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Writing Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vaxcyte

Director, Clinical Medical Writing

San Carlos, CA · On-site +1

$221K - $258K/yr

Vaxcyte is seeking a Director, Clinical Medical Writing to drive and shape the medical writing processes, procedures, strategies, and document generation and maintenance. This position will lead ...

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Writing Director information

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$33

$76

How much do writing director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for writing director in California is $33.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.95 and $39.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Writing Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Writing Director, you need advanced writing and editing skills, a strong command of language and storytelling, and typically a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), project management tools, and editing software is commonly required. Leadership, creative vision, and the ability to mentor and collaborate with writers are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality content, cohesive team performance, and effective communication of brand or organizational messages.

What is the difference between Writing Director vs Content Manager?

AspectWriting DirectorContent Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in English, Journalism, or related fields; extensive writing and leadership experienceOften requires a degree in Marketing, Communications, or related fields; experience in content strategy and management
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, publishing houses, media companies, corporate communicationsDigital marketing firms, media companies, corporate websites, social media teams
Industry UsageUsed in organizations focusing on content creation, storytelling, and editorial directionUsed in organizations managing content production, distribution, and strategy

The main difference is that a Writing Director oversees the overall writing and editorial vision, focusing on high-level content strategy and leadership. In contrast, a Content Manager handles day-to-day content operations, scheduling, and distribution. Both roles require strong writing skills, but the Writing Director is more strategic and creative, while the Content Manager is more operational and tactical.

What is a Writing Director?

A Writing Director is a professional responsible for overseeing and guiding the writing process within an organization or production. They lead a team of writers, set the tone and style for written content, and ensure that all materials align with the project's objectives and standards. Writing Directors often work in fields such as film, television, publishing, or marketing, providing editorial direction, managing deadlines, and collaborating with other creative departments to deliver cohesive and high-quality content.

How does a Writing Director typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Writing Director often works closely with teams such as marketing, design, product, and communications to ensure consistency and alignment in messaging across all platforms. They provide strategic direction, review content, and coordinate with stakeholders to meet organizational goals. This role frequently involves leading brainstorming sessions, setting editorial standards, and managing feedback to refine the overall voice and tone of the company. Effective collaboration is key to maintaining a unified brand narrative and achieving project milestones.
What are the most commonly searched types of Writing jobs in California? The most popular types of Writing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Writing Director jobs in California? For Writing Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Writing Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Writing Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Writing Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Writing Director job openings:
Writing Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Writing Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,656 per year, or $34 per hour.
Associate Scientific Regulatory Writing Director

Associate Scientific Regulatory Writing Director

Exelixis

Alameda, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

Leads content development for various regulatory and clinical documents to support multiple assets across all phases of asset development. Examples include clinical and nonclinical summaries for IND/NDA/BLA/MAA, briefing documents, regulatory responses, protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and other types of complex crossfunctional documents and reports as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Independently leads content development for regulatory and clinical documents by composing (writing), developing, reviewing, and editing content. Integrates various sources of information into a uniform style and presentation for the intended audience.

  • Incorporates diverse reviewer feedback while ensuring high quality of content organization, including completeness, clarity, coherence, conciseness, consistency, and accuracy.

  • Compiles, analyzes, and summarizes data from statistical tables and additional data from other sources as needed to create descriptive text and intext tables.

  • Assigns and supervises partner regulatory editors for all document tasks unrelated to writing.

  • Proposes and manages timelines for the document development process from initiation through approval.

  • Oversees the assembly of appendices for regulatory submission documents as needed.

  • Serves as the primary writing contact on regular and ad hoc study/program/asset or project teams.

  • Provides writing guidance to internal teams based on organizational goals and company policy, with responsibility for results.

  • Peer reviews project work and training materials/guidelines drafted by Regulatory Science Communications team members.

  • Contributes to SOP and work instruction development and review for the Regulatory Science Communications team.

  • Other duties as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • No direct reports.

  • Supervises work of junior writers and regulatory editors on document tasks.

  • May direct and review the work of contract writers as needed.

  • May mentor less experienced writers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education:

  • BS/BA degree in related discipline and a minimum of eleven years of related experience including industry; or,

  • MS/MA degree in related discipline and a minimum of nine years of related experience including industry; or,

  • PhD in related discipline and a minimum of five years of related experience including industry; or

  • Equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Active AMWA member with certificate or certification preferred; BELS certification a plus.

Experience:

  • Experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry preferred.

  • Prior regulatory/medical/technical writing experience within the biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO industry.

  • Experience and significant participation in leading content development for regulatory and clinical documents for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND/NDA/BLA/MAAs, clinical protocols, CSRs, IBs).

  • Experience and use of electronic literature tools to obtain scientific/medical abstracts and publications.

  • Familiarity with therapeutic area of oncology.

  • Advanced knowledge of the drug development process and regulatory requirements for documents including applicable regulations, ICH guidance, and GCP standards.

  • Advanced knowledge of AMA style, medical terminology, and clinical data analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Develops and manages plans within established timelines and balances commitments to complete multiple activities and achieve results. Takes pride in delivering high quality work.

  • Applies wide knowledge of the regulatory framework and industry practices to develop innovative approaches and complete complex work.

  • Demonstrates clear and effective verbal and written communication. Provides timely and appropriate information updates. Speaks clearly and confidently in one-to-one situations and effectively presents information to groups of departmental colleagues.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to accommodate differing views to actively support the development of an agreed upon resolution.

  • Manages effectively performing teams to achieve common objectives. Engages internal stakeholders to establish productive collaborative relationships.

  • Applies knowledge of organizational goals and objectives and demonstrates skill and insight in gathering, analyzing and applying key information to solve problems.

  • Leads self and others; acts with integrity and builds trust with colleagues to contribute to accomplishing team objectives.

  • Capable of managing the execution of multiple tasks.

  • Ensures appropriate prioritization and execution for area of responsibility.

  • Proactively anticipates, prioritizes and resolves task-related challenges.

  • Designs and implements solutions to address task-related challenges, taking into consideration the broader impact.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

  • Environment: primarily working indoors.

  • Our office is a modern, open-plan space that foster collaborations and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.

#LI-MB1

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $148,500 - $209,500 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate's geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors. In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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