Research Director Jobs in Georgia
Research Director jobs in Georgia are in strong demand, concentrated in academic research, healthcare and life sciences, public policy, and technology sectors, with openings at every level from emerging research leads through senior directors overseeing large programs. Atlanta, Athens, and Augusta are the primary hiring metros, home to anchor institutions and employers such as Emory University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and WellStar Health System. The most sought-after specialties in Georgia right now are clinical research, public health policy, and data-driven market research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Research Director jobs
About Us
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Provides strategic leadership for the university's institutional research, data governance, and reporting functions, serving as the authoritative source for official institutional data. Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timely submission of required reports to federal, state, system, accrediting, and other external agencies while providing data-driven insights that support institutional planning, decision-making, compliance, and effectiveness. Leads institutional research operations and serves as a key member of the Office of Data Strategy leadership team, advancing the university's data strategy and strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directs the university's institutional research, reporting, and analytics functions to support strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, regulatory compliance, accreditation activities, and data-informed decision-making
2. Serves as the university's official liaison to federal, state, system, accrediting, and external reporting agencies, including the University System of Georgia Office of Research and Policy Analysis, and serves as the institution's designated IPEDS Keyholder
3. Ensures the accuracy, integrity, consistency, and timely submission of official institutional data, reports, surveys, and mandated filings in accordance with applicable reporting requirements and standards
4. Leads the development and delivery of institutional research, analytics, and assessment activities that support executive leadership, academic program review, enrollment management, student success initiatives, accreditation efforts, and other institutional priorities
5. Directs the university's participation in external surveys, rankings, benchmarking studies, and data collections, ensuring accurate representation of institutional data and performance outcomes
6. Oversees the development and maintenance of institutional research publications, dashboards, websites, fact books, and other data resources to promote transparency, accessibility, and informed decision-making
7. Provides strategic consultation and analytical expertise to university leadership, administrative units, and academic departments through the interpretation of data and communication of actionable insights
8. Leads, develops, and evaluates institutional research staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
9. Establishes and maintains processes, reporting schedules, documentation standards, and data governance practices to ensure operational efficiency, business continuity, and compliance with reporting requirements
10. Collaborates with university leaders and stakeholders to design and conduct research, assessment, and analytical initiatives that advance enrollment growth, student success, academic excellence, resource stewardship, and institutional performance
11. Serves as a member of the Office of Data Strategy leadership team, contributing to the development and execution of university-wide data strategy, governance, and institutional effectiveness initiatives
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.
Required Experience
Eight (8) years of related experience within a postsecondary institution.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience reporting within the University System of Georgia.
Proposed Salary
The salary range is up to $133,000. Offers are based on relative experience. Comprehensive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Able to work collaboratively with a broad range of internal as well as external stakeholders
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines
Demonstrated commitment to operational and service excellence.
Demonstrated ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with campus-wide stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of data management, analysis, and reporting within a postsecondary institution.
Knowledgeable of KSU and USG policies, practices, and annual data collection methods.
Hands-on experience with external reporting, such as IPEDS, Common Data Set, and institutional ranking surveys.
Experience with large-scale databases and complex analytic systems to deliver solutions to serve institutional data, information, and analytic needs
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, SAS, Banner, Tableau, Power BI)
Proficient with ERPs, Microsoft products, and software applications for data analysis, data reporting from large databases, and data visualization (e.g., SAS, Tableau, MS Fabric/Power BI, SQL).
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel.
