[Hiring] Sign Language Specialist @Wycliffe Bible Translators USA

Role Description

At Wycliffe Bible Translators, your work is more than just a job. As a Sign Language Specialist, you’ll be responsible for participating in the Global Partnerships Sign Language Network, serving as a Field Coordinator leading the development and management of Bible translation projects as assigned, and serving Deaf organizations as an Organizational Strengthening Consultant. This role requires building strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, overseeing all aspects of project implementation, and ensuring clear, effective communication among stakeholders. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in advancing Bible translation goals and empowering Deaf communities to access the Bible in their sign language.

You’ll partner with Global Partnerships Engagement leadership and other team members to:

• Serve the Church – Being inspired and directed by the Church, responding to what God is calling the Church to do and reflecting the body of Christ working interdependently rather than independently.
• Investing in Sustainability – Strengthening local leadership, governance and financial capacity so Bible translation movements are locally owned, spiritually vibrant and operationally resilient for generations to come.
• Achieve All Access Goals 2033 – That by the year 2033:
  • 95% of all people will have access to a complete Bible.
  • 99.9% of all people will have access to a New Testament.
  • 100% of all people will have access to at least a portion of the Scriptures.

Responsibilities

You’ll make an impact as you:

• Faithfully and regularly pray for the ongoing work of Bible translation and for people from around the world to experience transformation.
• Act as an organizational representative presenting the global ministry of Wycliffe and encouraging interested individuals, organizations and churches to participate in the work of Bible translation.
• Live out the conviction that “work flows through relationship” by passionately “loving God and loving people” through word and deed. Promote team and organizational culture standards, ensuring high customer service standards.
• Represent Global Partnership's vision, mission, values, and strategies with field partners.
• Work alongside the Global Partnerships Leadership and other team members to:
  • Serve partner organizations in their Bible translation ministry by facilitating the development of projects aligned with Common Framework principles.
  • Champion church ownership in translation projects by ensuring partners have the resources needed to accomplish their goals.
  • Collaborate with partners to enhance Bible translation projects, resulting in a transformative impact on communities.
• Participate in the Global Partnerships Sign Language Network.
• Build and cultivate partnerships with national organizations and churches by engaging in strategic planning with the Sign Language Network to align goals with Global Partnership’s mission.
• Through the Sign Language Network, collaborate with Sign Language initiatives to support translation efforts for sign languages, ensuring resources meet unique community needs.
• In collaboration with the Sign Language Network and Areas teams, facilitate coordination and communication to ensure Sign Language field teams have the strategic direction they need.
• Serve as a Sign Language Field Coordinator:
  • Oversee the planning and execution of Bible translation projects, as assigned, ensuring alignment with the needs of Deaf communities.
  • Monitor and evaluate project progress. Provide regular and timely reports on progress, highlighting significant milestones and opportunities to pray for projects.
  • Review funding proposals and financial statements to communicate transformational impact to stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement Familiarization, Internalization, and Articulation training programs to enhance the capacity of Bible translation partners.
• Serve as an Organizational Strengthening Consultant for Deaf Organizations:
  • Participate on the OSi team to support strengthening partner organizations' effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Work with Deaf partners to assess organizational growth needs and develop work plans to address them.
  • Facilitate training and workshops in support of organizational strategies.
  • Develop competency in and contribute to the further development of the core OSi consulting curriculum and practices.
• Represent Wycliffe to promote global ministry efforts, upholding ethical standards that reflect biblical values and encouraging engagement from churches and individuals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Global Partnerships Leadership team.

Requirements

• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL). Demonstrates fluent communication skills in ASL, enabling effective engagement with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
• Adjust the work schedule as needed to accommodate meetings across time zones, including occasional early mornings and evenings.
• Ensure access to a strong, reliable internet and phone connection to support consistent communication and remote collaboration.
• Up to 25% domestic and international travel and remain updated on field security protocols relevant to travel assignments.

Minimum Skill Sets

• Spiritual Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ): Demonstrates desire and ability to support corporate biblical and religious goals and participate in regular work-related spiritual activities without reservation.
• Humility: Works well within a team by demonstrating Christ-like maturity and humility.
• Serving Others: Works well with people, focusing on solving conflict using biblical principles.
• Partnership: Skilled at establishing and nurturing collaborative partnerships.
• Relationship Building: Effective at relationship-building with the ability to partner effectively within the department and with other directors and global teams.
• Interpersonal Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate ideas and win favor.
• Project Management: Ability to manage complex projects and staff responsibilities between multiple teams/departments.
• Creativity and Innovation: Willing to adapt to changing policies and procedures and to recommend better ways of accomplishing the task when appropriate.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment, including working with diverse individuals or groups.
• Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in programs such as Google Workspace and video conferencing software such as Zoom.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
• One to two years of experience in project coordination or management, ideally in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or international development context.
• Proven experience working with Deaf communities or familiarity with Sign Language translation processes is required.
• Experience building partnerships with local and international organizations, especially in multicultural or cross-cultural settings.
• Must have a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm towards Global Partnerships' vision, mission, values, and strategies.

Spiritual and Personal Commitments

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, as evidenced by your personal testimony.
• Identify with and participate in a church and proactively seek to grow your faith in Christ.
• Establish and maintain a team of prayer partners who will support you in your season of ministry at Wycliffe (minimum 3-5 partners).
• Actively participate in corporate prayer and devotional times.
• Maintain an exemplary standard of biblical ethics, behavior and conduct within Wycliffe and in your public and private life outside of Wycliffe.
• Agree to abide by Wycliffe’s ethics, behavior and conduct standards at all times.
• Demonstrate Christ-like maturity in all interactions as displayed by good judgment based on biblical values and principles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 403b retirement savings account with matching.
• Paid time off with up to a max of 10 vacation days in the first year of employment (based on hours worked).
• Paid sick time off up to 8 hours per month (based on hours worked).
• 10+ paid holidays.
• Short-term disability pay.
• Regular spiritual development, worship, prayer, community gatherings and connection opportunities for all staff in all locations.

Compensation

The hiring pay range for this position is $65,331 - $75,131. The range for this position is based upon and considers Wycliffe’s non-profit ministry environment. Actual pay rate may be higher based on various factors such as qualifications, skills and experience, required training, licensure and/or certifications, budget and allocation, if applicable.