PROGRAM COORDINATOR I

Rutgers University • Newark, NJ

32d • $59,893 - $87,925 • Hybrid

About The Position

Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) is a premier institution for public affairs and administration education globally, preparing the next generation of public and nonprofit administration professionals and scholars. Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise, is seeking an Assistant Director of Debate (Program Coordinator 1). The Assistant Director of Debate (Program Coordinator I) reports directly to the Director of Debate. The Assistant Director of Debate plays a central role in developing and managing the Rutgers University-Newark Debate Program. The Assistant Director is responsible for high school and university student outreach, planning and implementing debate-related programming, managing day-to-day operations, and strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. The Assistant Director supports curriculum development, student coaching, community outreach, and assists with program logistics. Additionally, the role provides administrative support and assists in organizing tournaments, public debates, and special events associated with the program. The Assistant Director's success in this position requires the individual to foster a supportive and competitive environment, enhance team dynamics, and strategically expand the team's capabilities through effective recruitment and training initiatives. This position is responsible for and not limited to the following: Collaborates with the Director of Debate to develop and deliver pedagogical content, instructional modules, and training sessions. Coaches and mentors students across multiple debate formats, including Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Worlds, and Parliamentary Debate. Oversees and supports coaching staff; manages practice schedules and instructional resources. Proficient in scheduling and incorporating organizational software to manage team logistics and appointments. Conducts research to assist students with case development, argument construction, and evidence gathering. Represents the Rutgers-Newark Debate Team at regional and national conferences, tournaments, and public forums. Manages administrative logistics, including equipment maintenance, IT coordination, and space reservations. Collaborates with the Director of Debate for travel planning, reimbursement processes, and compliance for all debate-related events. Leads the planning and execution of debate-related events, tournaments, and outreach initiatives. Partners with Newark Public Schools, the Newark Debate Academy, and Rutgers programs. Organizes middle and high school engagement programs, recruitment initiatives, and public debate showcases. Manages program branding and communications through social media, email campaigns, and website content. Serves as the liaison to SPAA Communications and the RU-N Office of Communications and Marketing. Designs and disseminates promotional materials and manages event logistics from start to finish. Provides additional support to ensure the smooth operation and visibility of the debate program. Completes special projects and assignments under the direction of the Director of Debate. Supervises approximately four student workers and/or work-study employees. Assists in hiring and managing part-time coaches, contractors, and consultants. May recommend hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions for temporary staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of experience coaching and/or managing collegiate debate
• Demonstrates superior coaching skills with extensive experience in collegiate debate and/or forensics.
• Communicates effectively with a diverse population, fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel regularly.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and multitasking skills.
• Must have experience and familiarity with national competitive collegiate debate programs.
• History of a diverse work environment, working with students of different diverse backgrounds.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with non-traditional forms of policy debate.
• Capable of establishing and hosting events, public debates, and tournaments.

Nice To Haves

• Certification to work with minors.
• Experience in team management and development within an academic setting.
• Valid driver's license

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Director of Debate to develop and deliver pedagogical content, instructional modules, and training sessions.
• Coaches and mentors students across multiple debate formats, including Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Worlds, and Parliamentary Debate.
• Oversees and supports coaching staff; manages practice schedules and instructional resources.
• Proficient in scheduling and incorporating organizational software to manage team logistics and appointments.
• Conducts research to assist students with case development, argument construction, and evidence gathering.
• Represents the Rutgers-Newark Debate Team at regional and national conferences, tournaments, and public forums.
• Manages administrative logistics, including equipment maintenance, IT coordination, and space reservations.
• Collaborates with the Director of Debate for travel planning, reimbursement processes, and compliance for all debate-related events.
• Leads the planning and execution of debate-related events, tournaments, and outreach initiatives.
• Partners with Newark Public Schools, the Newark Debate Academy, and Rutgers programs.
• Organizes middle and high school engagement programs, recruitment initiatives, and public debate showcases.
• Manages program branding and communications through social media, email campaigns, and website content.
• Serves as the liaison to SPAA Communications and the RU-N Office of Communications and Marketing.
• Designs and disseminates promotional materials and manages event logistics from start to finish.
• Provides additional support to ensure the smooth operation and visibility of the debate program.
• Completes special projects and assignments under the direction of the Director of Debate.
• Supervises approximately four student workers and/or work-study employees.
• Assists in hiring and managing part-time coaches, contractors, and consultants.
• May recommend hiring, performance, and disciplinary actions for temporary staff.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees