Principal Medical Writer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Medical Writers in the U.S. typically qualify for H-1B visa or O-1 visa sponsorship, as the role meets specialty occupation requirements through its demand for a life sciences or pharmacy degree. Employers in pharma, biotech, and CROs sponsor regularly. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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
-
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.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with content development, research and fact verification, adherence to appropriate editorial style guidelines; copyediting, and proofreading.
-
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.
-
Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
-
Excellent team collaboration and interpersonal communications skills, including active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and political acumen.
-
Advanced research and fact verification skills.
-
Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration.
-
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
-
Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and marketing applications, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite and/or the ability to learn.
-
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.
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
-
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.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with content development, research and fact verification, adherence to appropriate editorial style guidelines; copyediting, and proofreading.
-
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.
-
Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
-
Excellent team collaboration and interpersonal communications skills, including active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and political acumen.
-
Advanced research and fact verification skills.
-
Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration.
-
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
-
Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and marketing applications, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite and/or the ability to learn.
-
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.
See all 389+ Principal Medical Writer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Medical Writer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Medical Writer
Target CROs and large pharma companies first
Contract research organizations and established pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Merck, and ICON have dedicated immigration teams and sponsor Principal Medical Writers routinely. They're far more likely to have an established H-1B sponsorship process than smaller startups.
Confirm your degree field aligns with the role
USCIS expects a direct connection between your degree and the job. A background in pharmacy, medicine, life sciences, or biomedical sciences strongly supports a specialty occupation finding for Principal Medical Writer roles. Unrelated degrees create petition risk.
Emphasize regulatory writing experience in applications
Employers sponsoring at the Principal level need to justify the hire to USCIS. Regulatory submissions experience, clinical study reports, INDs, NDAs, CTDs, signals the specialized expertise that strengthens both your candidacy and the sponsorship case.
Ask about sponsorship before the final interview stage
Raise visa sponsorship after initial interest is confirmed but before final rounds. Framing it as a process question rather than a demand gives the hiring team space to check with HR without creating friction during early screening conversations.
O-1A is worth considering if you have strong credentials
Principal Medical Writers with published research, regulatory submission credits, or industry awards may qualify for O-1A extraordinary ability status. Unlike H-1B, there's no lottery, making it a reliable alternative for senior candidates with a documented track record.
Document your contribution to regulatory submissions carefully
When employers assess sponsorship feasibility, they review your resume for evidence of specialized work. Listing specific submission types, therapeutic areas, and lead-author contributions gives immigration counsel the material needed to build a defensible H-1B petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Principal Medical Writer roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Principal Medical Writer is widely recognized as a specialty occupation because the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific life sciences field, pharmacy, biology, medicine, or a related discipline. USCIS approvals for medical writing roles are common, particularly when the employer documents the degree requirement in the Labor Condition Application and job description.
Which visa types do employers typically sponsor for this role?
H-1B visa is the most common path. Employers in pharma and CROs file H-1B petitions regularly for Principal Medical Writers. O-1A is a viable alternative for candidates with strong publication records, regulatory submission credits, or industry recognition, since it bypasses the lottery. TN visa status can apply for Canadian and Mexican nationals if the role maps to an eligible USMCA occupation category.
What degree does USCIS expect for a Principal Medical Writer petition?
USCIS typically expects a bachelor's degree or higher in a field directly related to the job, pharmacy, medicine, life sciences, nursing, or biomedical sciences are the strongest fits. A degree in a loosely related field can still work if the employer provides additional evidence, such as industry standards documentation showing degree requirements for the position. Unrelated degrees significantly complicate the petition.
How likely is an H-1B petition to be approved for this job title?
Approval rates for H-1B petitions in medical writing are generally strong when filed by experienced employers with well-documented job descriptions. The specialty occupation question is usually straightforward for Principal-level roles, where the degree requirement is clear and the work is technical. Petitions run into trouble when job descriptions are vague or when the employer lacks prior sponsorship experience. Working with an immigration attorney improves outcomes meaningfully.
Where can I find Principal Medical Writer jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking U.S. roles with visa sponsorship. You can browse Principal Medical Writer openings filtered by employers with active sponsorship histories, which removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies unlikely to sponsor. Most general job boards don't surface sponsorship data, so candidates waste time on roles that will never move forward.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal Medical Writer 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.