Background Check
- Standard Enhanced + Education
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
About Us
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Provides strategic leadership for the university's institutional research, data governance, and reporting functions, serving as the authoritative source for official institutional data. Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timely submission of required reports to federal, state, system, accrediting, and other external agencies while providing data-driven insights that support institutional planning, decision-making, compliance, and effectiveness. Leads institutional research operations and serves as a key member of the Office of Data Strategy leadership team, advancing the university's data strategy and strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directs the university's institutional research, reporting, and analytics functions to support strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, regulatory compliance, accreditation activities, and data-informed decision-making
2. Serves as the university's official liaison to federal, state, system, accrediting, and external reporting agencies, including the University System of Georgia Office of Research and Policy Analysis, and serves as the institution's designated IPEDS Keyholder
3. Ensures the accuracy, integrity, consistency, and timely submission of official institutional data, reports, surveys, and mandated filings in accordance with applicable reporting requirements and standards
4. Leads the development and delivery of institutional research, analytics, and assessment activities that support executive leadership, academic program review, enrollment management, student success initiatives, accreditation efforts, and other institutional priorities
5. Directs the university's participation in external surveys, rankings, benchmarking studies, and data collections, ensuring accurate representation of institutional data and performance outcomes
6. Oversees the development and maintenance of institutional research publications, dashboards, websites, fact books, and other data resources to promote transparency, accessibility, and informed decision-making
7. Provides strategic consultation and analytical expertise to university leadership, administrative units, and academic departments through the interpretation of data and communication of actionable insights
8. Leads, develops, and evaluates institutional research staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
9. Establishes and maintains processes, reporting schedules, documentation standards, and data governance practices to ensure operational efficiency, business continuity, and compliance with reporting requirements
10. Collaborates with university leaders and stakeholders to design and conduct research, assessment, and analytical initiatives that advance enrollment growth, student success, academic excellence, resource stewardship, and institutional performance
11. Serves as a member of the Office of Data Strategy leadership team, contributing to the development and execution of university-wide data strategy, governance, and institutional effectiveness initiatives
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.
Required Experience
Eight (8) years of related experience within a postsecondary institution.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience reporting within the University System of Georgia.
Proposed Salary
The salary range is up to $133,000. Offers are based on relative experience. Comprehensive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Able to work collaboratively with a broad range of internal as well as external stakeholders
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines
Demonstrated commitment to operational and service excellence.
Demonstrated ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with campus-wide stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of data management, analysis, and reporting within a postsecondary institution.
Knowledgeable of KSU and USG policies, practices, and annual data collection methods.
Hands-on experience with external reporting, such as IPEDS, Common Data Set, and institutional ranking surveys.
Experience with large-scale databases and complex analytic systems to deliver solutions to serve institutional data, information, and analytic needs
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, SAS, Banner, Tableau, Power BI)
Proficient with ERPs, Microsoft products, and software applications for data analysis, data reporting from large databases, and data visualization (e.g., SAS, Tableau, MS Fabric/Power BI, SQL).
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel.
Background Check
- Standard Enhanced + Education
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
See All 11 Research Director Jobs in Georgia
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Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Georgia
Where Georgia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Georgia
A snapshot from current Georgia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Georgia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Georgia.
- Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant research discipline required by most Georgia employers
- Five or more years of progressive research experience including team or program leadership
- Demonstrated ability to secure and manage competitive grant funding from federal or private sources
- Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical analysis platforms
- Strong record of published research, policy reports, or peer-reviewed contributions in the field
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including legal, compliance, and executive stakeholders
Research Director Jobs in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Georgia?
Most research director roles in Georgia require a master's or doctoral degree in a field aligned with the employing organization's focus, such as public health, biomedical science, social science, or business. Georgia does not issue a state license specific to the research director title, so advancement comes through demonstrated research leadership, grant management, and publication. Building experience at Georgia's universities, hospital systems, or state agencies is the most common path into a director-level position.
Which companies hire research directors in Georgia?
Employers hiring research directors in Georgia right now include JLL, Trimont, and Harris Computer, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Georgia's concentration of university medical centers, federal health agencies, and technology firms means demand is consistent across both public-sector institutions and private organizations throughout the state.
Which Georgia cities have the most research director jobs?
Atlanta, Georgia, and Kennesaw have the most research director openings in Georgia. Atlanta dominates due to its density of corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, and research universities, while Athens benefits from the University of Georgia's large research enterprise and Augusta is driven by the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University Health.
Are there remote research director jobs in Georgia?
Yes, and they are more common than in many fields, since research directors often work in strategy, data analysis, and stakeholder communication rather than hands-on lab settings. About 60% of research director openings tied to Georgia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of the work. Roles focused on qualitative research, policy analysis, and market research tend to offer the most remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a research director in Georgia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research coordinator or research associate role at one of Georgia's large academic medical centers, such as those affiliated with Emory, Georgia Tech, or Augusta University, where structured research training programs provide early leadership exposure. Moving laterally from a data analyst, program manager, or policy analyst position into a junior research management role is another common route. Completing a relevant graduate degree and building a portfolio of published or applied research strengthens candidacy significantly for competitive Georgia employers.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Georgia?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Georgia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Georgia openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and goals, and apply directly to each position.
See All 11 Research Director Jobs in Georgia
Find roles in Georgia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director Jobs