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Research Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Research Operations Team: Research Reports To: CTO and Co-Founder Supervisory Responsibility: This role will have 2 direct reports, the Lead Survey Programmer and the Fielding and ...

Director of Research Operations Team: Research Reports To: CTO and Co-Founder Supervisory Responsibility: This role will have 2 direct reports, the Lead Survey Programmer and the Fielding and ...

Director of Research Operations Team: Research Reports To: CTO and Co-Founder Supervisory Responsibility: This role will have 2 direct reports, the Lead Survey Programmer and the Fielding and ...

Associate Director Research Operations Location: Flint, MI Job Id: 2496 # of Openings: 1 Insight Health System Clinical Research Associate Director, Research Operations Title: Associate Director ...

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Research Operations Director information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do research operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research operations director in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research operations director?

A Research Operations Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the infrastructure, processes, and resources that support research activities within an organization. They manage teams, budgets, and systems to ensure research projects run efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. Their role often includes improving workflow, implementing best practices, and supporting researchers with tools and training. The goal is to streamline research operations and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research operations director?

To thrive as a Research Operations Director, you need expertise in research management, process optimization, and budgeting, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, compliance systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure efficient research operations, compliance with regulations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes.

What are the main challenges a research operations director faces in supporting cross-functional research teams?

A Research Operations Director often navigates challenges such as coordinating resources across multiple research projects, ensuring consistent processes, and managing communication between diverse stakeholders like researchers, product managers, and leadership. Balancing the needs of various teams while maintaining research quality and compliance can be complex, especially as organizations scale. Effective directors establish standardized procedures, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement tools that streamline workflows to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Operations Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch Operations DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or PhD) and extensive experience in research managementUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with several years of research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple research teams, manages operations, and aligns research strategies with organizational goalsManages specific research projects or teams, focusing on execution and deliverables
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech companies, and research institutionsFound across various industries including tech, healthcare, and market research firms

The Research Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and operational management of research functions, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require research expertise, but the director role involves broader leadership and organizational responsibilities.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Research Operations jobs?

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What states have the most Research Operations Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Operations Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Research Operations Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Research Administration & Operations Director

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene

New York, NY • On-site

$158K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Research Administration & Operations Director

Grade: 35

Salary: $158,345 - $185,000

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full-time Research Administration & Operations Director for the Office of Mental Health (OMH).

The Research Administration and Operations Director will provide OMH Central Office coordination for the administrative, operational, and compliance infrastructure supporting the research enterprise across the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and its affiliated research institutions.

Reporting to senior OMH leadership, the Director serves as a central steward of the research administration framework for OMH, ensuring that research conducted across OMH-operated facilities, affiliated academic institutions, and partner organizations is carried out with the highest standards of scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and public accountability.

The Director will collaborate closely with OMH executive, research institute and psychiatric center leadership as well as the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Work with OMH leadership to develop and execute a strategic vision for the research administration infrastructure supporting OMH's research enterprise.
  • Advise OMH executive leadership and government officials on research policy and compliance issues.
  • Promote research collaborations between OMH facilities, academic institutions, federal agencies, and external partners.
  • Represent OMH in interactions with state and federal agencies, research sponsors, and external research organizations.
  • Provide executive oversight for research administration functions supporting OMH research activities, including Research compliance programs, Clinical research operations, Research data infrastructure, Research training and workforce development, and more.
  • Coordinate research administration activities across OMH clinical facilities and affiliated research institutions.
  • Develop and maintain administrative policies, procedures, and operational standards governing research activities conducted across OMH facilities.
  • Ensure the effective operation of research support services that enable investigators to conduct research efficiently and compliantly.
  • Oversee the implementation and optimization of research information systems, including grants management systems, clinical trial management systems, and research compliance systems.
  • Promote operational efficiency through continuous process improvement and modernization of research administrative systems.
  • Provide leadership for OMH research compliance programs, including: Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight, Research integrity and responsible conduct of research, Conflict of interest management and more.
  • Ensure research conducted under OMH authority complies with applicable regulations and policies, including but not limited to: 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule), FDA regulations governing clinical investigations, HIPAA and privacy regulations, and more.
  • Promote a culture of research integrity, ethical conduct, and accountability throughout the OMH research enterprise.
  • Serve as a key liaison between OMH research leadership and other government and institutional leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 9 years of experience, 4 years of which need to be managerial.
  • D. or master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience;
  • D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Doctoral or professional degree (PhD, MD, JD, DrPH, or equivalent).
  • Certification in research administration or research compliance (e.g., CHC, CHRC, CHPC, CRA, CPRA, or similar).
  • Experience working within state or federal government research environments.
  • Experience managing research programs in mental health, behavioral health, or public health.
  • Demonstrated success building research collaborations across institutions.
  • Experience in research administration within a government agency, academic medical center, or research institution.
  • Demonstrated expertise in: Research compliance and regulatory frameworks, Human subjects protection programs, and Clinical research operations
  • Experience working within or with government agencies, public health systems, or large healthcare organizations.
  • Able to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and complex organizational initiatives.
  • Strong strategic leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Work Location: New York State Psychiatric Institute - 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY OR Nathan S. Kline Institute - 140 Old Orangeburg Road Orangeburg, NY

Sponsorship Policy: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. RFMH does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas at this time

To Apply: Submit an application through our website at https://rfmh.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please note only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

The Mission of the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. RFMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, RFMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring that RFMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - Disabled/Veteran, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.