Chicago Debates Volunteer Coordinator

AmeriCorps; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 6,700 - 11,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Award

End of Service Stipend

Health Coverage

Living Allowance

Stipend

Training

Job summary

Chicago Debates is seeking a volunteer coordinator to support AmeriCorps program activities in Chicago. The role focuses on recruiting, training, and managing volunteers who serve as judges and tournament staff, ensuring smooth operations from prep to on-site execution.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, leadership ability, and a passion for education and youth development. This is a full-time AmeriCorps opportunity with educational awards and stipend options for service.

Qualifications

• Experience in volunteer coordination and outreach is preferred.
• Ability to recruit, train, and retain volunteers for events.
• Background checks and data management experience are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for interscholastic debate tournaments.
• Coordinate judge tables and on-site event operations.
• Conduct background checks and maintain volunteer records for onboarding and retention.
• Represent the program at events and support onboarding and training activities.

Skills

Communications

Community Organization

Education

Leadership

Teaching/Tutoring

Youth Development

Team Work

Competitive debate

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Chicago Debates seeks a mission driven, engaging, enterprising, outgoing, and service-oriented candidate with a demonstrated passion for volunteerism and education to join our team. The AmeriCorps member will assist us in achieving our mission of advancing the educational achievement, community contributions, and life success of Chicago's youth through the transformative power of academic debate. The Volunteer Associate will work in collaboration with other program staff members and report to the Senior Volunteer & Outreach Manager.

Member Duties :

Support the Senior Volunteer & Outreach Manager in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers — primarily judges for interscholastic debate tournaments. Recruit online (email, newsletters, Google Groups, website, social media) and in person at volunteer fairs and area colleges. Help train volunteers as judges or tournament support staff, including debrief and follow-up training. Thank volunteers and secure future commitments. Manage background checks for every volunteer and follow up with ineligible individuals. Run the judge table at tournaments, September-April, from prep through on-site management, and directly manage table operators on event day. Maintain volunteer records: keep databases, contact info, and judge participation rosters current, and use that data to improve onboarding and retention. Attend corporate-sponsored debate events with the Senior Volunteer & Outreach Manager. Other duties as assigned.

Program Benefits :

• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Health Coverage
• Living Allowance
• Stipend
• Training

Terms

• Car recommended
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours

Service Areas

• Community Outreach
• Children/Youth
• Education

Skills

• Communications
• Community Organization
• Education
• Leadership
• Teaching/Tutoring
• Youth Development
• Team Work
• Competitive debate

Summary

Program Type:

AmeriCorps State / National

Program

Chicago Debates Volunteer Coordinator

Program Start/End Date

09/28/2026 - 07/31/2027

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

High school diploma/GED

Age Requirement

Minimum: 17 Maximum: 80

Program Locations

ILLINOIS Chicago

Languages

English

Accepting Applications

From 09/11/2026 To 10/01/2026

Contact

Sonny Patel

67 E Madison St

Chicago IL 60603

[phone]

[e-mail]

www.chicagodebates.org

Listing ID 127507