SPEECH & DEBATE ASSISTANT COACH & TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Job Summary

The Speech & Debate Assistant Coach & Travel Specialist supports the Speech & Debate program with a primary focus on debate. This role assists coaching, student recruitment, tournament preparation, and analyzing performance, while also coordinating travel logistics for students and staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Coaching and Training (30%)

  • Aid in training sessions and practices, focusing on areas like argumentation, delivery, and research.
  • Provide individualized feedback and guidance to students to help them improve their debating skills.
  • Develop and implement training programs for different debate formats.
  • Help students prepare for and participate in tournaments and competitions - local and at other universities/colleges.

• Recruitment (15%)

  • Identify and recruit new students to join the debate program.
  • Participate in recruitment events and activities.

• Administrative Tasks (20%)

  • Plan and coordinate travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, and related logistics based on budget and team needs.
  • Process travel requests, reimbursements, and maintain accurate financial, personnel, and program records.
  • Support tournaments and competitions through planning, organization, and on-site coordination.
  • Communicate with coaches, staff, and stakeholders while assisting with budgeting, fundraising, and travel updates.

• Student Development (15%)

  • Promote a supportive team culture that encourages student growth.
  • Mentor students and help them build communication and critical thinking skills.

• Competition & Coaching Support (20%)

  • Travel to and judge at debate tournaments locally and at various universities.
  • Scout and analyze opposing teams to inform strategy and preparation.
  • Stay current on debate trends and techniques and coach specific events or roles as needed.

• Additional Support Duties (5%)

  • May be required to achieve additional skills, knowledge, or credential levels.

EQUIPMENT

Work activities regularly involve the use of standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and related devices to perform tasks including data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation.

Knowledge, Skills And Responsibilities

• Effective interpersonal skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.

• Demonstrated proficiency with various software packages including Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrated strong organization and attention to detail while managing multiple deadlines, fast-paced tasks, and time-sensitive projects.

• Ability to collaborate with students, staff, and administrators to support program goals, institutional initiatives, and team success.

• Ability to apply active learning strategies and teaching practices to support student engagement and success in a community college setting.

• Ability to motivate and mentor students by creating a positive learning environment, building relationships, setting clear expectations, and giving constructive feedback.

• Reliable attendance at all practices, tournaments, events, and ceremonies, with strong commitment to team participation and responsibilities.

• Demonstrated experience in National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA), International Public Debate Association (IPDA), and other competitive formats, including rules and judging.

Job Standards/Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in any combination of:

  • Debate (e.g., judging, coaching, policy, etc.).
  • Speech (e.g., preparation, judging, oratory/interpretation, etc.).

• Valid driver’s license.

Job Location

This is an on-site position based in the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The primary work location is campus, with tournament travel required approximately 3–4 times per semester, including in-state and out-of-state overnight travel. Additional occasional travel may include off-campus sites, local schools within the five-county service area, and statewide travel related to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) initiatives and affiliate meetings as needed.