Providence Public Schools

Under the supervision of the Chief of Communications, the COORDINATOR OF INTERPRETING AND TRANSLATION SERVICES will play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps within our district and schools. This 12 month non-union position involves translating a diverse range of documents such as policy briefs, media releases, manuals, promotional materials, reports and parent communications, ensuring clarity and accuracy between English and Spanish. Additionally, the role involves coordinating written translation and oral interpretation services for various parent and community meetings, including meetings as well as school and district level events.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and time management skills, working closely with central office staff, school principals, administrators, staff, families, and constituents. Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the nuances within Latin American communities are essential. Flexibility, multitasking abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a high pressure environment with strict deadlines are paramount, as some nights and weekends will be required.

The Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 22,000 students attending our 37 schools. PPSD employs more than 3,200 professionals who work in and provide support to our schools, which include 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 11 high schools and 2 public district charter schools. Of our employees, approximately 2,000 are educators, and more than 600 others directly support students and families in our schools.

Our schools are diverse learning communities. Approximately 68% of our students are Latinx, 15% Black, 7% White, 4% Asian, 5.5% Multi-racial and 1% Native American. Approximately 40% of students are multilingual learners, and about 16% of students receive special education services. Approximately 55% of students come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. Combined, our students and families speak more than 55 different languages and hail from 91 countries of origin.

REPORTS TO: Chief of Communications

• Contingent upon funding**

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

• Bilingual/bicultural (Spanish)
• Expertise at written translation (English-Spanish)
• Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Spanish
• Experience with Google Docs
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word required; Outlook/Teams/Excel; preferred)
• Experience with Content Management System for website updates
• Experience with Mass Notification System
• Experience utilizing design software: Canva and Adobe Creative Suite to flow in translation to documents preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing and managing Facebook, Instagram, Constant Contact and other social channels for community engagement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in website content management preferred.
• Knowledge of communications planning, and ability to structure schedules.
• Knowledge of Providence and community resources (preferred)
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel throughout the organization’s 37 schools.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in conjunction with other PPSD departments, specifically Communications and FACE to translate or coordinate the translation of all District documents.
• Develop and coordinate translation for all District social media channels
• Create and distribute monthly newsletters and event calendars in multiple languages.
• Create flyers for initiatives and events in collaboration with PPSD team members, ensuring consistency with PPSD branding.
• Translate materials, including signage, brochures, pamphlets, for initiatives as needed.
• Continuously explore creative opportunities to spread the word about the FACE office and engage parents and community members.
• Other duties as assigned.Translate written context between Spanish and English for all publications, legal documents and communications for the Special Education Department, as required.
• Coordinate interpretation at school and distinct level meetings; parent and community meetings and forums; and for other departments/staff, as required.
• Coordinate translation and interpretation of documents with school administrators.
• Facilitate interpretation for district staff conducting radio, TV and print interviews.
• Provide translation for advertising materials, website content,and other communication channels.
• Provide translation and interpretation for recorded messages for the school-to-home communications software.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently to translate time-sensitive letters from schools to families.
• Maintain records of all translation activities and translation requests.
• Act as a liaison between families and district, providing or coordinating interpretation services at various events and meetings during school hours and after school activities.
• Ability to interact and develop working relationships with professionals, staff, children and their families using positive interpersonal, oral and written communication in English and second language Spanish.
• Adheres to applicable federal, state, local guidelines and regulations for all children including those with intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be bilingual in Spanish and English, and bicultural to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.