American Sign Language Coordinator

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Linguistics seeks a full-time American Sign Language (ASL) Coordinator to support the accessibility, instructional, and programmatic needs of the ASL Program. Reporting to departmental leadership, the ASL Coordinator serves as the primary resource for coordinating and providing interpreting services for deaf and/or hard-of-hearing faculty, staff, and students. This position is responsible for assessing interpreting needs across a range of academic, administrative, and programmatic activities; providing direct interpretation services when appropriate; and coordinating external interpreting resources for specialized or simultaneous assignments. The Coordinator will work closely with faculty, students, staff, and contracted interpreters to ensure effective communication access across the department. In addition to accessibility coordination, the ASL Coordinator will contribute to the administration and ongoing success of the ASL Program through support of course planning, enrollment management, placement activities, and other program initiatives.

Requirements

• Three years’ experience as an ASL interpreter.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in higher education, academic, or research environments as an ASL interpreter.
• Familiarity with interpreter scheduling and accessibility accommodation practices.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and coordinating complex schedules.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide signed language interpretation for deaf and/or hard-of-hearing faculty, staff, and students in classrooms, meetings, academic events, and other university-related settings.
• Deliver ad hoc interpreting services.
• Assess communication access needs and determine appropriate interpreting coverage for academic and departmental activities.
• Coordinate and schedule additional ASL interpreters for courses, research meetings, academic presentations, conferences, special events, and other activities requiring communication access.
• Facilitate communication between requestors, participants, and interpreters to ensure successful service delivery.
• Oversee interpreter preparation by securing and distributing relevant course materials and event information in advance of assignments.
• Educate faculty, staff, and students on interpreter roles, best practices for working with interpreters, and communication accessibility.
• Recruit, maintain, and coordinate a pool of qualified ASL interpreters.
• Manage interpreter scheduling and assignment logistics.
• Process and track invoices for contracted interpreting services.
• Monitor utilization data and maintain records to support budgeting, reporting, and program planning.
• Assist in evaluating interpreting needs and identifying opportunities for service improvements.
• Support the administration of the ASL Program, including course planning, enrollment management, and placement examinations.
• Assist with ASL-related events, educational programming, outreach activities, and special projects.
• Collaborate with faculty and departmental leadership to advance program goals and enhance accessibility across the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the ASL Program and Department of Linguistics.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed