Research Director Jobs in Illinois
Research Director jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Evanston, and the broader North Shore corridor, where the market is among the most active in the Midwest for this role across academic research, healthcare systems, and market intelligence consulting. Employers with a lasting Illinois presence, including Northwestern University, Abbott Laboratories, and the University of Chicago, regularly hire research directors at levels from associate director through senior principal investigator and vice president of research. The most in-demand specialties are clinical and translational research, consumer insights and market research, and policy and social science research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Assistant Director for Research Collaboration and Public Engagement
Hiring Department: Great Cities Institute (GCI)
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041683
Posting Close Date: November 9, 2026
Salary: From $80,000 to $90,000
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
This position advances the mission of the Great Cities Institute (GCI) at the University of Illinois Chicago by strengthening collaboration, research dissemination, and institutional coordination across academic, civic, and community partners. Under the direction of Institute's leadership, the Assistant Director for Research Collaboration and Public Engagement will support initiatives that connect applied research with policy, practice, and public engagement. The position contributes to building collaborative research capacity across academic units, government agencies, and community organizations.
Duties & Responsibilities
Research Collaboration and Partnership Development
- Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of collaborative research initiatives aligned with GCI’s program areas and research clusters.
- Conduct and co-lead applied qualitative and quantitative research related to interorganizational collaboration, participatory governance, and community partnerships.
- Facilitate and sustain collaborative relationships among university researchers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners.
- Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of collaborative research initiatives aligned with GCI’s program areas and research clusters.
- Contribute to the development of research partnerships, grant proposals, and funding strategies that strengthen collaborative research capacity.
Strategic Communication and Dissemination Lead the dissemination of GCI research through reports, policy briefs, multimedia storytelling, digital platforms, and public events.
- Translate complex research findings, datasets, and policy analyses into accessible formats for policymakers, practitioners, community partners, and the broader public.
- Coordinate visual, digital, and narrative communication strategies that enhance the reach and impact of GCI’s research initiatives.
- Support the development of public-facing research outputs that highlight GCI’s contributions to urban policy, community development, and regional planning.
Institutional Engagement Develop Institute’s faculty engagement program.
- Coordinate and mediate cross-campus collaborations by connecting UIC faculty with GCI initiatives, including the development of topical lecture series, collaborative research projects, and community-engaged scholarship opportunities.
- Establish and facilitate interdisciplinary faculty working groups aligned with GCI’s research clusters to advance urban policy dialogue, generate collaborative outputs, and strengthen sustained academic engagement.
- Design and lead a bi-directional “Collaborative Exchange” model between GCI and UIC units, coordinating the integration of GCI researchers into campus-based centers, initiatives, and academic programs, while also connecting UIC faculty and partners to GCI-led projects and research clusters.
- Strengthen university–community partnerships through coordinated institutional engagement strategies, supporting the development, alignment, and sustainability of collaborations between UIC units and external partners, and positioning GCI as a central hub for relationship-building, communication, and project coordination.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or a closely related field.
- At least three years experience in applied research, community-engaged scholarship, program coordination, or partnership development within academic, nonprofit, government, or policy research environments.
- Experience designing and conducting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, including data analysis and the preparation of applied research reports, policy briefs, or scholarly publications.
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral-level training in Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated research expertise in interorganizational collaboration, collaborative governance, or cross-sector partnerships, particularly within urban policy, community development, or public-sector contexts.
- Demonstrated experience translating research into accessible public-facing formats, including reports, digital media, visual communication, multimedia storytelling, or community-oriented knowledge dissemination.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary research environments or university-based research institutes, including collaboration with faculty, community organizations, and public-sector partners on applied research initiatives.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
For fullest consideration, please apply by the posting close date of November 9, 2026 at https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/20433?c=uic. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date of November 9, 2026.
Assistant Director for Research Collaboration and Public Engagement
Hiring Department: Great Cities Institute (GCI)
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041683
Posting Close Date: November 9, 2026
Salary: From $80,000 to $90,000
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
This position advances the mission of the Great Cities Institute (GCI) at the University of Illinois Chicago by strengthening collaboration, research dissemination, and institutional coordination across academic, civic, and community partners. Under the direction of Institute's leadership, the Assistant Director for Research Collaboration and Public Engagement will support initiatives that connect applied research with policy, practice, and public engagement. The position contributes to building collaborative research capacity across academic units, government agencies, and community organizations.
Duties & Responsibilities
Research Collaboration and Partnership Development
- Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of collaborative research initiatives aligned with GCI’s program areas and research clusters.
- Conduct and co-lead applied qualitative and quantitative research related to interorganizational collaboration, participatory governance, and community partnerships.
