Scripture Translation Project Supervisor

Job Description

The scripture translation project supervisor is responsible for supporting and developing multiple teams of translation providers in order to facilitate the rendering of the scriptures in a variety of languages. The intent of this role is to guide and align internal and external resources in achieving established targets of quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for translating and producing the scriptures for users around the world. The primary objective of this role is to ensure that the scriptures are translated according to the standards established by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. An additional key objective is to build translator capabilities where the Church is newly established, helping to form foundational teams to be managed by language coordinators and supervisors internationally as the Church grows.

Candidates for this position will be leaders with experience training and coaching people. They must demonstrate an ability to be empathetic and calm while resolving concerns. They must demonstrate problem-solving skills. They must have a good grasp of linguistics and the mechanics of multiple languages. They must demonstrate the ability to balance the need to drive toward operational excellence and to support the needs and concerns of individual team members. They must be service-oriented with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with people across cultures. They must be comfortable working during non-standard business hours to facilitate partnership with personnel in other time zones.

Due to the sensitive, critical, and sacred nature of the materials translated under this role’s direction, the scripture translation project supervisor is held to high standards of trust and confidentiality and of accuracy in applying and adhering to internal policies and processes set by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.

Responsibilities

Supervise and ensure the progress of scripture translation work for all assigned languages and projects. Organize work amongst internal and external translation providers and provide direction to ensure timely completion of jobs. Ensure that scripture translations meet the standards established by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve by the means of thorough linguistic quality analysis. Evaluate the quality of scripture translations completed by translation providers. Provide continual training regarding the policies and practice of scripture translation. Engage with translation providers for the purposes of recruitment, onboarding, training, and relationship management. For assigned languages, guide translation personnel in developing key terminology and translation memories and act as a linguistic and cultural consultant. Act independently in supervising and coordinating project work while seeking guidance and mentoring from more experienced project supervisors in applying internal policy, process, and linguistic resources, and in verifying translation quality against internal standards. Fulfill other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in linguistics or related field. Experience in translation, linguistics, or a related field, including supervising the work of others—preferably translation teams. Proven skills in project management, time management, problem solving, coaching, interpersonal communication, public speaking, team leadership, and the ability to work under pressure. 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 working knowledge of additional languages. Capability to translate well in at least one language pair. Understanding of and ability to identify literary figures and devices. Broad knowledge of other countries, history, culture, current events, customs, and values. Sound understanding of ancient and modern scripture. Sound understanding of Church doctrine, policies, and ecclesiastical organization. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with operating systems and Microsoft tools. Ability to travel internationally, as needed. Ability to exemplify a compassionate leadership style.

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.