Debate Program Specialist

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Debate Program is a department within the Division of Student Life that reports to the Dean of Students Office. We are looking for a motivated, student-centered, and team-oriented individual to join our team as a Debate Program Specialist. This is a full-time, 100% effort position.

Responsibilities

• Travel with the debate team to approximately ten tournaments per academic year (five per semester), ensuring compliance with university policies and best practices.
• Provide weekly coaching, mentorship, and skill development for assigned debate partnerships (two students per team).
• Lead research efforts by planning assignments, editing materials, and producing high-quality evidence in advance of tournaments; instruct students in effective research and information synthesis techniques.
• Deliver detailed, constructive feedback through practice debates, speech redos, video review, and targeted skill drills.
• Serve as a judge for approximately half of the assigned rounds at each tournament to support program obligations.
• Work with debate camp staff to teach students about the annual high school policy debate topic and strategize in a classroom setting.
• Assign tasks to members of the University of Michigan Debate Team to help successfully run and execute the debate tournament.
• Recruit promising high school students to attend the University of Michigan and the summer debate camp.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Minimum four (4) years of policy debate experience.
• Professional experience working with high school and/or college students or in a scholastic environment.
• Experience with college-level policy debate.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include: Generous time off, A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting, Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, Life insurance, Long-term disability coverage, Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Additional Information

• This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
• Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
• Relocation will not be offered for this role.

Job Schedule

Monday through Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.