On-Call Sacred Materials Translation Supervisor (Developing Languages)

Job Description

As an on-call Sacred Materials Translation Supervisor, you are responsible for supporting teams of translators across multiple languages. The primary objective of your role is to ensure that the Church’s foundational materials are translated according to the standards established by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Additionally, a key objective is to build translator capabilities where the Church is newly established, ensuring the success of key Church products and helping form foundational teams to be managed by Language Coordinators and Language Supervisors internationally as the Church grows. You will demonstrate the ability to balance the need to drive toward operational excellence and to support the needs and concerns of individual team members, including an aptitude for coaching.

As a candidate for this position, you must have a strong grasp of linguistics and the mechanics of multiple languages. A familiarity with sign languages is desired. You must be service-oriented with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with people across cultures. You must demonstrate an ability to be empathic and calm while resolving concerns. You must demonstrate problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and familiarity with business operations, people management, and technology. You will be comfortable working during non-standard business hours to facilitate partnership with staff in other time zones.

Responsibilities

Perform research regarding language usage and conventions. Establish linguistic and translation standards for use by translation teams. Develop and maintain linguistic tools and resources for assigned languages, including key terminology, translation memories, and translation style guides. In collaboration with Area translation staff, develop skilled translation providers who will later be overseen by Area translation leadership. Supervise and ensure progress for all translation work for the assigned languages and projects, including organizing work amongst internal and external translation providers and providing direction to ensure timely completion of jobs. Typically supervise the work of multiple translation teams. Act as a linguistic or cultural consultant for each assigned language. Evaluate the quality of translation work completed by internal and external translation providers. Continually confirm that translations meet the standards established by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve by means of thorough linguistic quality analysis. Seek feedback from native-speaking members to certify language acceptability. Seek and receive the guidance and mentoring of a more experienced Sacred Materials Translation Supervisor in applying internal policy, process, and linguistic resources, and in verifying translation quality against internal standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in linguistics or related field. At least 4 years of experience in translation, linguistics, or a related field, including supervising the work of others, preferably translation teams. Mastery of spoken and written English (native level) and working knowledge of at least two other languages, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and syntax. Ability to gain a working knowledge of additional languages, as needed. Solid knowledge of linguistic theory. Understanding of and ability to identify literary figures and devices. Capability to translate well in at least one language pair. Proven skills in public speaking, interpersonal communication, team leadership, coaching, time management, project management, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure. Ability to exemplify a compassionate leadership style. Sound understanding of Church doctrine, policies, and ecclesiastical organization. Sound understanding of ancient and modern scripture. Broad knowledge of countries, history, culture, current events, customs, and values in the countries associated with the languages being translated. Ability to navigate through translation and business management tools, web interfaces, reading briefs and instructions, including entering data and downloading and uploading files. Ability to provide basic technical support to translation and business management systems users. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with operating systems and Microsoft Office. Knowledge of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools is preferred.

About Us

Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings— giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.

Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.

Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.