Debate Team Support Staff, Department of Communication Studies, College of Liberal Arts

Position Overview:

This position has a primary responsibility for executing the day-to-day and long-term operations of the
Debate Teams Unit. Reporting to the Director of Debate Teams, this position requires a high level of skill
and experience as a debater, coach, judge, and researcher, with a broad range of competencies to play a
key role in assisting with argument development, skills training, and judging at team practices. This
position works collaboratively with the Director of Debate Teams and Staff, acting as a judge during
tournaments while ensuring compliance with collegiate and University policy and regulations and the
MNUDL policies, and is responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong and effective relationships
with faculty, staff, students, and other key constituents both within and outside the University.

Job Duties

• Assist with argument development, skills training, and judging for novice and junior varsity
  debaters at team practices.
• Provide coaching during online and in-person debate tournaments.
• Act as a chaperone at in-person debate tournaments.
• Act as a judge during online and in-person debate tournaments.
• Help organize speech team practices.
• Assist students in developing speech writing and speaking skills.
• Chaperone the speech team and serve as a judge at in-person speech tournaments,
  and complete accompanying paperwork in a timely fashion.
• Work with alumni volunteers who assist with the speech team.|
  

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position**

Employees in this position will have the opportunity to travel with students participating in debate and speech competitions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two (2) years of relevant work experience in an academic unit in
  higher education settings; or a combination of higher education and relevant work experience with
  the Minnesota Urban Debate League
• Previous administrative work experience in a higher education setting
• Experience supervising, coaching, and tutoring undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated experience leading students and educators during tournament events.
• Knowledge of MNUDL debate tournaments policy
• Knowledge of research and debate skills.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse
  constituencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing classroom and academic support at the University of Minnesota
• Ability to communicate effectively, set priorities and work in a fast-paced environment with
  deadlines and interruptions.
• A successful candidate must be creative and attentive to business and staff needs, perform at a high
• level of discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.

Pay Range: $25.00 - $35.00 dollars an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).