ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Flourish Research

Research Assistant

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

The Research Assistant supports clinical research studies under the supervision of the Site Director or Clinical Research Coordinator. This role assists with clinic operations and study procedures ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch JobsResearch Director JobsResearch Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Research Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$60K

$199.6K

$240.5K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Riverside, CA is $199,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,400.00 and $238,900.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Research jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Research Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Research Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Research Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Research Director job openings:
Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,598 per year, or $96 per hour.
DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH

DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH

Life Pacific University

San Dimas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

DEPARTMENT: 100 - Academics / STATUS: Full-Time / CLASSIFICATION: Exempt /RANK: Manager / DATE LAST UPDATED: January 2026
PURPOSE
The Director of Institutional Research (DIR) supports the institutional effectiveness of the University by conducting research leading to data-informed decision making and improved efforts to achieve the institutional mission through high quality educational offerings and effective departmental services. Areas of direct oversight include institutional research (IR), assessment efforts, and institutional compliance. The DIR facilitates the collection and distribution of institutional and higher education data to support both the academic and departmental components of the institution. The DIR assesses institutional needs, produces studies, suggests improvement in key processes, and recommends actions while supporting institutional groups such as the Administrative Council, Provost Council, and the Strategic Planning committee.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Director of Institutional Research is the institution's chief quality assurance manager. The DIR supervises the Office of Institutional Research. The DIR oversees the maintenance of an environment that promotes and supports the use of research and data analysis to guide decision making and institutional improvement. He/she leads development of a comprehensive, integrated system of data collection, research, assessment, evaluation, and reporting that supports strategic, academic and operational planning. The DIR is responsible for proactive questioning and targeted research and analyses on a wide range of institutional and academic issues and synthesizing diverse data points into a coherent set of actionable findings and recommendations. The DIR reports to the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Serve on the Enrollment, Retention, and Student Success Committee, and other faculty/institutional committees as requested by Provost.
  • Oversee institutional research efforts supported by the IR Work Group.
  • Maintain the Institutional Assessment Plan facilitating the collection, analysis, dissemination, storage, and retrieval of institutional and higher education data;
  • Administer cyclical and ad hoc institutional surveys and assist personnel in survey design and administration.
  • Pull data from the student information system and other sources and perform statistical analyses in response to institutional needs and requests from administration, faculty, and external entities.
  • Interpret and make meaning of data and research findings to inform key institutional issues, identify problems and solutions, instill best practices, and inform decision making.
  • Produce reports for various internal constituents including administration, faculty, board, and various committees.
  • Assure accurate and timely institutional reporting to external agencies such as IPEDS, US News, and accrediting agencies.
  • Develop and disseminate dashboards, reports, and other means of appropriate data sharing.
  • Ensure the maintenance and archiving of historic institutional data.
  • Assist department heads and program chairs/directors in developing assessment plans and completing the annual assessment cycle.
  • Compile data for faculty conducting academic program reviews.
  • Assist the Accreditation Liaison Officer in maintaining the institution's relationship with external accreditors providing oversight of institutional alignment with standards.
  • Maintain compliance with state and federal agencies, including state authorization to offer online programs.
  • Maintain membership in organizations that enhance performance of responsibilities.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Master's degree in relevant research-based field (Ed.D. or Ph.D. preferred).
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible higher education experience including effective management of professional staff and collaboration with faculty.
  • Strong analytical skills and quantitative and qualitative research knowledge and experience.
  • Ability to manage detail and simultaneously see the big picture.
  • Significant experience with educational assessment and IR strategies and needs.
  • Strong written and oral communication and organizational skills.
  • Orientation towards constant improvement in processes, strategies, and outcomes.
  • Current knowledge of federal and state higher education policies, issues, regulations, and trends.
  • Ability to work with and train faculty, staff, and other constituents.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office product suite including proficiency with Excel, MS Access, and statistical analysis software.
  • Must be able to sign the University's Statement of Faith.
  • Evidence of Christian commitment, active church involvement, and a strong allegiance to the University mission and vision.

NOTE: Though not required, this position is optionally eligible for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University.
This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.
Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University's statement of faith and mission.
No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.

Apply