American Sign Language Interpreter and Coordinator

Job Description

Department Overview

Situated within the Department of Linguistics, the American Sign Language (ASL) Program is a small but vibrant academic program that encompasses language instruction, research, educational programming, and community engagement activities. The program supports a diverse community of deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students, faculty, and staff and is committed to advancing excellence in ASL education and accessibility.

Position Description

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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

ASL Interpretation and Accessibility Services

• 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.

Interpreter Program Administration

• 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.

Program Support

• 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.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position based within the Department of Linguistics.
• Work may include occasional evening or weekend events.
• Position requires regular interaction with faculty, students, staff, and external service providers.
• Some interpreting assignments may require extended periods of signing and visual concentration.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Three years’ experience as an ASL interpreter.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 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.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  
  
  
   
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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 056