Language Technology Director

Job Title

Language Technology Director

Location

Global

Position Type

Volunteer

Job Description

"Prefer volunteer or internal supported staff applicants but will consider applicants looking for paid position"
To provide Christ-centered leadership and management for SIL’s Language Technology (LangTech or LT) department, including for the development teams for Language Software, Writing Systems Technologies, Language Technology Training, Language Technology Communications, and Development Operations, with the result that SIL continues to function as the leading supplier of technologies that support language development programs and Bible translation projects worldwide.
Location: Remote or on-site at the International Linguistics Center, Dallas, Texas.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Defining LangTech services and products, identifying new ones (in conjunction with the department heads), and improving LangTech product and service development processes, including the prioritization process.

• Strengthening existing funding and revenue streams and/or identifying new ones for Language Technology tools and services.

• Reorganizing LangTech operations, budgeting, and other operations as necessary for greater functional alignment globally and to better provide services that cross domains of expertise.

• Expanding the LangTech workforce through open collaboration and recruiting.

• Representing SIL in the Language Development and Bible translation technology communities and partnering with like-minded technologists and organizations.

• Clarifying and strengthening our Services relationships with SIL Areas, SIL Community Organizations (SCOs), and other organizations, especially those with whom we partner to provide or receive services.    

Competencies

• Spiritual Leadership: Constantly puts Missional pursuit first and encourages a community of grace where God’s People in the workplace look out for one another’s interests.

• Judgement, Spiritual Discernment, Decision-making: Is prayerful, careful, and decisive.

• Vision: Able to envision a future for Language Technology aligned with the SIL Global Strategic Plan and can translate that into a Mission focus for the Language Technology department.

• Integrity: Always acts with honesty and accountability with regard to the people and resources entrusted to her/him.

• Organization and planning: Able to conceptualize organizational structures which serve the department’s purpose and utilize human and financial resources to the greatest benefit of the department and organization as a whole. 

• Strategic, Goal Setting, and Maximizer: Works to maximize human and financial resources to the benefit of the department and organization as a whole.

• Analytical: Able to grasp the relevant facts and determine the best course of action.

• Inspires followership: Inspires, builds trust, engenders friendship and a willingness to contribute to the department’s and organization’s work in those s/he leads. 

• Smooth interpersonal skill: Is able to work within a diverse community, representing well the concerns and needs of SIL Global without offense while at the same time maintaining smooth interactions and relationships.

• Change and Conflict Management: Is able to guide staff through periods of change and interpersonal conflict.

• Listens and responds: Listens to understand and speaks with an attitude which invites discussion and learning. Is able to adjust plans and aspirations where needed based on what s/he hears from team members and others.

• Empowerment and delegation: Utilizes well the skills, experience, and knowledge of her/his staff.

• Written and Oral Communication: Ability to share needed information clearly through oral and written means.

• First Impression: Presents her/himself with appropriate openness and friendliness, inviting interaction and relaxed communication. 

• Tenacity/Persistence: Willingness to push through obstacles relentlessly.

• Adaptability: Adapts well to change and shifting contexts.

Education and Experience

Formal education: Completion of secondary school (high school diploma or Baccalauréat) or equivalent.

College or university degree in Computer Science or related field.

Experience: Five years or more experience in computer science and/or software engineering and a strong familiarity with software development processes.

Five years experience in organizational management and leading software development teams. 

Experience working in a language program or familiarity with field methods used in Bible translation and language description and analysis preferred. Cross-cultural experience is a plus.

Training and Orientation

Orientation provided by SIL Global Associate Executive Director for Central Services or other assigned staff.

International Requirements

All candidates are evaluated based on their competencies, education, and experience. Compliance with local labor laws is required.

Weekly Hours

40