Area Translation Manager

The purpose of the position is to provide leadership, direction, and vision for a diverse team of operations managers (Language Supervisors) working in language offices throughout a specific geographical region. Its intent is to support area staff in guiding and aligning internal and external resources with established targets of efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness for translating, interpreting, producing, and delivering products to users around the world—with an emphasis on people and business management. The primary objectives of this role are to ensure the success of area translation operations, to align area and headquarters goals and processes, and to build staff capabilities by providing appropriate opportunities for growth and development.
- Working with the area communication & publishing team to ensure that the Area's translation & interpretation needs are met in a simple and cost-effective way.
- Managing the translation & interpretation staff and local vendors at the area, national, and local levels.
- Manages the translation and interpretation of Church products, leadership requests and area and local initiatives into all the languages of the area as directed by the Area Presidency.
- Works closely with Area Production and Content Manager to get translation and interpretation done for all production and content related materials.
- Manages all area and regional translation requested through the Church’s official translation process.
- Supports local events and initiatives and the related interpretation needs as requested.
- Development of translation capacity across all countries in the area.
- Works to ensure core products are translated into area languages.
- Together with HQ translation staff, oversees the development of language teams and the expansion into new languages.
- Liaises between Area and HQ translation resources to best meet the needs of an international Church.
- Implements and trains on the latest translation technologies and processes.
- Establishes translation processes for HQ to area requests.
- Manages the relationship with independent translation contractors and vendors including the measurement of work quality, sourcing and negotiation with new vendors, and the termination of contracts
- Must be in possession of a Temple Recommend and/or be worthy to have one.
- Bachelor's degree in translation-related field or equivalent. Advanced technical or business degree preferred.
- 6-8 years professional experience managing in a translation environment or related field.
- Must demonstrate a proven track record of effective people management with at least two years’ experience in people management.
- Strong competency in the use of translation software and tools.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to navigate requests and priorities at all organizational levels
- Proven skills in team leadership, coaching, resource management, time management and project management.
- Capable of handling complex business and process problems including the formulation and implementation of effective solutions
- Internal and external relationship management
- Strong leadership experience and ability to lead and develop the translation staff
- Extensive experience with a wide variety of communication channels
- Ability to communicate complex ideas and processes in a straightforward way to leadership and communication teams at all levels.
- Excellent writing and editing skills both in the local language (if applicable) and English, preferably English at an advanced level
- Ability to function in a team setting and collaborate with other members of the area team
- Knowledge of Church doctrine, policies and ecclesiastical organization.