Director, Forensics

Whitworth University•Spokane, WA

49d

About The Position

The Director of Forensics serves as the academic and administrative leader of Whitworth's nationally competitive forensics program. As administrative faculty with the courtesy rank of assistant professor, the Director provides high-quality instruction, mentors students pursuing excellence in speech and debate, and oversees all operational aspects of a comprehensive intercollegiate forensics program. This role blends teaching, coaching, program management, recruitment, and mission-aligned student development. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, for full consideration, apply by January 9, 2026.

Requirements

Terminal degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Communication, Philosophy, Political Science); ABD candidates will be considered, with the expectation of degree completion by July 1, 2026.
Evidence of effective undergraduate teaching (classroom, lab, coaching context).
Experience managing budgets, coordinating travel, or administering a competitive program.
Ability to plan and lead a comprehensive practice structure that prepares students for regional and national competition.
Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain forensics students.
Experience helping students translate forensics skills into academic, civic, or professional pathways.
Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, advancement teams, and external partners.
Demonstrated initiative in building partnerships with high schools, community colleges, or regional forensics networks.
Proficiency with digital research tools, coaching videos, asynchronous practice platforms, or other instructional technology.

Nice To Haves

Success coaching in one or more competitive event areas at the collegiate level.
Experience managing an intercollegiate forensics program, including budgeting, travel coordination, or tournament planning.
Familiarity with national forensics circuits and governing organizations (e.g., AFA, IPDA, NFA, PKD).
Experience hosting tournaments or coordinating tournament logistics.
Proficiency with tournament management tools (e.g., Tabroom).

Responsibilities

Teach COM 245H (Applied Speech: Forensics) and COM 445H (Advanced Applied Speech: Forensics) each fall and spring semester.
Design and lead a dynamic, developmentally appropriate training program that supports skill-building, competitive readiness, and the holistic growth of student-participants.
Travel with and coach the team at tournaments and competitions, modeling professionalism, sportsmanship, and Whitworth's commitment to mind-and-heart education.
Teach up to six additional credits per academic year in the Director's disciplinary area (e.g., Communication, Philosophy, Political Science), as assigned by the Dean.
Develop and implement an intentional recruitment strategy focused on identifying and engaging high-school and community-college forensics students.
Build collaborative relationships with coaches, schools, and community partners to enhance visibility and grow the program pipeline.
Manage program budgets in alignment with Whitworth policies and stewardship expectations.
Plan and coordinate all team travel and scheduling for tournaments, practices, and related activities.
Represent Whitworth in the Northwest Forensics Conference and other regional and national intercollegiate forensics organizations.
Partner with Institutional Advancement to design and implement fundraising initiatives that support program sustainability and student opportunities.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, & Education.