How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
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.
Under direct supervision from the Director, you will provide general support to the Director and Assistant Director of the Debate Program. You will receive and respond to routine correspondence following established procedures to keep the Director and Assistant Director informed of the progress of research assignments, practice debates and speeches, and bi-weekly team meetings. For more information about us, click here.
This role will be hybrid (Michigan Union, Ann Arbor campus, and remote) based on departmental requirements and position responsibilities. For questions about this role, email [email protected].
Note: The interview process will take place in May, with an anticipated start date of August 2026.
Responsibilities*
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- 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.
For a full job description, please click here.
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.
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. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to travel to various campus and off-campus locations to provide event support.
Physical Requirements
You may need to move or transport items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. You will routinely move through campus to attend meetings/events and access files or information.
Benefits at the University of 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
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.
Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2026 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
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Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.