Translation Leader

About Signly

Since 2017, Signly has had a singular mission: to deliver sign language everywhere. We’re a world first and the only organisation doing what we do at scale. Signly is an innovative platform using Microsoft Azure and web services to enhance web accessibility for Deaf users by providing sign language translations on-demand. Signly connects website owners with Deaf translators, empowering users to engage with online content in their primary language. Each translation has a strict three-day completion deadline to prioritize responsiveness and efficiency. This effort is achieved through Signly Studio, a powerful automated workflow for translators. Next, we’re leveraging advanced technology such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), to improve that process.

  1. Position Summary

The Translation Leader at Signly drives excellence, strategy, and personal growth within the Deaf translation team. Rooted in servant leadership, this role emphasizes support for both individual and collective success, ensuring alignment with Signly’s mission to serve the Deaf community. A hands-on approach is crucial, showing team members how to uphold ethics and professional standards and ensuring every task reflects professional integrity.

  1. Primary Responsibilities
  • Leadership and Mentorship
    • Foster a positive, ethical, and professional culture within the team, based on professional standards guidelines.
    • Lead by example, embodying integrity and accountability.
    • Onboard new translators swiftly, offering a welcoming environment and tailored in-house coaching to build confidence and skill in translation.
    • Sponsor and promote young Deaf talent, supporting career progression and skill acquisition.
    • Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to translators, ensuring adherence to professional standards and Signly's service expectations.
  • Operational Efficiency and Speed
    • Ensure prompt, high-quality translations, with team productivity optimized through training in tools and methodologies.
    • Utilize Signly’s dashboard to track attendance, productivity, and adherence to deadlines.
    • Quickly address workflow issues or conflicts, providing structured solutions and immediate intervention to maintain a high level of positivity.
  • Strategic Collaboration
    • Support the CEO in the creation and execution of strategic initiatives, contributing insights to improve Signly’s mission and services.
    • Participate in cross-functional projects, collaborating with other departments to advance sign language automation ethically, ensuring Deaf translators remain primary beneficiaries.
    • Contribute to developing and adapting team strategies to manage workload, improve efficiency, and address emerging challenges.
  1. Success Indicators
  • A self-sufficient, positive team that embraces the mission of providing high-quality, timely translations.
  • Rapid onboarding of new talent with strong professional and ethical grounding.
  • An engaged team ready to adopt innovative practices, with conflicts managed proactively.
  • Continuous improvement in team efficiency, fostering an environment where translators feel motivated and empowered.
  1. Required Skills and Traits
  • Empathetic Leadership: Proven ability to motivate, mentor, and guide a team, fostering a respectful and collaborative environment.
  • Decisiveness: Capable of making impactful decisions to resolve issues swiftly and maintain workflow.
  • Technical and Strategic Thinking: Comfort with both the operational and strategic aspects of leadership, contributing to Signly’s long-term vision.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent communication skills, both upwards and downwards, to articulate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and inspire the team toward shared goals.
  • Adaptability and Innovation: Openness to change, adopting new tools and methods that enhance Signly’s offerings and maintain relevance in a dynamic industry.
  1. Professional Requirements
  • Alignment with NRCPD and Signly’s ethical standards, ensuring each translator is professionally compliant.
  • Maintain NRCPD or similar membership, submitting CPD activities to foster continuous growth.
  • Commitment to enhancing team skills, with a balance of high expectations and substantial support.
  1. Who You Are

You are a passionate Deaf leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. With a dedication to professional standards, innovation, and team empowerment, you balance immediate operational needs with a broader strategic vision, ensuring every translation at Signly not only meets industry standards but also empowers and serves the Deaf community.

  1. Applying

So, whoever you are, if you feel like you’ve got the potential - not necessarily the experience - or know someone who could take on one of these roles, get in touch…You can show your interest in any way that’s comfortable for you (but no cover letters)