Tek Partners

Overview:

Knox College, a distinguished liberal arts institution located in the Peoria-area- Galesburg, Illinois, invites applications for the position of Debate Coach specializing in Public Forum debate. We seek a dedicated professional who will contribute to the academic and extracurricular lives of our students through coaching, mentoring, and leadership in debate and rhetoric. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in debate coaching, particularly in the Public Forum format, and a passion for teaching and student development.

Responsibilities:

• Coaching and Training:

  • Develop and implement training strategies to enhance the competitive success of the debate team in Public Forum debate.
  • Coach students in debate preparation, including argument development, research skills, and debate tactics.
  • Prepare students for participation in regional and national debate tournaments.
  • Organize practice sessions that foster skills and team cohesion.

• Program Development:

  • Design a year-round debate program, including workshops, guest lectures, and other enrichment activities.
  • Continually update curriculum and coaching practices to stay current with trends and changes in Public Forum debate rules and formats.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate debate techniques into a broader educational context.

• Recruitment and Outreach:

  • Recruit high-caliber students to the debate team from within and outside the college.
  • Build relationships with high schools and other debate organizations to promote the program and identify potential recruits.
  • Represent Knox College at various outreach and promotional events related to debate.

• Administrative Duties:

  • Manage the debate team budget, including travel, equipment, and other resources.
  • Coordinate logistics for team participation in tournaments and events.
  • Monitor academic performance of team members to ensure eligibility and adherence to college standards.
  • Report on team progress and achievements to department heads and college administrators.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s preferred, ideally in Communication, Rhetoric, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in debate coaching, with specific expertise in Public Forum debate.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel and flexible schedule including weekends and evenings as required for debate tournaments and team activities.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Knox College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Please submit applications electronically to the provided email address on the Knox College Human Resources website.

About Knox College:

Founded in 1837, Knox College is a nationally ranked liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, known for its innovative curriculum and commitment to providing a transformative liberal arts education to its students. The college fosters an environment where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, and critical thinking, creativity, and responsible citizenship are nurtured.