Translation and Language Access Specialist

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

2d•$51,966 - $75,351

About The Position

The Early Child Education and Care Translation and Language Access Specialist in the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood is responsible for providing accurate, culturally responsive, and neutral Spanish translations of MIEC curriculum, professional learning materials, communications, and organizational resources. This role ensures that Spanish-speaking Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals and constituents can meaningfully access and engage with MIEC’s work. The Translator preserves instructional intent, professional tone, and organizational voice while producing translations that are broadly accessible across diverse Spanish-speaking countries and dialects.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Translation, Linguistics, Early Childhood Education, Spanish, English, or related field or equivalent.
Professional Translation certification (American Translators Association (ATA) or equivalent.
Native or near-native proficiency in written and spoken English and Spanish
Three plus years (3+yrs) demonstrated work experience translating curriculum or training materials for adult learners as either a Curriculum Translator (English/Spanish), Educational Content Translator, Instructional Materials, Translator, or Professional Learning Content Translator.
Three plus (3+) years experience using translation software or Computer Assistant Tools (CAT) tools (e.g., Trados, memoQ), Microsoft Office and document collaboration tools in a work environment, as well as working directly in Learning Management Systems to build/translate Spanish content.
One plus (1+) year demonstrated work experience supporting language access, equity, or workforce development initiatives
One plus (1+) year demonstrated work experience in Early Childhood Education, Adult Learning, Higher Education, or related field.

Responsibilities

Translate ECEC curriculum content, instructional guides, training modules, professional learning materials, and educator-facing resources between English and Spanish.
Ensure translations preserve instructional accuracy, pedagogical intent, and clarity for adult learners and early childhood professionals.
Produce neutral Spanish translations that are accessible to educators from a wide range of Spanish-speaking backgrounds.
Develop, adapt, and maintain high-quality translations of educational content within the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance.
Collaborate with instructional designers and subject matter experts to align translations with course objectives and learner needs.
Troubleshoot and resolve language-related display or formatting issues across PL content/media types.
Support continuous improvement by providing feedback on content localization and user experience across Spanish language content.
Translate MIEC communications, reports, tools, policies, correspondence, and public-facing materials.
Ensure consistency with MIEC’s organizational voice, terminology, and mission.
Adapt language as needed to maintain clarity and accessibility for broad Spanish-speaking audiences.
Edit and proofread translated curriculum and communication materials for accuracy, clarity, tone, and grammatical correctness.
Ensure translations are free of region-specific slang or idiomatic language that could limit comprehension.
Review translated content for consistency with established terminology, style guidance, and instructional standards.
Apply culturally responsive and inclusive language practices across curriculum and communications.
Make informed linguistic decisions to balance neutrality, professionalism, and audience relevance.
Support equitable language access for Spanish-speaking ECEC professionals and partners.
Collaborate with curriculum developers, communications staff, and subject matter experts to clarify meaning and intent.
Develop and maintain glossaries and style guidance supporting neutral Spanish and early childhood terminology.
Track translation requests, deadlines, and version control.