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Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DataAnnotation

$50 - $60/hr

A leading AI company is seeking a Research Director to help train AI models in finance. The role allows flexibility, requiring finance professionals with advanced degrees. Responsibilities include ...

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs? The most popular types of Research jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Research Director jobs? The top employers for Research Director jobs are:
What states have the most Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Director jobs are:
Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Research Director for House Campaigns

AB PAC

Washington, DC

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Research Director for House CampaignsLOCATION: Washington, DC 

American Bridge 21st Century, a progressive research and communications organization dedicated to holding Republicans accountable for their words and actions, is hiring a Research Director for House Campaigns to oversee targeted research projects for its Washington, DC office for the 2026 election cycle. This position will be a member of the organization’s senior staff, and will be responsible for interfacing with partners and allies, producing research products, and coordinating with other members of the leadership team.

 Primary responsibilities include:

  • Responsible for planning and executing an earned-media opposition research campaign against RepublicanHouse of Representatives-level targets.

  • Responsible for managing the House research team: defining projects, ensuring the quality of the work produced by the team, and providing training and feedback needed to develop as researchers.

  • Serve as a member of senior staff and work with the organization's leadership team to establish the strategic direction of research projects and messaging.

  • Help lead American Bridge 21st Century's rapid response research efforts, working closely with communications staff to identify earned media opportunities and capitalize on them.

  • Present research to partners; work with partners on an ongoing basis to meet their research needs.

  • Assist American Bridge paid team with vetting, ad backups, and research as needed.

 Skills and qualifications required:  

  • At least three election cycles of opposition research experience

  • Expertise in Lexis Nexis, public records research, video research, federal and state databases research

  • Previous experience managing staff.

AB PAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,  sex, age, national origin, genetic information, protected veterans, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination.

We offer a competitive salary starting at $100,000 for this position, and a strong benefits package. American Bridge 21st Century is a union employer. This position is not in the bargaining unit and is based in our DC office. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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