Director, Language Services

THE ORGANIZATION

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a high-quality support network of 18,000 business founders and owners in 220 chapters and 76 countries worldwide. EO’s purpose is to move the world forward by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs. Since 1987, EO has helped entrepreneurs achieve transformational growth through the power of life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. Guided by EO’s core values: trust and respect, thirst for learning, think big, be bold, and together we grow, EO’s international staff collaborates successfully across diverse cultures. As an EO employee, you will gain access to the world’s top experts in entrepreneurship, grow beyond your perceived limits, and make breakthroughs as you refine and realize your personal goals. EO’s competitive total rewards package, flexible work environment, and generous professional development resources are frequently cited as among the most popular benefits of working at EO.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Language Services will lead the strategic vision and execution of language services to support EO members worldwide. As a senior leader within the Creative Team, the incumbent will oversee the effective adoption of content for international markets, ensuring brand and messaging consistency across languages. This role demands exemplary cross-cultural skills and the ability to work with team members from diverse cultural backgrounds, serving as a subject matter expert in identifying and addressing the needs of all EO regions.

With enhanced autonomy and ownership, the Director will independently manage substantial budgets and make strategic decisions that significantly impact the organization. This position requires advanced knowledge and expertise in translation technologies and a proactive approach to driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and drive the overarching strategy for translation, transliteration, interpretation, and transcreation enterprise-wide, ensuring high-quality, timely, and effective content delivery aligned with EO’s overall strategy.
• Lead EO translation projects, including needs identification, scheduling, staff and vendor assignments, quality review, and final delivery, ensuring adherence to EO brand guidelines, style, tone, and budget.
• Collaborate seamlessly with EO stakeholders, including the executive team, department leaders, and members, acting as a liaison with member-led working groups and committees as necessary.
• Lead executive-level correspondence and interact with department leaders and the Senior Leadership Team for strategic discussions.
• Coordinate with multiple teams, staff members, and vendors to achieve organizational goals, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality language services.
• Independently manage and allocate substantial budgets for language services, ensuring optimal use of resources to meet organizational needs and goals.
• Maintain and expand the network of translation, design, and simultaneous interpretation vendors, overseeing costs, quality, and feedback.
• Lead the search and RFP process for new translation and interpretation vendors, especially for major conferences and events.
• Oversee the contracting process for all translators and vendors (15+ vendors) and manage invoices for Language Services, ensuring budget adherence.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce translation costs and improve process efficiency, resulting in increased output and reduced spending.
• Partner with the Production Director to align resource needs and manager translation/interpretation budgets.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of a translation guide for common terms and phrases unique to EO in core languages.
• Oversee the subtitling process for videos and manage recordings for key projects to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Provide overall language services for critical organizational projects and initiatives.
• Implement and manage a new CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) integrated translation tool, achieving significant cost savings.
• Adjust design files for translation using industry-standard tools, ensuring precise and effective translations.
• Ensure optimal on-site interpretation services at selected events, coordinating vendor delivery for attendee satisfaction.
• Provide simultaneous interpretation support for regional events and conduct official language assessments. 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in translation and interpretation or related field required.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in communications and/or leading a translation / transliteration / transcreation/ interpretation service across an internal and outside vendor network. 
• Minimum 8+ years of project and relationship management experience transferable to translation / interpretation services. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and across teams to achieve process and material improvement.
• Collaborative & consultative approach to working with many stakeholder groups.
• Strong time management skills: detail oriented and organized; ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects under deadline pressure.
• Experience tracking expenses and managing a budget.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Multilingual skills and international experience preferred.  Prior experience in a bilingual international organization desired.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Experience running events, including budget management, and contract negotiation.  
• Proficiency with database and Excel management with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.    
• Experience coordinating with multiple departments to ensure program alignment with organizational goals.  
• Exceptional communication skills both internally and externally, ensuring professional and clear interactions.  
• Ability to interact with entrepreneurs with tact diplomacy and poise.  
• Outstanding customer service skills to deliver outstanding member support.  
• Makes decisions that reflect EO’s values and mission.