Position Title: Assistant Speech & Debate Director

Full-time/Part-time: Part-time

Classification: Exempt (.40 FTE) 10-month position

Reports to: Director of Speech & Debate; Principal

Pay Rate: $ 37,000-45,000

Supervises: None

About Presentation High School

Presentation High School is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a close-knit professional community. We seek talented and innovative professionals who have a commitment to excellence and passion for our mission.

Position Summary

Support existing Speech & Debate staff and students in the program by facilitating after-school student practices, chaperoning, judging, and coaching at weekend tournaments throughout the 2024-2025 season (August-June).

Duties and Specific Responsibilities

General

• Inspire, motivate, and teach students specific skills related to debate.
• Build positive character traits and relationships with students.
• Provide large, small group setting and individualized coaching opportunities.
• Work closely with and support the Director of Speech & Debate in various aspects of debate programming.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by adhering to all rules and regulations for traveling/representing Presentation HS off campus.

Daily/Weekly

• Supervise regular after-school practices with multiple skill level/experience student levels.
• Engage student leaders and promote cross-grade  learning during practices.
• Facilitate curriculum over speech and debate topic(s) via lectures, activities, practice rounds, and hands on learning opportunities.
• Teach novice student events and build upon JV and Varsity students’ knowledge.
• Provide feedback and edit suggestions on performances, debates, public addresses and extemporaneous speaking.
• Aid in the preparation of students for local, regional and national competitions.
• Conduct debate-related research assignments; write briefs summarizing select bills before the tournament.

Monthly

• Provide chaperone/supervision, coaching, and judging duties during weekend tournaments (local, regional & national) as assigned by the program director/based on program needs.
• Average two tournaments/month during the season (August 2024-June 2025).
• Other duties as assigned (particularly with regard to tournaments).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor Arts Degree
• Experience working with students all all skill levels (Novice, JV & Varsity).
• Experience coaching at national tournaments and in California and/or local Coast Forensic League.
• Preferred experience/knowledge of CFL district and CHSSA Speech & Debate

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of coaching techniques and procedures for speech and debate.
• Demonstrated competency in coaching multiple speech and debate events offered at Presentation High School (Platform, Limited Prep, Interp, LD/Policy Debate, Congress)
• Strong interest in curriculum development.
• Familiarity with Verbatim, Slack, Dropbox, Zoom and Tabroom platforms
• NSDA Coaching Accreditation. 
• A commitment to the educational philosophy of Presentation High School.
• Ability to work well with students, colleagues, and parents.
• A willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the Presentation community.
• Excellent organization, verbal and written skills, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, Presentation High School provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets the skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

The Assistant Speech & Debate Director must be able to:

• Sit, stand, walk, climb stairs
• Will be required to travel to other buildings on the campus as well as to other locations
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs 

Work Environment / Hours

• Presentation High School campus, classroom and office environment
• Similar classroom and office environments at schools/campuses/educational institutions or convention centers where competitions are hosted
• Traveling accommodations including but not limited to airports and hotels
• Approximately 4-5 afternoons each week (2:30-5:30 PM)
• Multiple weekend tournaments requiring travel throughout the year

EEO Statement

Presentation High School is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity and inclusion and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, and members of historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected category in accordance with applicable law. The school will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.