Career Center

The Opportunity

The American Translators Association (ATA) is conducting a search for its next Executive Director. The Executive Director is a leader and team player, with individual membership association and event management experience, a vision for membership growth and development, and the ability to work with staff, volunteers, and contractors from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. 

Key Priorities and Responsibilities

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the American Translators Association, with full authority for management of its affairs, subject to the duties specified by the ATA Bylaws and other governing documents, as well as the direction of the ATA Board, Executive Committee, or President. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the Association serves the needs and interests of ATA members.

The Executive Director:

-Ensures that the Association's programs, including the flagship annual conference and certification programs, publications, and services, directly benefit the members and their professional well-being

• Works with the member-elected President to oversee Board operations, communications, and administration
• Organizes quarterly Board meetings and travels to Board meetings between three and four times a year
• Assists the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary duties and responsibility to set policy for the Association and to carry out its business
• Is responsible for the Association's financial matters, including all accounting, the annual audit, the annual budget, and all reporting
• Works with the Finance and Audit Committee when making major financial decisions and assists the Treasurer with the Association's investments
• Serves as the publisher of The ATA Chronicle (the Association’s digital bi-monthly magazine)
  
• Is responsible for complying with all applicable laws and requirements, working with outside counsel as needed
• Works with other organizations and entities to ensure positive relations and maintain goodwill
• Serves as the Executive Director of the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation, an affiliated organization that supports charitable activities
• Has sole and exclusive authority for hiring and dismissing all other employees of the Association
• Oversees and manages employees and contractors to fulfill ATA’s goals
  Maintains up-to-date job descriptions for all staff and ensures that employees are familiar with them
• Maintains the ATA Employee Handbook, reviewing and updating it annually
  Ensures that staffing of ATA Headquarters reflects the Association’s needs
• Ensures that internal processes are documented
• Onboards and trains new employees and contractors
• Monitors and measures employee performance, providing positive feedback and corrective action when necessary
• Conducts annual performance reviews of all staff and maintains performance review records
• Tracks staff’s professional development goals and performance objectives

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Professional association manager, with significant individual membership organization experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of association management best practices
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (bilingualism a plus)
• Experience with and knowledge of financial strategy and management
• Willingness to work in Alexandria, VA, in a hybrid work environment
• Vision for the future of membership growth and development
• Conference management experience preferred
• Experience with a professional certification program preferred
• Integrity and high ethical standards with a reputation for fairness, honesty, and transparency
• Ability to work with others from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to learn new systems and technology, with a reputation for improving and automating processes as needed
• Ability to develop staff talents, recognize opportunities, and celebrate performance
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment
• Effective in creating and maintaining strategic partnerships and collaborations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate diplomatically
• Member of association management organization
• Education level: 4-year degree required (advanced degree preferred)
• Authorized to work in the United States

To Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and a résumé (Word or PDF format preferred), including salary expectations by no later than Friday, July 8, 2022.

ATA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all candidates regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a protected veteran. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the Association’s needs.