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Director of Interpreting

Mid-Atlantic Interpreting Group · Washington, DC, USA ·

Job type:
Contract

Director Of InterpretingAt MAIG Interpreting, our mission is simple: we believe every individual deserves a fulfilling employment experience and equal opportunity to thrive in the workplace.We are committed to creating accessible and inclusive environments by delivering exceptional interpreting services that support meaningful communication and workplace engagement. Guided by professionalism, ethics, and respect, we partner with our clients to ensure high-quality access and support.MAIG is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director of Interpreting to lead the daily operations, development, and performance of our interpreting program.This role provides leadership, supervision, training, mentoring, and operational support to staff interpreters, freelance interpreters, contractual interpreters, interns, and mentees. The Director of Interpreting plays a vital role in ensuring interpreters are equipped to perform their responsibilities effectively while maintaining exceptional customer service and operational excellence across all MAIG programs and client partnerships.The ideal candidate is a strong people leader with deep knowledge of Deaf culture, interpreting ethics, interpreter development, and customer relationship management. This individual will partner closely with internal leadership teams to support interpreter recruitment, retention, quality assurance, training initiatives, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth.Essential FunctionsAssess program resources and support recruitment initiatives to ensure adequate interpreter staffing across all MAIG customersSupervise, mentor, and support interpreters and program staff, including employee development, coaching, corrective action, and performance managementConduct interpreter skills assessments and provide objective evaluations for interpreters, interns, and menteesCollaborate closely with the Scheduling Manager to support staffing decisions, resource allocation, and quality assurance initiativesServe as a point of escalation for interpreters, customers, and internal staff by troubleshooting field concerns and resolving operational challengesDevelop, implement, and maintain processes, protocols, and performance standards to ensure high-quality interpreting servicesTrack and analyze performance metrics and provide regular reporting to executive leadership regarding program performance, customer satisfaction, and contract complianceTrain staff on contractual, regulatory, and company policy requirements to ensure operational complianceIdentify program risks, operational opportunities, and market trends to support strategic planning and business growthProvide support for proposal development, contract management, and operational planning activitiesRepresent MAIG at conferences, hiring events, customer meetings, and community outreach eventsClient Services & OperationsOversee the delivery of interpreting services, workshops, and events for MAIG customersProvide interpreting services and ongoing mentorship and skills development opportunities for interpretersParticipate in customer contract meetings alongside the MAIG leadership teamMaintain strong communication with contract interpreters regarding assignments, contracts, invoicing, and performance expectationsManage customer concerns and provide timely resolutions and service supportPartner closely with the Director of Customer Relations to address service issues and ensure customer satisfactionSupport marketing and outreach efforts through networking, conferences, social media engagement, and community partnershipsRecruitment, Training & RetentionLead interpreter recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention initiativesConduct interviews and facilitate workshops and training sessionsDevelop interpreter training materials and conduct ongoing feedback and development meetingsMaintain records related to interpreter development and performance managementEstablish attainable performance and growth goals for interpreters and staffRequirementsClearance Requirement: Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI ClearanceRequired QualificationsFluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and EnglishNational interpreting certification requiredMinimum of five years of professional interpreting experienceMinimum of three years of management or supervisory experienceDemonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing day-to-day operationsExceptional verbal, written, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skillsStrong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilitiesStrong customer service orientation with the ability to build effective relationships at all levelsProficiency with Microsoft Office and business software applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and presentationsAbility to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI ClearancePreferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in a related fieldExperience interpreting in Federal workplace environmentsExperience with business development, customer relationship management, and strategic planningWorking knowledge of federal and local regulatory requirementsExperience supporting travel authorizations, cost estimates, and TDY fulfillment planningStrategic and proactive leadership style with the ability to adapt to change and shifting prioritiesWork Environment & Physical RequirementsThis position operates in a hybrid work environment and requires work at customer locations as outlined in the telework agreement.The role regularly requires:Use of standard office equipment including computers and phonesFrequent written and verbal communicationStrong visual attention and focusBasic mathematical calculations and reportingOccasional lifting of up to 20 poundsPeriods of sitting, standing, bending, and filingTravel up to 25% may be required and may include air, rail, or local travel.Why Join MAIG?At MAIG Interpreting, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful work that directly impacts accessibility and inclusion in workplaces and communities nationwide. We are committed to supporting interpreter excellence, professional growth, and collaborative leadership while delivering exceptional service to our clients.If you are passionate about accessibility, interpreter development, and creating inclusive communication environments, we encourage you to apply.Equal Opportunity EmployerMAIG Interpreting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state employment laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.