Translation Coordinator

About the International Institute of Buffalo

The International Institute of Buffalo is dedicated to improving the lives of immigrants and refugees in Western New York. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for these communities through various programs and services.

Position Overview

We are seeking a full-time Translation Coordinator to oversee all aspects of our document translation services. This role involves managing projects from initial requests through completion, ensuring quality standards, maintaining translator records, and improving translation processes and technology. The Translation Coordinator may also support interpreting services as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete translation workflow including quotations, intake, workflow scheduling, customer and contractor interactions.
• Coordinate transcription and translation requests efficiently.
• Process payments to translators, keep accurate financial and project records according to organizational policies.
• Maintain up-to-date records of translators’ credentials and contact information.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both clients and translation contractors.
• Contribute to development and marketing of translation product packages.
• Assist in exploring and designing new translation products or opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards and confidentiality requirements for translation quality and ethics.
• Monitor and improve translation quality by implementing standards for translation, editing, proofreading, localization, and transcription.
• Obtain and use feedback from stakeholders to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recruit qualified translators; oversee compliance with contracts and privacy agreements; monitor translator performance.
• Support departmental evaluation and implementation of software and tools such as Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) systems.
• Maintain accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and timely customer service performance.
• Prepare reports on translation volume, turnaround times, customer satisfaction, and vendor performance.
• Assist with interpreting requests when qualified and as workload permits.
• Engage actively in supporting the Institute’s mission, culture, and community outreach activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in translation, linguistics, languages, international studies, communications, social work, or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with immigrant or refugee populations in community settings.
• Background in coordinating translation projects, document localization, desktop publishing, or multilingual communication; professional translation experience is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated professionalism in working with diverse external community stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills capable of handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• High cultural competence, empathy, and flexibility.
• Multilingual or bilingual skills are advantageous, with encouragement for speakers of Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Lingala.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to learn and apply Computer-Assisted Translation tools, translation management systems, Adobe Acrobat Suite including InDesign and Photoshop.
• Exceptional organization, prioritization, and attention to detail.
• Open to working with underserved and varied cultural communities.
• Team player committed to organizational values and mission.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Working Conditions

The position entails office-based tasks requiring manual dexterity, attending to vision and auditory demands, standing and walking, navigating stairs, and handling office materials up to 30 pounds.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Eleven paid holidays annually.
• Paid one-hour lunch break.
• Complimentary parking.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions upon eligibility.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Disability insurance.
• Paid family, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Life insurance benefits.
• Employee assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The International Institute of Buffalo is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category.