Research Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

A-Team Solutions

RESEARCH NURSE

Bethesda, MD

$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 Jun 16, 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.

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.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,041 per year, or $95.7 per hour.
Managing Director, Research University Practice

Managing Director, Research University Practice

McAllister and Quinn

Washington, DC • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About McAllister & Quinn
McAllister & Quinn is a federal research development consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive grant consulting, strategic advising, and government relations services. Specifically, McAllister & Quinn equips clients with the knowledge and expertise to pursue federal and private foundation funding opportunities that align with their organizational priorities. We support clients' strategic positioning efforts, help craft competitive applications, develop and expand funding streams through the congressional appropriations process, and facilitate public-private and international partnerships that advance their missions.
We are committed to securing transformational funding for our clients and the communities and missions they serve. The impact of our work motivates us and is central to why we do what we do. We know that our success can lead to better outcomes, changed lives, and a more equitable society for generations to come.
Research University Practice
Our Research Universities Practice supports sponsored research activities at public and private R1 and R2 institutions. We help research universities compete for diverse funding opportunities, engage and train cohorts of faculty, support federal agency engagement and partnership development, and implement positioning strategies informed by strategic intelligence.
As a Managing Director, you will lead client engagements and serve as a strategic advisor to university leadership, faculty, and research development teams. Working collaboratively, you will design and implement funding strategies, guide proposal development, support federal agency engagement, contribute to capacity-building initiatives, and help clients secure major awards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Managing Director leads research development services and deliverables in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role requires clear communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving, enabling you to build strong client relationships and deliver consistent, high-quality results. Key responsibilities include:
Research Development and Strategic Consulting:
  • Partner with university leadership to identify priorities and align them with external funding opportunities.
  • Develop actionable funding strategies and collaborate on execution plans.
  • Maintain extensive knowledge of federal grant programs and trends and advise clients on positioning and competitiveness.
  • Guide faculty and teams in developing and executing funding concepts and pursuit strategies.
  • Lead complex proposal development efforts, including large, multi-institutional grants (20M+).
  • Design and deliver tailored capacity-building, strategic intelligence, and agency engagement services.
  • Coordinate consultant teams to deliver high-quality services.

Client and Project Management:
  • Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor.
  • Oversee the strategic planning and execution of work plans, including project timelines, deliverables, and quality standards.
  • Maintain strong, responsive client relationships.
  • Engage with clients on site and participate in industry conferences (approximately

Requirements
Requirements and Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
  • Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in research development, sponsored programs, federal funding, or related work.
  • Familiarity with research programs across one or more federal agencies (DoD, DOE, NIH, USDA, DOC, NASA, NSF).
  • Strong client management and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
  • Strong research, analytical, writing, and editing skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical content clearly to different audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Direct experience working with faculty, federal agencies, and federal research grants or contracts.
  • Experience working with R1/R2 research institutions.
  • Experience leading large-scale or center-level proposals, including the strategic positioning of research teams and federal agency engagement.
  • Project management certification (PMP, APMP, or similar).
  • Experience in consulting or client-facing advisory roles.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday EST.
  • Location: Remote or in office (Washington, D.C.).
  • Negotiable: The firm standard is in-office presence for collaboration days, Tuesday through Thursday.
  • Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, dependent care FSA, HSA/FSA, and transit benefits.
  • Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a starting annual base salary of $110,000; employees are eligible for a bonus after one year of continuous service.
  • Flexible vacation and leave policy.

At McAllister & Quinn, we're challenging the status quo. When we bring together different perspectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities, inspire innovation, and unlock the full potential of our people. We're building an employee experience and culture of engagement that emphasizes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone on our team.
Application Instructions
Please submit a detailed letter of application describing your qualifications and relevant experience for the position, along with a current resume, in a single PDF file to the HR Department at recruiting@jm-aq.com .
Salary Description
Starting at $110,000

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