Provide strategic advisory to leadership using technology sector expertise. Conduct research on operational best practices and offer analysis on management, staffing, planning, and emerging technical challenges.

Announcement

Are you a seasoned technology leader looking to invest your expertise in work that matters eternally? SIL Language Technology invites experienced professionals from the tech sector to serve as Strategic Consultants — bringing the strategic insight, operational wisdom, and leadership perspective gained from careers in technology industry to bear on one of the world's most unique software organizations.

In this volunteer role, you will partner with LT leadership to think through complex decisions, conduct research on emerging challenges, and offer the kind of hard-won perspective that only comes from years of executive experience in tech. Your industry background will allow you to engage meaningfully with our work from day one — and we will invest in getting you up to speed on the SIL context.

Minimum commitment: 4 hours per week

About SIL Global

SIL Global is a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to serving translation teams worldwide. If you believe, as we do, that all languages are of value, form an integral part of people's identity, and have the potential to serve them in a rapidly changing world, then you can be part of a software team serving translation teams worldwide.

The Role

The Strategic Consultant serves as a volunteer strategic advisor to SIL Language Technology leadership. Drawing on deep professional experience in technology management and operations, this person provides research support, participates in key leadership discussions, and offers guidance on organizational and operational decisions. The role is designed for experienced technology professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to language and Bible translation work without requiring a full-time commitment.

Major Responsibilities

Participate in LT leadership and management meetings as a strategic thought partner
Conduct research on assigned topics — organizational best practices, operational models, industry benchmarks, or specific decisions under consideration
Provide written or verbal recommendations and analysis to LT leadership based on research and professional experience
Offer guidance on management, staffing, planning, and operational challenges as they arise
Serve as a sounding board for the LT Director and leadership team on strategic and organizational questions
Engage with ongoing LT initiatives to understand context and surface relevant insights from industry experience

Minor Responsibilities

Attend the annual LT Conference
Participate in regular LT all-hands or status meetings as schedule permits
Maintain awareness of LT department communications and updates

Knowledge & Skills

Demonstrated experience in corporate management, operations, or executive leadership within the technology sector
Sufficient technology literacy to engage meaningfully with software development, product management, and IT operations discussions — coding ability is not required, but comfort in a technical environment is essential
Strong analytical and research skills; ability to synthesize information and produce actionable recommendations
Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable working with senior leaders
Adaptability and cross-cultural sensitivity; willingness to learn an organizational context that differs significantly from corporate environments
Collaborative and low-ego working style; serves as a contributor, not a decision-maker
Self-directed and able to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote setting

Education

A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in business, management, organizational leadership, technology management, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should bring a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the technology industry, with demonstrated exposure to executive-level decision-making in a tech context. Experience in software development organizations, product companies, IT operations, or tech-adjacent fields is highly relevant. Prior experience in nonprofit, faith-based, or international organizations is valued but not required. SIL Language Technology will provide the organizational context and onboarding necessary for the right candidate to contribute effectively.

Training & Orientation

New Strategic Consultants complete the LT Department Orientation program, which covers SIL's mission, organizational structure, and software ecosystem. An extended onboarding period of 60-90 days is expected, during which the consultant will shadow leadership meetings, review key documents, and engage in regular check-ins with the LT Director to develop sufficient context for effective advising.

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