Donor Relations Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Donor Relations Officers typically qualify for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship as their roles require specialized knowledge in fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and database management. The position demands strong analytical skills and often requires a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or related fields. Most sponsoring employers are nonprofits, universities, and foundations.
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INTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for fundraising and donor engagement, and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. UDAR also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, and database management.
The College of Letters & Science (L&S) is the largest of Berkeley's colleges, comprising 38 departments and 79 majors; and encompasses nearly half of the campus faculty, almost two-thirds of its undergraduate students, and almost half of its Ph.D. candidates.
UDAR's Constituent Programs team works closely with L&S deans and development leaders on strategy setting and organizational performance to optimize fundraising strategies and help the College reach its philanthropy goals; and provides stewardship, communications, and advisory board support to the College.
Position Summary
The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer provides stewardship reporting, donor engagement communications, and proposal development support for all five divisions of the College of Letters & Science (L&S). With input from divisional development teams and college leadership and guidance from the Associate Director for Stewardship & Strategy, this position conceives, researches, writes, edits, and publishes written materials and strategic communications including feature stories, interviews, proposals, short videos, event scripts, and decanal presentations. The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer is also responsible for producing stewardship reports of varying lengths that are required by gift agreements to ensure donors and prospects are engaged and stewarded effectively to maintain and increase fundraising levels.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: September 12, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
- Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials - 40%
Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science that communicate complex or sensitive subject matter, such as research outcomes, program activities, and student success stories, to a highly influential audience of major donors and philanthropic partners to UC Berkeley. Collateral may include feature stories, interviews, proposals, briefing materials, talking points, decanal outreach communications to prospects and donors, and web site content. Develop new donor engagement tools, including digital and print communications and collateral around key divisional and campaign priorities.
- Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials - 30%
Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science as part of the approximately 125 stewardship moves for programmatic support or fund donors the Constituent Programs team produces annually.
- Collaborate with divisional fundraising teams - 15%
Meet regularly with divisional fundraising teams in the Arts & Humanities, Biological Sciences, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences divisions to understand priorities and recent program successes and advise on donor outreach and engagement strategies.
- Provide donor engagement support for digital fundraising efforts - 5%
Work with UDAR and L&S leaders to develop strategies for digital outreach campaigns for the College of Letters & Science Leadership Fund; and produce donor engagement content for fundraising efforts.
- Provide support for other L&S advancement communications - 5%
May collaborate with L&S College Relations and university staff on additional advancement communications projects, including campaign documents, website articles, proposals, event invitations, press releases, and miscellaneous donor reports.
- Provides editing and proofreading support - 5%
Provides editing and proofreading support for L&S fundraisers and Constituent Programs team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
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Minimum of 4 years of experience demonstrating advanced skills and experience as a writer, able to clearly, engagingly, and persuasively convey complex messages in long form and short form, in a variety of media including electronic and print, and in tone and style at levels of detail and technical depth for diverse audiences.
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Minimum of 4 years of experience with content development, research and fact verification, adherence to appropriate editorial style guidelines; copyediting, and proofreading.
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Minimum of 4 years of experience with demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners, as well as ability to work collaboratively with partners and facilitate collaborations with teams/colleagues from varying fields and at all levels.
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Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
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Excellent team collaboration and interpersonal communications skills, including active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and political acumen.
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Advanced research and fact verification skills.
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Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration.
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Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
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Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies and/or the ability to learn.
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Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and marketing applications, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite and/or the ability to learn.
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Knowledge of issues in higher education, development and/or a specialized academic discipline or field.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $103,000 to $118,000.
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Donor Relations Officer Jobs
Target mission-driven organizations with visa history
Universities, large nonprofits, and foundations frequently sponsor visas because they understand the process. Research their H-1B disclosure data on FLAG.dol.gov to identify employers with successful sponsorship records in development roles.
Emphasize specialized fundraising knowledge
Frame your experience with donor management systems (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP), prospect research, and major gift cultivation. These specialized skills help establish the role as requiring professional-level expertise for visa petitions.
Highlight quantifiable relationship-building skills
Document your track record with donor retention rates, fundraising campaign results, and database management experience. Concrete metrics demonstrate the specialized nature of your work for USCIS specialty occupation requirements.
Consider university advancement departments
Higher education institutions are experienced visa sponsors and often have dedicated development teams. Alumni relations, major gifts, and annual giving departments regularly hire international candidates with the right qualifications.
Network through professional fundraising associations
Join AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) chapters and attend events. Many members work at organizations that sponsor visas, and the nonprofit sector values relationship-building in hiring decisions.
Prepare for nonprofit intent questions
Be ready to explain your commitment to mission-driven work during interviews. Employers want assurance you're genuinely interested in their cause, not just seeking visa sponsorship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a Donor Relations Officer?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public relations, or business administration. Some employers accept related fields like psychology or sociology if you have relevant fundraising experience. The degree field must relate to the specialized knowledge required for donor relationship management and fundraising strategy.
Do nonprofits actually sponsor H-1B visas for development roles?
Yes, many large nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and foundations sponsor H-1B visas for development staff. Organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, and major university systems regularly file petitions for fundraising professionals. Smaller nonprofits may lack resources, but mid-to-large organizations often have legal support for visa processes.
What visa options work best for Donor Relations Officers?
H-1B is most common, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree and employer sponsorship. E-3 visa works for Australians in the same role. TN visa covers Canadians and Mexicans if the position fits the 'Management Consultant' category and involves strategic fundraising analysis. Each requires demonstrating specialized knowledge in development work.
How strong is the specialty occupation case for fundraising roles?
Donor Relations Officers generally meet specialty occupation requirements because the role requires specialized knowledge of fundraising principles, donor psychology, database management, and campaign strategy. The key is documenting that your specific position requires professional-level skills, not just basic administrative tasks or volunteer coordination.
Should I mention visa needs upfront when applying to nonprofits?
It depends on the organization size and your qualifications. Large nonprofits and universities often expect visa sponsorship questions and may appreciate transparency early. Smaller organizations might need education about the process. Lead with your qualifications and fundraising track record, then address sponsorship when you're a strong candidate.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Donor Relations Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Donor Relations Officer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Donor Relations Officer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsored positions. Focus on nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and foundations that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1 visa, or TN visas for fundraising professionals. These organizations often need skilled donor relations specialists and are experienced with the visa sponsorship process for qualified international candidates.