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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Showing 5 of 20+ Research Director jobs
About SAIC
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.
About the Department
The Advancement Office at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission to educate and empower the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Advancement partners strategically with internal and external stakeholders to build enduring relationships, secure philanthropic support and steward resources that enhance the student experience, fuel academic excellence and strengthen SAIC’s impact locally and globally.
The team leads a broad range of activities including fundraising, major and planned giving, advancement services and operations, alumni engagement and donor relations. By leveraging best-in-class systems, data insights and creative engagement strategies. Advancement ensures that SAIC can continue to provide world-class resources – from faulty support and scholarship funding to state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs. Collaborations across departments, thoughtful stewardship and a commitment to community and creativity are at the heart of the office’s work.
Position Summary
Works closely with the Director of Advancement Services and Operations to execute the strategy for research and prospect management functions, in support of School's fundraising goals. This includes: research projects, screening verification, discovery of prospects, database management, project initiatives in conjunction with the Advancement Operations team, documentation of processes and updates, and training / collaboration with development staff.
Responsibilities
- Produces a comprehensive suite of research products that support the various fundraising initiatives undertaken by the President's Office and Development Team.
- Proactively identifies prospective donors through: data screenings, information from admissions office, registrar, news alerts, "best of" lists, and internal data mining projects.
- Partners with the Director to present these prospects at regular prospect meetings.
- Works with the Development and Advancement teams to conduct portfolio reviews, pipeline reviews, and other prospect management duties, under the purview of the Executive Director of Development.
- Supports Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and Events as needed.
- Uses identification and research to engage and inform frontline fundraising staff, and to monitor their efforts in maximizing the use of that data in their fundraising efforts; i.e., identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Assists Advancement Operations Specialist in maintaining current and accurate biographical and prospect information in donor database.
- Manages the weekly news digest to support stewardship and cultivation outreach from gift officers for organizational leaders, top donors, and key prospects.
- Provides internal client support and training on the utilization of the donor database.
- Maintains trusted relations with vendors; manage subscriptions with the Museum, and coordinate electronic capacity screening projects and data clean-up.
- Evaluates tools and emerging technologies, and keep abreast of trends in the field of prospect research.
- Serves as a backup gift processor.
- Other duties as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
- 1-2 years of prospect research experience or comparable experience.
- Experience managing projects and working across teams to accomplish a shared objective.
- Experience with CRM database(s) in a development capacity.
- Knowledge of data management skills including proficiency with spreadsheets and using Raiser’s Edge CRM or other similar databases/relational database software.
- Ability to work several events, including evenings and weekends, per year.
- Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated worker who takes initiative.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with good attention to detail.
- Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
- Familiarity with research resource materials consistent with APRA Advanced Skills Set.
- Understanding of Advancement operations as a functional area.
- Strong financial analysis skills to identify and interpret assets, individual wealth indicators, relationships among individuals, corporations and foundations philanthropic patterns.
Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JbHMTqJFp49R3fjOigSafMimaO1N8uJFTxTTVAAX-Bk/edit?tab=t.0)
The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
- Benefits (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXoRp-Na9GIG866vPauAI1vzijNlDKpBNKR8dtjyiWs/edit?tab=t.0)
- PTO Overview (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GubVe-8SeAE6MkMcCx6EWbYTQyUlOyiw_L8q4bRUOtg/edit?tab=t.0)
- Job Classification: Exempt
- Employment Category: Full time staff
- Grade Level: 7
If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment (http://artic.edu/employment) for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants (https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/Accessibility)
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu (mailto:apply_help@artic.edu).
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
About SAIC
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.
About the Department
The Advancement Office at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission to educate and empower the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Advancement partners strategically with internal and external stakeholders to build enduring relationships, secure philanthropic support and steward resources that enhance the student experience, fuel academic excellence and strengthen SAIC’s impact locally and globally.
The team leads a broad range of activities including fundraising, major and planned giving, advancement services and operations, alumni engagement and donor relations. By leveraging best-in-class systems, data insights and creative engagement strategies. Advancement ensures that SAIC can continue to provide world-class resources – from faulty support and scholarship funding to state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs. Collaborations across departments, thoughtful stewardship and a commitment to community and creativity are at the heart of the office’s work.
Position Summary
Works closely with the Director of Advancement Services and Operations to execute the strategy for research and prospect management functions, in support of School's fundraising goals. This includes: research projects, screening verification, discovery of prospects, database management, project initiatives in conjunction with the Advancement Operations team, documentation of processes and updates, and training / collaboration with development staff.
Responsibilities
- Produces a comprehensive suite of research products that support the various fundraising initiatives undertaken by the President's Office and Development Team.
- Proactively identifies prospective donors through: data screenings, information from admissions office, registrar, news alerts, "best of" lists, and internal data mining projects.
- Partners with the Director to present these prospects at regular prospect meetings.
- Works with the Development and Advancement teams to conduct portfolio reviews, pipeline reviews, and other prospect management duties, under the purview of the Executive Director of Development.
- Supports Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and Events as needed.
- Uses identification and research to engage and inform frontline fundraising staff, and to monitor their efforts in maximizing the use of that data in their fundraising efforts; i.e., identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Assists Advancement Operations Specialist in maintaining current and accurate biographical and prospect information in donor database.
- Manages the weekly news digest to support stewardship and cultivation outreach from gift officers for organizational leaders, top donors, and key prospects.
- Provides internal client support and training on the utilization of the donor database.
- Maintains trusted relations with vendors; manage subscriptions with the Museum, and coordinate electronic capacity screening projects and data clean-up.
- Evaluates tools and emerging technologies, and keep abreast of trends in the field of prospect research.
- Serves as a backup gift processor.
- Other duties as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
- 1-2 years of prospect research experience or comparable experience.
- Experience managing projects and working across teams to accomplish a shared objective.
- Experience with CRM database(s) in a development capacity.
- Knowledge of data management skills including proficiency with spreadsheets and using Raiser’s Edge CRM or other similar databases/relational database software.
- Ability to work several events, including evenings and weekends, per year.
- Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated worker who takes initiative.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with good attention to detail.
- Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
- Familiarity with research resource materials consistent with APRA Advanced Skills Set.
- Understanding of Advancement operations as a functional area.
- Strong financial analysis skills to identify and interpret assets, individual wealth indicators, relationships among individuals, corporations and foundations philanthropic patterns.
Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JbHMTqJFp49R3fjOigSafMimaO1N8uJFTxTTVAAX-Bk/edit?tab=t.0)
The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
- Benefits (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXoRp-Na9GIG866vPauAI1vzijNlDKpBNKR8dtjyiWs/edit?tab=t.0)
- PTO Overview (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GubVe-8SeAE6MkMcCx6EWbYTQyUlOyiw_L8q4bRUOtg/edit?tab=t.0)
- Job Classification: Exempt
- Employment Category: Full time staff
- Grade Level: 7
If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment (http://artic.edu/employment) for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants (https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/Accessibility)
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu (mailto:apply_help@artic.edu).
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 20 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
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
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, Illinois Institute of Technology, and JLL, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Bedford Park 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 42% of research director openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 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 20 Research Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director Jobs