About KUDO

KUDO is a New York-based language technology start-up, founded in 2017. As the world leader in our industry, we deliver real-time multilingual solutions that enable our clients to communicate effortlessly in any language⁠—on any platform. What's our secret? A marketplace of 12,000 professional interpreters, combined with our groundbreaking AI-powered Speech Translator. With joint foundations in language and technology, KUDO leverages this expertise to empower organizations of all sizes to collaborate more efficiently, with greater inclusivity, and on an international scale. If this mission resonates with you, please check us out at kudoway.com.

Our Team

While KUDO is headquartered in New York, our team is globally distributed and culturally diverse, with employees spanning every continent. We have teams, partners, and customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. We are eagerly seeking talented individuals to join us in our vision to give everyone the power to understand and be understood in their own language.

Being a Series A startup, we have a substantial workload ahead of us, making it clear that this journey won't be a walk in the park. We've fostered an environment that is both supportive and challenging, pushing you beyond your limits. To thrive here, you must be passionate, dedicated, and find enjoyment in navigating unfamiliar territories.

The Opportunity

Joining our company full-time as a professional Conference Interpreter and Project Coordinator offers a unique blend of stability, growth, and impact that freelancing may not provide. You'll be part of a diverse team that values your expertise, where your skills are integral to our daily operations, with a consistent workflow and the opportunity to choose your favorite boothmates. Also, your work will have a significant impact, as you'll be facilitating communication and understanding on a larger scale, contributing to our mission of bridging language barriers and fostering global connections. We believe that your talent and passion for interpretation, coupled with the support and opportunities our company provides, can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

We are considering candidates with full working proficiency (native or near-native) in English in combination with Japanese (A or Native). Our ideal candidate has both passion and experience in the field of interpreting and is acquainted with managing multilingual events.

Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret a diverse range of subject matter Japanese<>English events to maintain and foster KUDO’s relationship with the clients.
• Showcase your interpretation skills through product demos to attract and close new leads.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date database of freelance interpreters, facilitating quick identification of suitable candidates for events.
• Engage in a vibrant and supportive community of KUDO Certified and KUDO Pro interpreters, promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth among members.
• Provide administrative support for interpretation-related activities to ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct onboarding webinars to an extensive network of professional fellow interpreters to foster effective KUDO partnerships, enhancing their skills and performance in a multilingual setting.
• Coordinate freelance interpreters' relationships and assignments for meetings and events by verifying aptitude and subject matter expertise, sharing preparation materials, and supporting interpreters throughout the collaboration.
• Keep a well-organized inventory and track meeting data to ensure proactive planning and resource allocation.

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced degree in Conference Interpretation, whether B.A. or M.A.
• An advanced Degree in a related field coupled with extensive interpreting experience (minimum proof of 480 hours or 150 days in Simultaneous Interpretation) may be considered in lieu of an Advanced Degree in Conference Interpretation.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate with others internally and externally.
• Well organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train, in a professional manner, interpreters.
• Full access to a reliable internet connection.

What We Offer

✅ Networking opportunity to interpret with top-notch colleagues from around the world.
✅ Professional development opportunity to interpret for unique clients and topics.
✅ Possibility to onboard familiar colleagues to share the booth with.

✅ Join a mission-driven organization and help the world communicate effortlessly in any language.

✅ Collaborate with a diverse and global team spread across 20+ countries, learning from professionals with different cultural backgrounds.

✅ Be part of a recognized success story! We are proud to have been named Forbes' Best Startup Employer and featured in Times Magazine's Top 100 Innovations of the Year.

✅ Experience a company culture that values innovation, transparency, and collaboration, fostering an environment where your ideas and contributions are encouraged and recognized.

✅ Enjoy the benefits of a remote work setting, offering autonomy, flexibility, and a comprehensive package that includes learning and development opportunities, generous PTO, regional Hub Hangs, and the necessary hardware and accessories to power your remote experience.

✅ Take ownership of your future through our Stock Option program, giving you the opportunity to become a stakeholder in our exciting journey.

The principles of diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of KUDO. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity in our employees, and we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

KUDO will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation.