Spanish Translator (Part-Time, Contract)

Our Minds Matter (OMM)

Spanish Translator, (Part-Time, Contract)

Overview: 

Our Minds Matter (OMM) is working toward a day when no teen dies by suicide. Driven by research and led by teens, OMM clubs create safe, brave spaces where young people build social connections, practice self-care and healthy habits, and offer peer-to-peer mental health support. Originally founded as the Josh Anderson Foundation, we began with five schools in Fairfax County in 2012 and a sole employee: founding Executive Director Lauren Anderson, who named the organization in honor of her brother, Josh, who died by suicide at the age of 17. In the decade-plus since our founding, OMM has grown to become the leading provider of peer-to-peer mental health programming for teens in the DC Metro Area (DMV). We are a majority BIPOC-led organization currently supporting a network of 149 clubs in high schools, middle schools and teen centers nationwide, with the majority located in the DMV. 

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and culturally aware translator to join our team on a contractual basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating program materials from English to Spanish, ensuring cultural competence and linguistic accuracy. This role requires a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and linguistic diversity within Spanish-speaking communities to effectively convey the intended message and context of the original materials.

The Translator Contractor will report to the Director of Program Development. The Translator Contractor will execute the translation of assigned programmatic and organizational materials from English to Spanish, ensuring that the finished product is accurate, inclusive, and culturally competent to native Spanish speakers. 

OMM’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion is a moral imperative for Our Minds Matter (OMM), and integral to our work of empowering students to improve their overall school culture around mental health so that no teen dies by suicide.

OMM affirms the inherent dignity of each employee and person we work with while dismantling any inequities within our organization’s policies, programs, and services, creating an inclusive environment where all can flourish and become one’s best self. We are building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Vital to this is leadership and staff who are representative of the communities we serve, providing culturally competent and accessible curriculum and resources and constantly learning from and adapting to the communities we work with. 

OMM strongly encourages members of historically marginalized communities to apply for this position, in particular individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latine or other People of Color, immigrants, people with disabilities, people who are gender expansive, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. OMM does not discriminate on the basis of class, race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. Excepting any undue hardship, OMM will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Key Responsibilities

Translate Programmatic Materials

Tasks related to this job include:  

• Translate a variety of program materials, including but not limited to educational content, outreach materials, manuals, and guides, from English to Spanish.

Ensure Linguistic Accuracy 

Tasks related to this job include: 

• Ensure that all translated text, including mental health terminology, is congruent with a native Spanish speaker’s vocabulary & vernacular
• Ensure translations are culturally relevant and sensitive, taking into account the diverse backgrounds and experiences 
• Review and edit translations for accuracy, consistency, and clarity
• Incorporate feedback from Spanish-speaking stakeholders to continuously improve the quality and cultural relevance of translated materials

Collaborate with Team Members & Stakeholder 

• Work closely with the Director of Program Development to identify any language that, when translated, is not inclusive of native Spanish speakers & assist in identifying solutions
• Work closely with team members and other stakeholders as directed to understand the context and objectives of the materials being translated
• Develop and maintain a glossary of terms and phrases to ensure consistency across all translated materials

Requirements

Required Skills: 

• Able to meet deadlines in fast-paced environment without compromising quality
• Native or near-native proficiency in both Spanish and English.
• Proven experience in translating written materials from English to Spanish, preferably in the context of educational or programmatic content.
• Strong understanding of cultural differences and the ability to adapt translations to reflect these nuances appropriately.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in translation work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Ability to manage multiple translation projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Desired Qualifications: 

• A degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field is preferred.
• Familiar with mental health terminology
• Experience translating teen-friendly materials
• Experience working with educational or nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with terminology and concepts related to mental health, education, and community outreach.
• Certification in translation or interpretation

Benefits

Project Length: 

The anticipated start date is September 3, 2024, with the possibility of an earlier start for candidates with availability. The projected end-date is December 15th 2024, with a potential opportunity for an extension, dependent upon successful completion of project deliverables. 

Project Location: 

This position is remote. However, candidates in the DMV area may have the opportunity to use our primary office location at 1100 15th St NW (4th Floor), Washington, DC 20005. 

Compensation:

($60 hourly rate , 10-15 hr/month for approximately 3-4 months)

To apply, please follow this link: bit.ly/XXXX. Please let us know what accommodations you might need when applying or if invited for an interview.