1

Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of the Executive Advisory Board, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Principal Investigator, National Institutes of Health and/or sponsor for each research project. * Contributes to the ...

We seek an Executive Director to lead research applying advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and reinforcement learning to systematic strategies, portfolio construction, and ...

We seek an Executive Director to lead research applying advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and reinforcement learning to systematic strategies, portfolio construction, and ...

The Sr. Clinical Research Director will provide leadership to ensure all operations support quality patient care and clinical research and comply with all Command, federal, state, regulatory, TBI CoE ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 research projects, manages teams of researchers, and develops strategies to meet organizational goals. They analyze data, ensure research quality, and often collaborate with other departments to apply findings effectively. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and familiarity with research tools are essential for this role.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Deputy Budget & Research Director

Phoenix Police Department

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$134K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Phoenix rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION
Deputy Budget and Research Directors manage professional staff who provide essential support to a variety of City departments in the areas of fiscal management, budgetary analysis, research studies, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Professional guidance is used in this position to oversee the development of operating and capital budgets, financial forecasts, and operational studies designed to evaluate and enhance citywide operations. Other duties include working closely with and responding to requests for information from labor groups, City departments, elected officials and residents to ensure the highest level of customer service and transparency. Deputy Directors also attend City Council meetings as required to represent the department. This position exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment under the general supervision of the Budget and Research Director.
This position will be responsible for:
  • Effectively leading a team of four analysts responsible for working with City departments to develop, forecast, and monitor operating expenditure budgets.
  • Preparing annual budget documents for publication.
  • Conducting studies to improve operations and identify cost savings.
  • Performing complex professional research and analysis on a variety of topics as needed or requested by elected officials, management, or other department heads.
  • Writing reports with sound recommendations for City Management and City Council.
  • Managing special projects as assigned.
While this position will be assigned areas of specialty, incumbents must be familiar with and support all department programs and services. Specific areas of responsibilities and assignments may be rotated or reorganized based on operational need.
Currently, positions in the Budget and Research Department may be eligible for up to two days of telework per week, at the discretion of the Budget and Research Director, and work is performed under the supervision of the Budget and Research Director.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this position is well organized and can manage multiple processes simultaneously; demonstrates an ability to quickly and accurately understand and apply financial and budgetary data; possesses the ability to effectively communicate with their team about, and ensure achievement of, department projects and priorities; and keeps senior and executive leadership abreast of emergent issues. The ideal candidate maintains strong reporting skills, completes research studies, and develops reports for publishing. This individual will also demonstrate strong presentation skills, as they may present in front of City Council and other City leadership.
SALARY
$134,908.80 - $178,256.00 annually. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The City contributes 9% of salary into 457/401(a) plans with no matching required. $4,200/annual car allowance and $1,440/annual cell phone allowance.
BENEFITS
A comprehensive Middle Manager benefits package is offered which includes:
  • Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information
  • 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
  • Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
  • Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
  • Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance options
  • Employer paid long-term disability
  • Free bus/light rail pass
  • Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
  • Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
  • Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi
For more details, visit: Middle Manager Benefits .
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Five years of professional-level governmental experience in budgeting, finance, public administration or research.
  • One year of supervisory, project leadership, or team leadership experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, management, accounting, auditing, human resources, finance, or a related field.
  • Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
  • Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
  • For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .
  • The City job description can be found here .

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications listed above, plus experience in:
  • Performing complex financial analysis.
  • Expenditure forecasting.
  • Labor costing.
  • Central budget office experience, including annual budget development.
  • Performing operational and benchmarking studies.
  • Managing financial systems and processes.
  • Presentation experience to committees, boards and/or City Council.

RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes August 6, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
  • Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
  • If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
  • Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
  • Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix .
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
  • If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939 . You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

REFERENCE
Deputy Budget & Research Dir, JC:05350, ID# 62522, 7/28/2026, USM, JR, Benefits: Middle Manager
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

What City Of Phoenix employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom