Speech and Debate Coordinator

Newark Public Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 74,063 - 129,952; Full time

Job summary

Newark Board of Education seeks a Speech and Debate Coordinator to lead district-wide programs for grades 5–12. You will partner with the Newark Debate Academy and coaches to expand participation, ensure compliance, and drive excellence across local, state, and national tournaments.

The role requires program leadership, data-driven improvement, and collaboration across schools. Strong communication and travel between sites are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in education or related field.
• New Jersey Department of Education Standard Certificate, CE, CEAS, or Substitute Certificate.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in competitive speech and debate at state/national level.
• Experience leading large-scale academic programs across multiple sites.
• Familiarity with local, state, and national speech/debate organizations.
• Proficiency with tournament management software (Tabroom, Speechwire, Joy of Tournaments).
• Proven ability to manage budgets and communicate with central offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide district-wide leadership for speech and debate programs for grades 5–12.
• Coordinate with schools, NDA, and district offices to improve participation and outcomes.
• Recruit, train, and mentor coaches; organize district-wide PD.
• Develop tournament calendar; manage registration, travel, and lodging for events.
• Manage budgets, track expenditures, and report on participation and outcomes.
• Serve as liaison among schools, NDA, and community partners.

Skills

Strong communication in English

Leadership and program management

Budget management

Collaboration across sites

Data analysis and reporting

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in related field

NJ DOE certificate / CE / CEAS / Substitute Certificate

Tools

Tabroom

Speechwire

Joy of Tournaments

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Data-tracking platforms

Job description

Speech and Debate Coordinator

(Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval)

Newark Board of Education
Human Resource Services
765 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102

Rogers León, Superintendent

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Speech and Debate Coordinator.

Position Summary

The Speech & Debate Coordinator provides district-wide leadership and operational oversight for all competitive speech and debate programs across middle and high schools. The Coordinator partners with school-based coaches, the Newark Debate Academy, and district offices to ensure compliance with all regulations, cultivate academic excellence, and expand student participation and success in local, state, and national tournaments. The ideal candidate is passionate about the mission of expanding and excelling the District speech and debate program and able to find creative solutions in a large and complex organization.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university. An equivalent combination of education and demonstrable competitive speech/debate leadership may be considered.
• New Jersey Department of Education Standard Certificate, Certificate of Eligibility (CE), Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), or Valid NJ DOE Substitute Teacher's Certificate
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in competitive speech and debate, including program management, tournament operations, or coaching at the state/national level.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale academic programs, coordinating multiple school sites, and managing cross-organizational partnerships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of middle school, high school, and collegiate competitive academic speech and debate programs on a local, state, and national level.
• Familiarity with local, state, and national speech and debate organizations.
• Proficiency with tournament management software (e.g., Tabroom, Speechwire, Joy of Tournaments) and data-tracking platforms for performance analytics.
• Commitment to equitable access and culturally responsive coaching practices that empower diverse student voices.
• Knowledge of highly effective speech and debate strategies, practices, and routines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace applications.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to maintain detailed records and files.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and direct speech and debate programs, tournaments, professional development, and coaching schedules.
• Ability to foster cooperative working relationships with personnel across departments and external stakeholders involved in speech and debate programming.
• Experience in program evaluation and assessment for speech and debate activities spanning grades 5 through 12.
• Adept at maintaining central communication between coaches, outside organizations, and staff to ensure accuracy of all information regarding Speech & Debate.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, sufficient to perform all job responsibilities.
• Proven ability to develop and manage annual budgets for multi-site programs, ensuring fiscal compliance, efficient resource allocation, and effective communication with school treasurers and central office staff.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate diplomatically, build consensus, and maintain positive relationships with coaches, students, staff, and partners.
• Possession of a valid New Jersey driver's license is required if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Willingness and ability to travel between schools within the district as needed.
• Performs duties and tasks as assigned by a supervisor.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Basic Functions And Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Strategy
• Oversee the vision, structure, and annual goals for district speech and debate programming, grades 5-12.
• Partner with the Newark Debate Academy to align program outcomes with district goals.
• Support the integration of speech and debate pedagogy into classroom instruction across content areas.
• Collect and analyze participation and performance data to inform program improvement and public reporting.
• Develop and present annual strategic goals and key performance indicators to measure growth in participation, coach development, and competitive achievement.
• Coach Coordination & Professional Development
• Recruit, train, and mentor school-based speech and debate coaches.
• Organize district-wide professional development, workshops, and institutes.
• Ensure coaches conduct regular practices, meet contract expectations, and implement student recruitment strategies.
• Conduct periodic site visits and collaborate with NDA staff to assess program quality.
• Tournament Operations & Logistics
• Develop the annual tournament calendar and secure District Advisory Board approval by August.
• Coordinate tournament registration, travel, lodging, and supervision logistics for local, state, and national events.
• Maintain compliance with all legal and safety documentation required for student travel.
• Oversee and/or train staff in the use of tournament management platforms.
• Fiscal Management & Reporting
• Maintain accurate budget records and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure timely reimbursements and adherence to district fiscal procedures.
• Prepare mid-year and annual reports summarizing budget utilization, student participation, and competition outcomes.
• Communication & Partnerships
• Serve as central liaison among schools, NDA, community partners, and district leadership.
• Disseminate competition updates, recognition highlights, and program news to stakeholders.
• Promote student achievements through district and community channels.
• Represent the District and its teams at local, state, and national speech and debate associations, meetings, and events to enhance visibility and advocacy.

NOTE: Coordination of speech and debate coaches will be dependent largely upon reports from NDA staff, data provided by NDA staff, and site visits to schools.

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Salary, Employment Period, And Union Affiliation

• Salary: $74,063-$129,952
• Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months
• Union Affiliation: Newark Teachers' Union (NTU)

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12-month employees. For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/

How To Apply

The Newark Board of Education is only accepting electronic applications.

THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER