Speech and Debate Coach - Part-Time

Menlo School; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Beautiful campus facilities

Caring community

Job summary

Menlo School seeks a passionate and skilled Speech and Debate Coach to support our Middle and High School debate program. This part-time, on-site role requires leading weekly practices, coaching students, and traveling to tournaments while upholding Menlo’s values and policies.

The ideal candidate has a strong debate background, coaching experience with youth, and excellent communication and organizational skills. Evening hours and weekend travel are expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college level preferred.
• Competitive experience as a high school or college debater; parliamentary formats preferred.
• Prior coaching or mentoring high school/middle school students.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach weekly team practices (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM) and answer questions after practice.
• Chaperone and judge at weekend tournaments 2–3 weekends per month; provide feedback on rounds.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture grounded in respect and academic integrity.
• Coordinate travel, permissions, and tournament logistics in line with school policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Interpersonal abilities

Availability evenings

Education

High school diploma

College level preferred

Job description

Position Overview

Menlo School seeks a passionate and skilled Speech and Debate Coach to support our Middle and High School debate program. Level assignment (Varsity, Junior Varsity, or Novice) will be determined based on candidate expertise and program needs.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Middle School, this role blends formal instruction, practical strategy, and informal mentorship. Aligning with Menlo's core values, the coach will guide student debaters through the intricacies of parliamentary debate - fostering both competitive excellence and personal growth - while preparing them for competition and traveling to tournaments throughout the season.

This is a part‑time, variable‑hour, non-exempt, on‑site position. Position is available now.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma required. College level preferred.
• Debate Experience: Successful competitive experience as a high school and/or collegiate debater (college debate experience strongly preferred for advanced levels). Background in Parliamentary debate or related formats (Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, or Public Forum) is ideal.
• Coaching Experience: Prior experience coaching or mentoring high school and/or middle school students is strongly desired.
• Skills: Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities with a reliable, flexible, patient, and detail-oriented approach.
• Availability: Must be available for weekly evening practice and occasional weekend tournament travel/chaperoning.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction & Coaching:
  • Lead and coach weekly team practices (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, plus additional time post-practice for questions and enrichment). Team practices one day a week.
  • Prepare and execute lectures on key topics, including basic economics, foreign policy, philosophy/logic, and technical debate strategies (kritiks, theory, trix).
  • Coach students individually and in teams, offering actionable feedback on live or recorded rounds to drive continuous improvement.
• Competition & Judging:
  • Judge practice rounds and provide detailed, constructive critiques.
  • Chaperone and judge at weekend tournaments regularly each semester (typically 2-3 weekends per month during the active season, with occasional Friday evening events).
• Mentorship & Team Culture:
  • Ensure debaters remain engaged and current on relevant political, social, and philosophical issues.
  • Cultivate a positive, inclusive team culture grounded in respect, sportsmanship, academic integrity, and collaborative development.
• Administrative & Compliance Duties:
  • Communicate regularly with relevant administrators to ensure the club follows all school policies, travel protocols, chaperone guidelines, and safety standards.
  • Oversee student permission slips, travel rosters, and tournament logistics in full compliance with Menlo protocols.

We offer

• Competitive pay
• An exceptional work environment and caring community
• A beautiful campus with exceptional facilities

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

About us

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program - complemented by outstanding arts and athletics - sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging - one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $29 to $41 per hour. Within this broad range, we pay each employee in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.