Director of institutional research vs research administrator

The differences between directors of institutional research and research administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a director of institutional research and a research administrator. Additionally, a director of institutional research has an average salary of $88,935, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a director of institutional research include data collection, data analysis and statistical analysis. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Director of institutional research vs research administrator overview

	Director Of Institutional Research	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$88,935	$52,667
Hourly rate	$42.76	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	55,424	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a director of institutional research do?

A director of institutional research oversees and leads the research programs of an organization or institution. They primarily take the lead in developing research plans, setting goals and standards, establishing timelines, securing fundings, organizing and managing research teams, recruiting new members of the workforce, and conducting regular assessments to ensure optimal operations. Moreover, a director of institutional research monitors all activities, addressing and solving issues should any arise. It is also their responsibility to empower research teams while implementing the organization's policies and standards.

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Director of institutional research vs research administrator salary

Directors of institutional research and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Director Of Institutional Research	Research Administrator
Average salary	$88,935	$52,667
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $128,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Santa Clara, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	Finance	Health Care

Differences between director of institutional research and research administrator education

There are a few differences between a director of institutional research and a research administrator in terms of educational background:

	Director Of Institutional Research	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Director of institutional research vs research administrator demographics

Here are the differences between directors of institutional research' and research administrators' demographics:

	Director Of Institutional Research	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between director of institutional research and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Director of institutional research example responsibilities.

Lead the overhaul of Amgen's small molecule lead optimization effort.
Achieve and maintain the standardization of IRB and research activities and compliance across the CHS.
Manage investment reports flow, and maintain financial models of list equities to assist in the investment process.
Achieve superior customer results by improving and integrating proprietary chemistry tests.
Complete research requests and comprehensive reports institution-wide using SQL, SPSS, and survey results.
Create mathematical models of currency exchange rates using linear regression and co-integration.

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Director of institutional research vs research administrator skills

Common director of institutional research skills

Data Collection, 9%
Data Analysis, 7%
Statistical Analysis, 7%
SPSS, 7%
Institutional Effectiveness, 5%
Visualization, 5%

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

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Director Of Institutional Research
Director Of Institutional Research vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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