Technical Writer

Job Title

Technical Writer

Location

Global

Position Type

Volunteer

Job Description

We are seeking volunteer professional Technical Writers to research our products, services, and technology to be documented and easily understood by our developers and user communities.

SIL International 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.

Summary:
A Technical Writer is responsible for creating documentation that clarifies the product's features and benefits, analyzing existing documentation for gaps, and interviewing developers and users to verify, reorganize, maintain, and write documentation for various platforms. They will author content that supports users from a wide variety of backgrounds, from very basic to highly technical users.

Major Responsibilities:

● Maintaining the existing documentation

● Planning and designing major updates and rewrites of user-focused documentation

● Planning and designing major updates and rewrites of developer documentation

● Selecting appropriate tools to manage documentation over the long term

● Selecting appropriate systems to support translation of documentation into a variety of languages

● Meeting with Language Technology staff and field personnel to understand documentation needs

● Participating as an integral and enthusiastic part of the team, exhibiting ownership, follow-through, initiative, awareness, and effective communication with peers and management

● Working with the team around a cohesive product roadmap

Minor Responsibilities:

● Participate in regular project status, planning, partnership, and strategic meetings

● Be available to travel to meet with the larger development team at least once per year

● Be available to travel biennially to the Language Technology Conference

● Participate in professional conferences and meetings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● A servant heart attitude

● Demonstrated experience in writing technical documentation

● Demonstrated experience in documentation tools

● Adaptability and the ability to work collaboratively with a team

● Good interpersonal skills of communication

● Good organizational skills

● The ability to make decisions in a timely manner

● The ability to generate multiple solutions to the problem

● The ability to quickly pick up technical concepts

● The ability to work both with a team and independently, and to multitask effectively

Education and Experience:

Technical Writers need experience in writing technical documentation. Successful candidates should also have experience conducting research for their clients. Bachelor’s degree in communications, professional writing, or equivalent work experience is preferred, but we care more for a heart and mind that are always learning.

Training and Orientation:

Will complete the initial IT Software Department training program and relevant portions of IT Orientation.

Weekly Hours

40

Join our team and make a difference!

SIL is a global faith-based nonprofit that helps local language communities overcome the barriers that prevent them from flourishing with their languages. SIL’s six core areas of work include Bible Translation, training & workshops, products & technology, research, materials & publications, and advocacy.

SIL’s active language programs are impacting over 855 million people across more than 1,300 language communities worldwide.

Language connects people to an identity and sense of belonging, it holds deep emotional and creative expression and it provides people with information and agency to navigate the world. It is through language that we understand God, ourselves and the world around us. However, 25% of the world’s people are left out because of language-related barriers.

SIL works tirelessly to improve the lives of people in almost 100 countries because we are eager for the day when all people enjoy equal access to education, to socio-economic opportunities, and to resources for spiritual growth - no matter what language they speak or sign.

Use your skills and experience to make a difference that matters.