Technical Writer

Wycliffe Bible Translators USA

10d

About The Position

SIL International is seeking volunteer professional Technical Writers to research products, services, and technology and document them clearly for developers and user communities. SIL International is a faith-based nonprofit serving translation teams worldwide and values the role of language in people’s identity and in a rapidly changing world. The Technical Writer creates documentation that explains product features and benefits, identifies gaps in existing materials, and interviews developers and users to verify, reorganize, maintain, and write documentation for various platforms. The writer develops content for users with a wide range of backgrounds, from basic to highly technical. The role includes maintaining and planning significant updates to user and developer documentation, selecting long-term documentation and translation tools, and working with Language Technology staff and field personnel to understand needs. The Technical Writer contributes actively to the team and works with colleagues on a cohesive product roadmap. The volunteer will complete the initial IT Software Department training program and relevant portions of IT Orientation.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience writing technical documentation.
Demonstrated experience with documentation tools.
Experience conducting research for clients.
Adaptability and ability to collaborate with a team.
Good interpersonal communication skills.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to make decisions in a timely manner.
Ability to generate multiple solutions to problems.
Ability to quickly learn technical concepts.
Ability to work both independently and with a team, and to multitask effectively.
A servant-heart attitude.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in communications or professional writing, or equivalent work experience; the posting states this is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain existing documentation.
Plan and design major updates and rewrites of user-focused documentation.
Plan and design major updates and rewrites of developer documentation.
Select appropriate tools for managing documentation over the long term.
Select systems to support translating documentation into a variety of languages.
Meet with Language Technology staff and field personnel to understand documentation needs.
Participate as an integral and enthusiastic team member, demonstrating ownership, follow-through, initiative, awareness, and effective communication with peers and management.
Work with the team around a cohesive product roadmap.
Participate in regular project status, planning, partnership, and strategic meetings.
Be available to travel to meet with the larger development team at least once per year.
Be available to travel biennially to the Language Technology Conference.
Participate in professional conferences and meetings.
Complete the initial IT Software Department training program and relevant portions of IT Orientation.