Community Interpreter & Translator - Modern Standard Arabic

Team: Partner Success

Type: Contractor (1099)

Estimated weekly hours: 5–15 hours per month (Assignment-based)

Preferred availability: Flexibility between Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM, as project needs arise

Compensation: $30–35/hour, depending on relevant experience

Overview

SF New Deal is seeking a skilled and culturally competent Arabic interpreter, translator, and proofreader to provide contracted interpretation, translation, and proofreading services, both remotely and in-person. This role enables us to better support small business and community partners through inclusive, linguistically accessible interactions. The contractor will lend their language skills and cultural knowledge to specific projects in partnership with SF New Deal staff. The ideal candidate is proficient in and culturally knowledgeable about the Yemeni dialect and community. This is an as-needed position supporting language services; the workload and hours vary based on assignments, projects, and the organization’s needs.

Scope of Work

Interpretation

• Provide real-time interpretation between English and Arabic in meetings, visits, or events where SF New Deal is engaging small business or community partners
• Provide interpretation services during presentations or demonstrations led by SF New Deal staff, as requested
• Travel to partner locations across San Francisco when in-person interpretation is needed (with advance agreement)

Translation and Proofreading

• Translate and/or proofread written materials (e.g., program documents, outreach copy, forms) from English into Arabic, maintaining tone, accuracy, and formatting
• Use dictionaries, reference materials, or translation software to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Collaborate with staff to incorporate feedback and finalize content

Coordination

• Engage with the Partner Success team’s Cultural Services Lead to clarify scope and deadlines for individual projects
• Communicate with SF New Deal staff using email, messaging tools, or project platforms mutually agreed upon
• Serve as a culturally responsive collaborator, offering insight into how language and context may shape community interactions

Key Qualifications

• Fluent and literate in both English and Arabic (preference for Modern Standard Arabic)
• Strong technical, and conversational vocabulary
• Prior experience providing professional interpretation and translation (community, nonprofit, or small business experience preferred)
• Located in or near San Francisco and able to travel locally when needed
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple assignments and deadlines
• Proficient with workplace collaboration and tools including Google Workspace and Slack
• Familiarity with the needs and challenges of small businesses, especially those in under-resourced communities
• Experience working in culturally and linguistically diverse environments

You'll Be a Strong Fit If...

• You care deeply about cultural access, equity, and dignity in community work
• You enjoy using your language skills to help others navigate complex systems or processes
• You are consistent, reliable, and take care with your work and communications
• You’re flexible and grounded in empathy when engaging with a range of people and identities

Contractor Status and Terms

This is a 1099 independent contractor role. Contractors:

• Set their own schedules.
• Provide their own tools (e.g., computer, translation software, transportation)
• Are responsible for their own tax obligations.
• Invoice SF New Deal for services rendered.

Assignments and hours will vary based on project needs. This is a project-based role and is not intended to replace or function as a staff position. Contractors are expected to submit regular invoices for completed work. Payment will follow SF New Deal’s contractor payment schedule.