Speech and Debate Coordinator

Qualifications And Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• An equivalent combination of education and demonstrable competitive speech/debate leadership may be considered.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in competitive speech and debate, including program management, tournament operations, or coaching at the state/national level.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale academic programs, coordinating multiple school sites, and managing cross-organizational partnerships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of middle school, high school, and collegiate competitive academic speech and debate programs on a local, state, and national level.
• Familiarity with local, state, and national speech and debate organizations.
• Proficiency with tournament management software (e.g., Tabroom, Speechwire, Joy of Tournaments) and data-tracking platforms for performance analytics.
• Commitment to equitable access and culturally responsive coaching practices that empower diverse student voices.
• Knowledge of highly effective speech and debate strategies, practices, and routines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace applications.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to maintain detailed records and files.
• Prioritizes proven ability to plan, organize, and direct speech and debate programs, tournaments, professional development, and coaching schedules.
• Able to foster cooperative working relationships with personnel across departments and external stakeholders involved in speech and debate programming.
• Experience in program evaluation and assessment for speech and debate activities spanning grades 5 through 12.
• Adept at maintaining central communication between coaches, outside organizations, and staff to ensure accuracy of all information regarding Speech & Debate.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, sufficient to perform all job responsibilities.
• Prioritized demonstrated ability to develop and manage annual budgets for multi-site programs, ensuring fiscal compliance, efficient resource allocation, and effective communication with school treasurers and central office staff.
• Proven ability to communicate diplomatically, build consensus, and maintain positive relationships with coaches, students, staff, and partners.
• Possession of a valid New Jersey driver's license is required if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Willingness and ability to travel between schools within the district as needed.

Basic Functions And Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Strategy
• Oversee the vision, structure, and annual goals for district speech and debate programming, grades 512.
• Partner with the Newark Debate Academy to align program outcomes with district goals.
• Support the integration of speech and debate pedagogy into classroom instruction across content areas.
• Collect and analyze participation and performance data to inform program improvement and public reporting.
• Develop and present annual strategic goals and key performance indicators to measure growth in participation, coach development, and competitive achievement.
• Coach Coordination & Professional Development
• Recruit, train, and mentor school-based speech and debate coaches.
• Organize district-wide professional development, workshops, and institutes.
• Ensure coaches conduct regular practices, meet contract expectations, and implement student recruitment strategies.
• Conduct periodic site visits and collaborate with NDA staff to assess program quality.
• Tournament Operations & Logistics
• Develop the annual tournament calendar and secure District Advisory Board approval by August.
• Carefully coordinate tournament registration, travel, lodging, and supervision logistics for local, state, and national events.
• Maintain compliance with all legal and safety documentation required for student travel.
• Oversee and/or train staff in the use of tournament management platforms.
• Fiscal Management & Reporting
• Maintain accurate budget records and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure timely reimbursements and adherence to district fiscal procedures.
• Prepare mid-year and annual reports summarizing budget utilization, student participation, and competition outcomes.
• Communication & Partnerships
• Serve as central liaison among schools, NDA, community partners, and district leadership.
• Disseminate competition updates, recognition highlights, and program news to stakeholders.
• Promote student achievements through district and community channels.
• Represent the District and its teams at local, state, and national speech and debate associations, meetings, and events to enhance visibility and advocacy.