Director of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community Engagement

About Aira  

Aira is a technology-based service dedicated to making the world more accessible for blind, low-vision, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing individuals. We are committed to innovation, inclusion, and empowering individuals by bridging gaps in accessibility.  

We are expanding our efforts to better serve the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community and are seeking a passionate and skilled leader to direct these initiatives.  

Job Summary 

The Director of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Initiatives will lead the development, implementation, and advocacy of services designed to meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. This role will focus on aligning Aira’s initiatives with the community while promoting both Aira’s visual interpreting services and ASL solutions. The Director will foster collaboration across the accessibility industry, driving united efforts for accessibility, inclusivity, and equity.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of Deaf culture, accessibility laws, and best practices that impact the broader Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. They will excel in building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with community leaders, organizations, and advocates. This individual will serve as a trusted consultant on internal and external business strategies, ensuring Aira’s accessibility solutions are innovative and inclusive. Additionally, they will collaborate with Aira’s Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Board to co-develop outreach strategies and shape Aira’s strategic planning and design of future products and services.

Fluency in American Sign Language is required. This role requires a strong leader who can connect with diverse stakeholders, advocate for systemic accessibility solutions, and foster partnerships throughout communities and organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Community Relations & Advocacy  

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders.  
• Advocate for inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in corporate and community settings.  
• Represent Aira at events, conferences, and panels, promoting the company’s commitment to the DHH community.  
• Act as a bridge between Aira and the community to ensure services align with their needs.  

• Collaborate with internal teams to align Deaf and hard-of-hearing initiatives with Aira’s services for blind and low-vision users.  
• Develop strategies that promote a unified approach to serving diverse accessibility needs.  
• Promote Aira’s visual interpreting services alongside Aira ASL solutions, ensuring cohesive messaging and delivery across offerings.  
• Build and strengthen relationships with leaders, organizations, and advocates across multiple sectors of the disability community.  

• Represent Aira in collaborative initiatives that aim to address accessibility challenges and advocate for systemic solutions.  
• Collaborate with the Advisory Board to define and refine Aira’s strategy for engaging with the community.  

• Incorporate feedback and insights from the Board into community outreach and service development.  

• Represent Aira in discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing accessibility standards and practices.  
• Actively participate in networking opportunities to strengthen Aira’s presence and influence within the accessibility ecosystem.  

Consulting on Business Strategy  

• Serve as a consultant on business strategy and best practices to internal teams and external partners.  
• Provide strategic advice on how to better serve the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community while aligning with Aira’s business goals.  
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate accessibility considerations into overall marketing and organizational strategy.  
• Guide external partners on best practices for accessibility and inclusion in their own businesses.  
• Measure the success of initiatives using data-driven approaches and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.  

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver training programs on accessibility best practices for Aira staff, partners, and clients.  
• Mentor interpreters and accessibility professionals, promoting the adoption of equitable communication strategies.  
• Create educational content that highlights the importance of inclusivity and equity in serving the DHH community.

Knowledge of Laws, Policies, and Practices 

• Stay informed about relevant laws, policies, and practices affecting the disability community, including ADA, Section 508, and WCAG standards.  
• Ensure compliance and integration of these laws into Aira’s offerings.  
• Provide guidance on emerging trends in accessibility legislation and best practices.  

Expand Interpreting Partnerships & Supplier Diversity 

• Expand partnerships with interpreting service providers to ensure robust, high-quality offerings for the DHH community.  
• Advocate for and ensure supplier diversity by partnering with a wide range of interpreting agencies with a focus on those that are Deaf-owned.  
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to integrate diverse suppliers into Aira’s network.   

Required  

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).  
• Extensive knowledge of Deaf culture and community dynamics. 
• Professional experience as a Deaf Interpreter
• Experience in interpreter training and training development.
• Deep understanding of laws, policies, and practices affecting the disability community (e.g., ADA, 508, WCAG).  
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.  
• Demonstrated experience in promoting inclusivity and equity within organizations and communities.  
• Proven experience building relationships across the accessibility industry.  
• Expertise in media technology and digital accessibility tools.  
• Proven experience in public speaking and mentoring.  
• Experience consulting on business strategy and practices.  

Preferred

• Experience with multi-lingual, multi-cultural intersectionality.  
• Leadership experience in accessibility, advocacy, or technology-focused organizations.  
• Familiarity with on-demand interpreting solutions and technology.  
• Knowledge of emerging trends in accessibility legislation and technologies.  

• 100% Remote
• Opportunity to make an impact on a mission-driven business
• Low drama, hands on culture, not impeded by process, oversight or lack of courage
• A fun, dedicated, and hard-working team who are the magic behind our award-winning company
• Competitive salary with significant equity options
• Top-tier medical plan, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Unlimited PTO

Aira Values:
At Aira, we are guided by a set of core values that shape our culture and drive our success:

• Customer Focus: We are committed to providing outstanding service to our Explorers, ensuring their needs are at the heart of everything we do.
• Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency, upholding the highest ethical standards in all of our interactions.
• Innovation: We continually strive to improve our technology and services, embracing change and pushing the boundaries to create new opportunities for the blind and low vision community.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork, working together across departments and with our Explorers to achieve shared goals.
• Respect & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Aira is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, and we are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for everyone in our hiring and employment practices.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a meaningful impact by improving services that empower the blind and low vision community. If you are passionate about leadership, operational excellence, and driving team success, we encourage you to apply.