Opportunity Awaits!
Staff, Internships,
and Contractors
Discover Your Passion For
Merging Cultures...
We can't fulfill our mission without good people like you. There are many ways you can contribute and make a real difference in our community!
Staff Positions:
We are not currently hiring for any staff positions at this time.
Intern and Fellow Positions:
We are beginning to seek Fall 2024 Interns and Fellows:
International Visitors Fellowship
Communications Fellowship
International Visitors Internship
Marketing Internship
Global Language Internship
Please contact Hannah Huisman at hhuisman@iowainternationalcenter.org to apply.
Interpreters and
Translators
The Iowa International Center continually seeks to recruit Interpreters and Translators for a wide variety of languages. If you would like to apply to work with the Iowa International Center, please carefully review the following information:
At This Time, We Are Recruiting Interpreters for the Following Languages:
- American Sign Language
- Tigrinya
- Arabic
- Kunama
- Ukrainian
- Haitian Creole
- Hindi
- Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)
- Dinka
- Burmese
- Karen/Karenni
- Russian
- Chuukese
- Krahn
Opportunities
Interpreters
As an Iowa International Center interpreter, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings according to your skill level and experience. Our interpreters regularly interpret at medical appointments, depositions and other legal meetings, court hearings, parent-teacher meetings, social service appointments, immigration interviews and business meetings.
Interpreters often serve the most vulnerable members of our community, including the sick, the disabled, the very young and the elderly. Iowa International Center interpreters must be willing and able to serve the community ethically and effectively, demonstrating the utmost respect for all individuals.
Translators
The Iowa International Center’s translators frequently translate documents such as birth and marriage certificates, brochures, fliers and other marketing materials, web content, legal documents, school diplomas/transcripts, application forms for various services, business correspondence and training manuals.
If you are applying to work as a translator, we ask that you submit a sample of your work, including both the source document and target document. The Iowa International Center seeks translators who not only translate accurately, but also capture the spirit of the writer and message.
To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to the Interpretation and Translation Program at translation@iowainternationalcenter.org, by Fax: 515-282-0454 or deliver in person to our office at 3839 Merle Hay Rd. Suite 259 in Des Moines.
*Note: If you are applying for a position as a Translator, please provide a sample of your translation work along with your resume.
Once we receive your application, if your language(s) and qualifications meet our needs, we will contact you to arrange an interview.
All interpreters and translators who work with the Iowa International Center are independent contractors. As an independent contractor, you are not employed full-time, and you have the flexibility to accept the appointments that fit within your schedule.
Independent
Contractors
Qualifications
In hiring interpreters and translators, the Iowa International Center considers the following qualifications essential:
- Fluency in English and another language at a level equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree in each language.
- Knowledge of the culture of the United States and the culture(s) of your other language(s).
- Prior experience or clear potential as an interpreter or translator.
- Demonstrated professional conduct and ethics in some field (not necessarily interpretation/translation).
- Dedication to advancing your knowledge of interpretation and translation ethics and protocol.
We understand that some bilingual individuals are eager to begin serving their community as an interpreter/translator, but have not yet had an opportunity to gain experience in the field. If you are one of these individuals, we welcome your application.
Questions?
Contact the Interpretation and Translation Program at 515-282-8269 ex.17
translation@iowainternationalcenter.org
Professional
Development
The Iowa International Center is committed to the professional development of its interpreters and translators. Thanks to DMACC and Prairie Meadows, we have been able to offer training workshops free to its interpreters/translators and will continue to do so as resources remain available. We will share information about these and other training opportunities as they arise.
Internships
Iowa International Center interns have the opportunity to work with the oldest international non-profit organization in Des Moines and build real-world skills in a fun, fast-paced work environment. We welcome applications from university-level students in all majors. For those still enrolled in an undergraduate program, college credit may be available.
We seek qualified applicants for all internship positions on a rolling basis. Look below to find the internship that best fits your career aspirations!
Qualifications
- College student requiring college internship credit or experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to be self-directed and work independently or as part of a team.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, set deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
- Willingness and ability to learn new skills
- Computer experience in Microsoft Office software, specifically word processing and database software.
- Cross-cultural living experience and/or knowledge of a foreign language preferred but not required.
Work Schedule
- Fall, spring and summer internships available
- Availability for a minimum of 15 hours per week between 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday; flexible schedule
- All internships will be virtual until further notice. Interns will be expected to use their own computers and internet connections while working remotely.
INTERNSHIP ROLES
International Language Program
Dive into the Iowa International Center’s interpretation and translation services with our International Language Programs internship! We have 120 interpreters and translators fluent in over 60 languages and dialects, and we need YOU to help maximize the reach of these services. Connect interpreters and document translators to limited English proficient (LEP) Iowans to ensure that they receive essential care, training and services at medical clinics, government agencies, schools, non-profit organizations, and other businesses.
If you are intrigued by the opportunity to gain “first-hand” knowledge of how this type of business is run and how internationally/inter-culturally-focused non-profit organizations operate in a city like Des Moines, this is for you. Students pursuing degrees in business, marketing, management, information technology, international relations, political science, foreign language and/or finance would excel in this position. Interns will also work closely with Iowa’s immigrant and refugee communities. Gain experience in a fun work environment and apply today!
International Visitor Programs
Discover your passion for witnessing the merging of cultures by working with the Iowa International Center and multiple federal departments to connect international and local professionals. Our International Visitor Programs attracts mid-career specialists and future leaders from around the world to central Iowa to explore U.S. and Iowa culture, industries and procedures. You will be right at the heart of orchestrating these events, from researching and contacting organizations, planning cultural activities, drafting proposals, developing summaries of local resources, and so much more. Every activity the visitors do will have your fingerprints on it, from dinners with local volunteers to activities exploring the Des Moines area to fun free-time excursions. Gain experience in the world of nonprofits while teaming up with international organizations and individuals.
Marketing and Communications
Are you hungry for the opportunity to completely take charge of an organization’s communications—from social media to marketing materials to event promotion? Delve into the professional marketing world with the Iowa International Center and spearhead projects that will bring name recognition to the organization and increase our community presence. We’re looking for a creative individual able to think strategically to meet our communications goals. Apply today to jump fully into the professional communications world with our nonprofit!
Administration
Immerse yourself in all functions and services at the Iowa International Center. From database management to event planning to researching potential opportunities for international visitors, this internship will equip you with real-world office experience and international know-how. Because you will be working at all levels of our operation, you will engage with a wide variety of programs and people through the Iowa International Center: such as our International Visitors Programs, ESL classes, community events, and much more. Master the nonprofit environment and expand your international connections through this one-of-a-kind internship!
Graphic Design
Showcase your unique skillset and aesthetic style by taking charge of the visual components of the Iowa International Center! See your work on our print, digital, web, video and various communications pieces. You will work hands-on to create program and event materials. This one-of-a-kind opportunity will enable you to promote your personal brand while also gaining real-world professional experience working for a nonprofit.
Questions? Call us at 515-282-8269 today.
