Strategic Consultant

Job Title

Strategic Consultant

Location

USA - Texas - Dallas - SIL International Linguistics Center

Position Type

Volunteer

Job Description

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, and Abilities

• 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 and Experience

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 and 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.

Weekly Hours

10