Linguist
The Ascendancy Group’s Mission
To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.
Overview
The Linguist position is a full-time position enhancing operational reach, situational awareness, and partner-nation collaboration by enabling accurate and contextually appropriate communication across all phases of planning and execution as part of Operations in the Information Environment (OIE). This position is on a future contract that is pending award announcement.
Security Requirement:
TS/SCI or TS w/SCI Eligibility
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Provides expert language support and culturally attuned interpretation and translation services, operational literacy, cultural nuance, and the ability to function as a trusted bridge between U.S. forces and local, partner, or adversary populations.
- Translates and interpret foreign language materials, including digital media, broadcasts, social media content, and documents relevant to operations in the information environment.
- Provides cultural context analysis to ensure accurate understanding of language tone, idioms, and symbolism used in target regions or among specific audiences.
- Supports Information Forces and Info activities such as MISO, PSYOP, and Public Affairs by translating audience-facing products and advising on cultural resonance.
- Conducts open-source collection and language-enabled research in support of audience analysis, sentiment assessments, and adversary influence campaigns.
- Supports document and media exploitation (DOMEX), extracting mission-relevant insights from recovered or publicly available foreign-language materials.
- Collaborates with analysts, planners, and operators to identify linguistic or cultural gaps in plans, products, and messaging strategies.
- Assists in monitoring foreign media ecosystems, identifying themes, narratives, and disinformation relevant to U.S. operations or interests.
- Contributes to adversary behavior assessments by analyzing foreign-language statements, publications, and regional discourse in the Information Environment.
Required Qualifications:
- Native or near-native fluency in both English and at least one of the target languages: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, French, Portuguese, Russian, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog
- Must possess a Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score of 4/4 (reading and listening), or equivalent as determined by government standards
- Experience supporting DoD, IC, or interagency missions in translation, interpretation, or language-enabled analysis in at least one of the target languages
- Demonstrated experience supporting operations in the information environment, irregular warfare, or influence-focused operations
- Familiarity with MISO, PSYOP, civil affairs, or public diplomacy missions, and how language shapes audience engagement
- Working knowledge of regional media ecosystems, disinformation trends, and foreign adversary messaging practices
- Linguists may be required to complete an annual evaluation and retesting process to determine eligibility for possible extension of services required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Linguistics, Area Studies, International Relations, or Cultural Anthropology
- Experience supporting the relevant Combatant Command or other Theater Special Operations Commands
- Experience working with audience analysis teams, narrative analysis, or strategic communication planners
- Experience with DOMEX or foreign media exploitation tools and tradecraft
- Familiarity with OSINT platforms and social media exploitation tools
- CI polygraph
The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust.
We are passionate about everything we do. One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security.
To expedite your application, provide the following information when you apply:
- Do you have an active TS/SCI Clearance? If not, are you eligible for one?
- Total number of years professional experience
- List the highest degree earned and the field of study
- List the second highest degree earned and the field of study
- Provide your experience as it relates to this role. Please be specific.
If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!
