Program Development Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Program Development Manager roles qualify for H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in education, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. Employers in nonprofits, universities, and healthcare systems are among the most active sponsors. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
Reporting to the Divisional Research Director or Chief at Brown University Health, the Clinical Trial Program Manager will lead and oversee the initiation and execution of clinical trials, ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
They will oversee the activation process from start to finish, which involves interactions with sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), External Vendors, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and internal staff and institutional external departments.
This process is performed in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, study team members, and other relevant personnel.
They will act as a liaison between different central departments and research teams throughout the lifecycle of the clinical study.
Maintains real-time tracking of the progress and milestones of assigned trials and proactively alerts to potential delays. Responsible for confirming all institutional requirements are met prior to activation implementation.
This role will lead the study process from site/PI identification through to site activation, overall readiness for trial execution, execution, and then closure. As a program manager with supervisory responsibilities, this position will also mentor, train and educate, and supervise a team of research nurses, coordinators, and assistants, ensuring alignment with department goals and organizational priorities. This role is also responsible for implementing quality control measures, evaluating and enhancing processes and systems, and collecting and reporting data to internal and external stakeholders.
This role will also be responsible for overseeing the development of study budgets and contracts in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus
- Collaborate
In addition, our leaders will demonstrate an aptitude for:
- Ensure Accountability and Build Effective Teams
- Drive Vision and Purpose
- Optimize Work Processes
By applying core and leadership competencies, leaders help Brown University Health achieve its strategic goals.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee and lead activities of clinical trials, including study site identification, selection, feasibility assessments, SRMC submission and outcome, contracts, budget, IRB submission, and regulatory document preparation.
Develop and manage timelines, ensuring study activities are completed on time and within budget. Responsible for the overall effective operation of protocols which involve the collaboration with clinical research administration, departments, and all central offices. Serves as a liaison between central offices and research staff during the life cycle of a protocol to navigate protocols through the clinical research systems.
Prepare for and attend clinical department meetings for assigned studies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including external contractors, to ensure that the development of comprehensive study budgets is in alignment with overall project goals and timelines. Coordinate with external vendors and other departments to address any financial discrepancies or issues related to study budgets.
Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of study-related contracts, including site contracts, investigator agreements, and vendor agreements. Collaborate with legal, procurement, and other internal teams to ensure that contracts meet the company’s policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure the timely execution of contracts to allow for efficient site activation and study start-up. Address any issues or concerns raised during the contract negotiation process and resolve them promptly. Supervise a team of study nurses, coordinators, and assistants, ensuring proper resource allocation and timely completion of tasks. Provide ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship to the study team, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Evaluate team performance, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance appraisals. Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory documents to ethics committees, regulatory authorities, and other relevant bodies. Address any regulatory issues that arise during the study, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines. Oversee all IRB submissions and processes.
Stay current with local and international regulations, including but not limited to, ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA, and other regional authorities. Identify and proactively resolve issues that may delay the study start-up process. Monitor and address any risks related to site activation, contract negotiation, or regulatory submission. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and mitigate potential risks. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners regarding study activities. Provide regular updates on study start-up progress, timelines, and milestones to department staff, study PIs, and senior management. Foster effective communication between clinical teams, sites, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth transitions from start-up to full study execution. Analyze current processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements in study activities. Collaborate with leadership to implement process changes and improvements to optimize the study timeline. Perform other related duties, as necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA).
- Experience with study start-up activities, including regulatory submissions, site identification, feasibility assessments, and contract negotiation.
- Strong background in contract negotiation and execution, particularly in clinical trial settings.
- Exceptional mentoring and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in using clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and other clinical trial-related software.
- Prior experience with study start-up, either within an institutional department, in a CRO, or sponsor setting.
- This role may require occasional travel to clinical sites, conferences, or company meetings.
- Ability to work in an office or remote setting.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word).
- Highly effective verbal and writing skills required.
- Ability to foster smooth communications and teamwork among clinical research faculty, fellows, and staff as well as external organizations necessary.
- SoCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates) certified or eligible within 18 months of hire.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical research, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
INDEPENDENT ACTION
Performs independently within the department policies and practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Up to 10 FTEs.
Pay Range
$82,284.80-$135,782.40
Location
The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Work Type
(M-F 8:00am-5:00pm)
Work Shift
Day
Daily Hours
8 hours
Driving Required
No
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Divisional Research Director or Chief at Brown University Health, the Clinical Trial Program Manager will lead and oversee the initiation and execution of clinical trials, ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
They will oversee the activation process from start to finish, which involves interactions with sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), External Vendors, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and internal staff and institutional external departments.
This process is performed in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, study team members, and other relevant personnel.
They will act as a liaison between different central departments and research teams throughout the lifecycle of the clinical study.
Maintains real-time tracking of the progress and milestones of assigned trials and proactively alerts to potential delays. Responsible for confirming all institutional requirements are met prior to activation implementation.
This role will lead the study process from site/PI identification through to site activation, overall readiness for trial execution, execution, and then closure. As a program manager with supervisory responsibilities, this position will also mentor, train and educate, and supervise a team of research nurses, coordinators, and assistants, ensuring alignment with department goals and organizational priorities. This role is also responsible for implementing quality control measures, evaluating and enhancing processes and systems, and collecting and reporting data to internal and external stakeholders.
This role will also be responsible for overseeing the development of study budgets and contracts in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus
- Collaborate
In addition, our leaders will demonstrate an aptitude for:
- Ensure Accountability and Build Effective Teams
- Drive Vision and Purpose
- Optimize Work Processes
By applying core and leadership competencies, leaders help Brown University Health achieve its strategic goals.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee and lead activities of clinical trials, including study site identification, selection, feasibility assessments, SRMC submission and outcome, contracts, budget, IRB submission, and regulatory document preparation.
Develop and manage timelines, ensuring study activities are completed on time and within budget. Responsible for the overall effective operation of protocols which involve the collaboration with clinical research administration, departments, and all central offices. Serves as a liaison between central offices and research staff during the life cycle of a protocol to navigate protocols through the clinical research systems.
Prepare for and attend clinical department meetings for assigned studies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including external contractors, to ensure that the development of comprehensive study budgets is in alignment with overall project goals and timelines. Coordinate with external vendors and other departments to address any financial discrepancies or issues related to study budgets.
Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of study-related contracts, including site contracts, investigator agreements, and vendor agreements. Collaborate with legal, procurement, and other internal teams to ensure that contracts meet the company’s policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure the timely execution of contracts to allow for efficient site activation and study start-up. Address any issues or concerns raised during the contract negotiation process and resolve them promptly. Supervise a team of study nurses, coordinators, and assistants, ensuring proper resource allocation and timely completion of tasks. Provide ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship to the study team, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Evaluate team performance, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance appraisals. Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory documents to ethics committees, regulatory authorities, and other relevant bodies. Address any regulatory issues that arise during the study, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines. Oversee all IRB submissions and processes.
Stay current with local and international regulations, including but not limited to, ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA, and other regional authorities. Identify and proactively resolve issues that may delay the study start-up process. Monitor and address any risks related to site activation, contract negotiation, or regulatory submission. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and mitigate potential risks. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners regarding study activities. Provide regular updates on study start-up progress, timelines, and milestones to department staff, study PIs, and senior management. Foster effective communication between clinical teams, sites, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth transitions from start-up to full study execution. Analyze current processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements in study activities. Collaborate with leadership to implement process changes and improvements to optimize the study timeline. Perform other related duties, as necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA).
- Experience with study start-up activities, including regulatory submissions, site identification, feasibility assessments, and contract negotiation.
- Strong background in contract negotiation and execution, particularly in clinical trial settings.
- Exceptional mentoring and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in using clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and other clinical trial-related software.
- Prior experience with study start-up, either within an institutional department, in a CRO, or sponsor setting.
- This role may require occasional travel to clinical sites, conferences, or company meetings.
- Ability to work in an office or remote setting.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word).
- Highly effective verbal and writing skills required.
- Ability to foster smooth communications and teamwork among clinical research faculty, fellows, and staff as well as external organizations necessary.
- SoCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates) certified or eligible within 18 months of hire.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical research, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
INDEPENDENT ACTION
Performs independently within the department policies and practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Up to 10 FTEs.
Pay Range
$82,284.80-$135,782.40
Location
The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Work Type
(M-F 8:00am-5:00pm)
Work Shift
Day
Daily Hours
8 hours
Driving Required
No
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
See all 4,230+ Program Development Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Program Development Manager
Target mission-driven employers first
Nonprofits, universities, and hospital systems sponsor Program Development Managers at high rates. These organizations are accustomed to visa paperwork and often have in-house immigration counsel or established relationships with immigration attorneys, making the process smoother.
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree field and the job duties. A degree in public administration, nonprofit management, education, or social work typically satisfies this for Program Development Manager roles. Business administration can work if the role has a strong organizational focus.
Understand what makes this a specialty occupation
The sponsoring employer must establish that the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Program Development Managers can face scrutiny, so job descriptions should clearly articulate degree-level analytical, strategic, and program design responsibilities to strengthen the petition.
Ask about H-1B cap-exempt employers
Universities, affiliated research institutions, and qualifying nonprofits are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the lottery. If you missed the annual H-1B cap, these employers are worth prioritizing in your job search.
Prepare a strong evidence package for O-1 applicants
If you have a track record of leading high-impact programs, receiving awards, or publishing in your field, the O-1A visa may be an option. Program development professionals with measurable outcomes and recognized contributions can build a compelling extraordinary ability case.
Highlight program outcomes in your application materials
Sponsors want confidence that the hire justifies the cost and complexity of sponsorship. Quantified results, such as programs launched, budgets managed, or populations served, demonstrate the specialized value you bring and make it easier for employers to justify the petition internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Program Development Manager role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but the job description needs to clearly establish that the role requires a specific bachelor's degree, not just any degree. USCIS applies a specialty occupation test, and generalist management roles can face challenges. Roles at nonprofits, universities, or healthcare organizations that require degrees in education, public administration, or social work tend to have stronger petitions.
Which visa types are most commonly used to sponsor Program Development Managers?
The H-1B visa is the most common pathway. Cap-exempt employers like universities and qualifying nonprofits can file year-round, which is a significant advantage. The O-1A is an option for professionals with a documented record of extraordinary achievement in program development. TN visa status is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying management or professional categories.
Does my degree field matter for Program Development Manager sponsorship?
It matters significantly. USCIS looks for a direct and logical connection between your degree field and your job duties. Degrees in public administration, nonprofit management, education policy, social work, or business administration with relevant coursework tend to support these petitions well. A general studies or unrelated degree will require additional documentation to establish the connection.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Program Development Manager roles?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Program Development Manager jobs with confirmed visa sponsorship. Searching broadly and filtering by sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to applying speculatively and discovering late in the process that a company doesn't sponsor. Nonprofit and university job boards also tend to surface cap-exempt employers.
Is it harder to get H-1B approval for a Program Development Manager compared to a software engineer?
Generally, yes. USCIS approves the vast majority of H-1B petitions for software and engineering roles because the degree requirement is well established. Program development roles in the nonprofit or social sector face more scrutiny because USCIS may question whether the position truly requires a specialized degree. A well-drafted job description and supporting documentation from the employer significantly improve approval odds.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Program Development Manager 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.