Language Access Coordinator
Apply NowCompany: City of Alexandria, VA
Location: Alexandria, VA 22304
Description:
Salary : $62,719.28 - $110,373.64 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00254
Department: Office of Communications & Community Engagement
Opening Date: 02/05/2025
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Language Access Coordinator
Overview
The City of Alexandria is a diverse community, with over 160,000 residents speaking a range of languages, primarily: English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic. We are home to a diverse, energetic, caring community with a city government that reflects these values. Our goal is to reach people where they are, using strategies and tactics that address language access, the digital divide, and issues around social equity. The successful candidate will prioritize strategies which benefit all Alexandrians, specifically our hard-to-reach and underserved communities, as well as those who work and visit our City.
The Language Access Coordinator will oversee the execution of the City's Language Access Program, which addresses the needs of but is not limited to the City's primary languages, as well as for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. This Program extends beyond the offering of basic translation and interpretation services, to include department action plan(s), staff and partner trainings, volunteer services, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, this role will assure compliance with all applicable policies, rules, and governmental statutes (local, state, and federal) specific to all program areas, including Title VI Limited English Proficiency standards.
This role will serve as an internal resource to assist City staff, providing language access and cultural competency guideline(s) and criteria for the enhancement of our current language capabilities and training of City staff, contractors, and partners. This includes the management of the Bilingual Pay Program open to City employees, in partnership with the Office of Human Resources. The Coordinator will be expected to maintain a database(s) of training attendees, employee program participants, vital documents, plain language standards, and vendor service requests. This information will provide data - driven standards for the regular improvement of the Language Access Program, as well as is expected to be regularly reported to City leadership upon request.
This role will serve as an external resource to our City residents through the prioritization of City practices and policies which ensure our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) residents are informed, represented, and served equitably. This includes the management of the LEP Map Tool, in partnership with the Office of Performance Analytics, a quality control mechanism which allows City staff to make intentional, informed decisions for outreach and engagement. The Coordinator will take intentional steps to ensure City communications and City - Sponsored Events provide meaningful access to allow LEP communities to participate, receive information in their primary languages, and provide space for feedback.
In partnership with the City's Race and Social Equity Office, the Coordinator will serve as an advocate for our LEP communities and partners (Casa Chiralagua, Campagna Center, Faith - Based Organizations), identifying opportunities for input in and effectiveness of the City's Language Access Program. This role will be responsible for creating and sustaining a culture of collaboration with our neighboring jurisdictions and its counterparts, including Washington, D.C. This responsibility is intended to bolster language accessibility planning, including understanding regional trends, needs and preferences of our greater and growing communities, and expansion of tools and services available to our residents.
Other responsibilities include the expectation to learn about, be involved in, and engage with our City government, community and businesses. This includes developing and maintaining strong professional working relationships with department and agency directors, as well as community stakeholders. This will be done through attending department events, city or neighborhood meetings, and representing or assisting at on - site City needs as requested.
Additional Responsibilities:
About the Office of Communications & Community Engagement
The City of Alexandria is committed to reaching our community members where they are. Our goal is to use intentional engagement practices and strategies to increase community awareness of City programs, resources, and initiatives; expand language accessibility; nurture community relationships; and develop consistent and reliable approaches to receive and implement resident feedback. The Office of Communications & Community Engagement (OCCE) is charged with elevating the work of the City through robust storytelling and outreach to our various audiences. The vision for creative, accessible, and equitable citywide communications must begin with ongoing, authentic, relationship-building with residents, businesses, and community organizations throughout Alexandria - especially in Alexandria's diverse, historically-marginalized communities who have not been consistently engaged. The OCCE is working to reimagine and expand the current scope of the City's communications and community engagement efforts with a focus on establishing, nurturing, and leveraging authentic, meaningful relationships with the City's most important asset - its people. We are working to establish a dynamic operation that places our residents' needs and concerns not just in mind but makes them a key part of the direction that guides our strategies, plans and actions.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field. Three (3) years of experience in a related communications role; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
To be considered an ideal candidate, an applicant should also have extensive experience in the duties listed in this posting; prior experience in public speaking or developing presentations for training or teaching purposes; experience working in community organizing; fluency in written and spoken Spanish, Amharic, Arabic or American Sign Language (ASL); and certifications or similar training and evaluation related to transcription and interpretation.
Notes
Interested, qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online at .?Applications will be screened against criteria outlined in this brochure. Interviews will be offered by the Strategic Communications Manager to those candidates named as finalists, with reference checks, background checks and academic verifications conducted after receiving candidates' permission.
For more information, please contact:
Alexis Chew
Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst
Finalists will be subject to a through background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.746.3785 or email
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree; at least three (3) years of lived experience in related communications and/or community engagement role; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position?
02
Are you fluent in both and spoken Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, OR American Sign Language (ASL)?
03
If so, please indicate which language you are fluent in.
