Head of Language Services

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.  

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles’ third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.  

Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place–a team full of diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors–optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness–and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.

Head of Language Services:

The Head of Language Services will lead the Language Services Functional Area (FA) for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This role is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering high-quality language services that ensure clear and inclusive communication across all client groups, including athletes, officials, media, spectators, and Games workforce. The Head of Language Services will oversee the design and delivery of real-time interpretation, volunteer language services, and language technology solutions, ensuring alignment with LA28’s vision of a world-class, accessible Games.

The Head of Language Services will report to the Chief of Games Logistics & Services

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of Language Services for the Games, including interpretation, signage review, and multilingual communication support.
• Define the scope, service levels, and resourcing model for Language Services in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and other key stakeholders.
• Recruit, train, and manage a diverse team of staff, contractors, and volunteers, including professional interpreters, volunteers, and venue-based workforce.
• Implement innovative solutions, such as remote interpretation platforms and translation technologies, to maximize efficiency and service quality.
• Ensure service delivery meets client group needs at competition venues, non-competition venues, and key Games-time operations centers.
• Develop and monitor the Language Services budget, contracts, and procurement processes.
• Coordinate with other Functional Areas (e.g., Accreditation, Arrivals & Departures, Protocol, Press Operations, Technology) to integrate language support into cross-functional service delivery.
• Establish training and readiness programs for workforce, ensuring consistent quality across venues.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of policies, standards, and procedures that align with accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability commitments.

Background & Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in language services management, preferably in large-scale international events, sports, or major organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpretation and multilingual communications at scale.
• Proven experience leading and managing diverse teams of staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with simultaneous interpretation equipment, translation memory tools, remote platforms, and emerging language technologies.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and procurement processes.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to work on-site in Los Angeles, CA. 
• Most work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment. 
• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment

Expectations:

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural, multilingual, and cross-functional environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.
• Comfort operating in an environment of ambiguity and adapting to evolving priorities.

Education/ Training / Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in relevant fields such as linguistics, translation/interpretation, event management.
• Project management / event management.
• Relevant professional certifications in translation/interpretation or project management are a plus.

The annual base salary range for this position is $126,000.00 - $180,000.00. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.