Job Information
University Of Denver Associate Director, Intercollegiate Debate in Denver, Colorado
The University of Denver is a leading university in the Rocky Mountain region and is classified as an R1: Doctoral/Research University, with very high research activity. The university serves approximately 12,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
The DU Debate Union-our intercollegiate debate program-is housed within the Chancellor's Office and located in the new National Academy for Freedom of Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver. The DU Debate Union (founded in 1907) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate debate competitions within the US and abroad. The DU Debate Union collaborates with other units and programs, such as the Debate Across the Curriculum Program, to organize and facilitate non-competitive public debates on campus as a means of enhancing public dialogue and deliberation on matters of common interest and concern.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Intercollegiate Debate reports to the program director of the university's Debate Across the Curriculum Program. The Associate Director of Intercollegiate Debate has three primary responsibilities: administer the DU Debate Union, serve as liaison for the Denver Urban Debate League (DUDL) and support the Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) Program.
Essential Functions
(1) Administering the DU Debate Union and coaching its student members in domestic and international British Parliamentary debate competitions. These duties include recruitment, budget oversight, managing travel logistics, coaching, travelling with the team, articulating the value of the debate program to campus stakeholders, and coordinating the activities of the debate union with campus life.
(2) Serving as a liaison between DU and the Denver Urban Debate League (DUDL). These duties include working with the DUDL board and the league's executive leadership to plan and execute mutually agreed upon strategies intended to enhance the league, create opportunities for its students to attend DU, and to strengthen the relationship between DU and the DU
(3) Supporting the Debate Across the Curriculum Program (DAC). This entails working with the DAC leadership team in designing and facilitating classroom debates as needed as well as working with the leadership of DAC to plan, organize and facilitate public debates on campus on matters of common interest and concern.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- A strong record in coaching British Parliamentary debate at the college level.
- Experience administering a collegiate debate program.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Ability to manage logistics of budgeting, planning the team schedule, and travelling with students
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with students and faculty
Ability to use an online learning management system Required Qualifications
M.A. or ABD in Communication Studies or a related field, or J.D.
- 3-5 years of related experience.
- Experience in coaching British Parliamentary debate at university-level
Demonstrated or potential for service to academic institutions and the community. Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Communication Studies.
- Experience as the Director of Debate at the university level.
- Prior experience in working with urban debate leagues.
- Experience interacting with and effectively working with diverse communities of students.
Prior Experience in planning, organizing and facilitating public debates. Working Environment
Standard office and classroom environments, unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high, noise level is quiet to moderate. Physical Activities
Ability to sit or stand in front of a classroom for an extended period. Ability to sit or stand in front of a computer for an extended period. Ability to move across campus to visit faculty offices and classrooms. Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Debate activities often require evening and weekend hours, as well as travel.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 17, 2024.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered.
Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is 12.