Required Question
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00254
Department: Office of Communications & Community Engagement
Opening Date: 02/05/2025
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Language Access Coordinator
Overview
The City of Alexandria is a diverse community, with over 160,000 residents speaking a range of languages, primarily: English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic. We are home to a diverse, energetic, caring community with a city government that reflects these values. Our goal is to reach people where they are, using strategies and tactics that address language access, the digital divide, and issues around social equity. The successful candidate will prioritize strategies which benefit all Alexandrians, specifically our hard-to-reach and underserved communities, as well as those who work and visit our City.
The Language Access Coordinator will oversee the execution of the City's Language Access Program, which addresses the needs of but is not limited to the City's primary languages, as well as for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. This Program extends beyond the offering of basic translation and interpretation services, to include department action plan(s), staff and partner trainings, volunteer services, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, this role will assure compliance with all applicable policies, rules, and governmental statutes (local, state, and federal) specific to all program areas, including Title VI Limited English Proficiency standards.
This role will serve as an internal resource to assist City staff, providing language access and cultural competency guideline(s) and criteria for the enhancement of our current language capabilities and training of City staff, contractors, and partners. This includes the management of the Bilingual Pay Program open to City employees, in partnership with the Office of Human Resources. The Coordinator will be expected to maintain a database(s) of training attendees, employee program participants, vital documents, plain language standards, and vendor service requests. This information will provide data - driven standards for the regular improvement of the Language Access Program, as well as is expected to be regularly reported to City leadership upon request.
This role will serve as an external resource to our City residents through the prioritization of City practices and policies which ensure our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) residents are informed, represented, and served equitably. This includes the management of the LEP Map Tool, in partnership with the Office of Performance Analytics, a quality control mechanism which allows City staff to make intentional, informed decisions for outreach and engagement. The Coordinator will take intentional steps to ensure City communications and City - Sponsored Events provide meaningful access to allow LEP communities to participate, receive information in their primary languages, and provide space for feedback.
In partnership with the City's Race and Social Equity Office, the Coordinator will serve as an advocate for our LEP communities and partners (Casa Chiralagua, Campagna Center, Faith - Based Organizations), identifying opportunities for input in and effectiveness of the City's Language Access Program. This role will be responsible for creating and sustaining a culture of collaboration with our neighboring jurisdictions and its counterparts, including Washington, D.C. This responsibility is intended to bolster language accessibility planning, including understanding regional trends, needs and preferences of our greater and growing communities, and expansion of tools and services available to our residents.
Other responsibilities include the expectation to learn about, be involved in, and engage with our City government, community and businesses. This includes developing and maintaining strong professional working relationships with department and agency directors, as well as community stakeholders. This will be done through attending department events, city or neighborhood meetings, and representing or assisting at on - site City needs as requested.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Oversee the budget related to the Language Access Program, as well as administration and evaluation of language services contracts and quality assurance.
- Assist in and assure the inclusion of the language accessibility and cultural competency of the City strategic communications plan, including but not limited to the ALL Alexandria Resolution, the City's Language Access Policy, and other working City guidelines and criteria.
- Other duties as requested.
- Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service while communicating with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, and provide strong facility with outreach and communication strategies.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously and switch between tasks quickly.
- Interest in, or dedication to, improving access to services for Non-English speaking, limited-English proficient, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.
About the Office of Communications & Community Engagement
The City of Alexandria is committed to reaching our community members where they are. Our goal is to use intentional engagement practices and strategies to increase community awareness of City programs, resources, and initiatives; expand language accessibility; nurture community relationships; and develop consistent and reliable approaches to receive and implement resident feedback. The Office of Communications & Community Engagement (OCCE) is charged with elevating the work of the City through robust storytelling and outreach to our various audiences. The vision for creative, accessible, and equitable citywide communications must begin with ongoing, authentic, relationship-building with residents, businesses, and community organizations throughout Alexandria - especially in Alexandria's diverse, historically-marginalized communities who have not been consistently engaged. The OCCE is working to reimagine and expand the current scope of the City's communications and community engagement efforts with a focus on establishing, nurturing, and leveraging authentic, meaningful relationships with the City's most important asset - its people. We are working to establish a dynamic operation that places our residents' needs and concerns not just in mind but makes them a key part of the direction that guides our strategies, plans and actions.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field. Three (3) years of experience in a related communications role; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
To be considered an ideal candidate, an applicant should also have extensive experience in the duties listed in this posting; prior experience in public speaking or developing presentations for training or teaching purposes; experience working in community organizing; fluency in written and spoken Spanish, Amharic, Arabic or American Sign Language (ASL); and certifications or similar training and evaluation related to transcription and interpretation.
Notes
Interested, qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online at .?Applications will be screened against criteria outlined in this brochure. Interviews will be offered by the Strategic Communications Manager to those candidates named as finalists, with reference checks, background checks and academic verifications conducted after receiving candidates' permission.
For more information, please contact:
Alexis Chew
Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst
Finalists will be subject to a through background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.746.3785 or email
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree; at least three (3) years of lived experience in related communications and/or community engagement role; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position?
- Yes
- No
02
Are you fluent in both and spoken Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, OR American Sign Language (ASL)?
- Yes
- No
03
If so, please indicate which language you are fluent in.
Required Question