- Facilitate and sustain collaborative relationships among university researchers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners.
- Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of collaborative research initiatives aligned with GCI’s program areas and research clusters.
- Contribute to the development of research partnerships, grant proposals, and funding strategies that strengthen collaborative research capacity.
Strategic Communication and Dissemination Lead the dissemination of GCI research through reports, policy briefs, multimedia storytelling, digital platforms, and public events.
- Translate complex research findings, datasets, and policy analyses into accessible formats for policymakers, practitioners, community partners, and the broader public.
- Coordinate visual, digital, and narrative communication strategies that enhance the reach and impact of GCI’s research initiatives.
- Support the development of public-facing research outputs that highlight GCI’s contributions to urban policy, community development, and regional planning.
Institutional Engagement Develop Institute’s faculty engagement program.
- Coordinate and mediate cross-campus collaborations by connecting UIC faculty with GCI initiatives, including the development of topical lecture series, collaborative research projects, and community-engaged scholarship opportunities.
- Establish and facilitate interdisciplinary faculty working groups aligned with GCI’s research clusters to advance urban policy dialogue, generate collaborative outputs, and strengthen sustained academic engagement.
- Design and lead a bi-directional “Collaborative Exchange” model between GCI and UIC units, coordinating the integration of GCI researchers into campus-based centers, initiatives, and academic programs, while also connecting UIC faculty and partners to GCI-led projects and research clusters.
- Strengthen university–community partnerships through coordinated institutional engagement strategies, supporting the development, alignment, and sustainability of collaborations between UIC units and external partners, and positioning GCI as a central hub for relationship-building, communication, and project coordination.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or a closely related field.
- At least three years experience in applied research, community-engaged scholarship, program coordination, or partnership development within academic, nonprofit, government, or policy research environments.
- Experience designing and conducting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, including data analysis and the preparation of applied research reports, policy briefs, or scholarly publications.
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral-level training in Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated research expertise in interorganizational collaboration, collaborative governance, or cross-sector partnerships, particularly within urban policy, community development, or public-sector contexts.
- Demonstrated experience translating research into accessible public-facing formats, including reports, digital media, visual communication, multimedia storytelling, or community-oriented knowledge dissemination.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary research environments or university-based research institutes, including collaboration with faculty, community organizations, and public-sector partners on applied research initiatives.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
For fullest consideration, please apply by the posting close date of November 9, 2026 at https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/20433?c=uic. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date of November 9, 2026.
See All 17 Research Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Illinois.
- Doctoral or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or business field
- Minimum five to ten years of progressive research experience, including supervisory responsibility
- Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and complete large-scale research projects independently
- Experience securing external funding, grants, or contracts from federal agencies or foundations
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication, policy reporting, or client deliverable production
- Proficiency with statistical software, data management platforms, and research compliance protocols
Research Director Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Illinois?
Most research directors in Illinois reach the role by completing a doctoral degree or a master's degree in a specialized field and then building progressively senior research experience over several years. Illinois does not require a state-issued license to hold the title of research director. In academic and clinical settings, institutional credentialing through a university IRB or hospital research compliance office often substitutes for formal licensure, and demonstrating a strong publication or project portfolio is the most common path to promotion.
How much do research directors make in Illinois?
Research directors in Illinois earn a median of about $159,670 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,210 for the lowest 10% to over $281,660 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Illinois?
Employers hiring research directors in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Tempus, and The University of Chicago, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of research universities, hospital systems, and Fortune 500 headquarters in the Chicago metro means demand cuts across academic, clinical, and corporate research functions.
Which Illinois cities have the most research director jobs?
Chicago, Mettawa, and North Chicago have the most research director openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it anchors major hospital networks, corporate headquarters, and research universities, while Evanston and Oak Brook draw openings from Northwestern University and regional corporate campuses, giving the suburban corridor a disproportionate share of listings relative to its size.
Are there remote research director jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many senior roles, because research directors in desk-based fields like market research, policy analysis, and social science can run teams and manage projects without a fixed on-site presence. About 100% of research director openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting strong demand from consulting firms and data-driven companies headquartered in the Chicago area. Roles in clinical, laboratory, or university settings are more likely to require on-site leadership.
How can I get hired as a research director in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research associate or project coordinator role at a Chicago-area institution, which builds the supervisory and grant-management experience required at the director level. Large Illinois employers such as Rush University Medical Center and the University of Illinois system run postdoctoral programs and research fellowship tracks that function as structured pipelines into senior roles. Moving laterally from a senior analyst, principal investigator, or program manager position is also common, and completing an IRB certification or obtaining a Project Management Professional credential strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers across the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 17 Research Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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