TBR | The College System of Tennessee

SPEECH & DEBATE ASSISTANT COACH & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Number of Openings:                       1

Employee Classification:                  Non-Exempt

Institution:                                       Cleveland State Community College

Department:                                     Humanities

Campus Location:                            Cleveland, TN

Salary Range:                                  $15.00 hr

Position Status:                               Part-Time Temporary / *Not to exceed 29 hours/week

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Speech & Debate Assistant Coach & Social Media Specialist provides support in all aspects of the Speech & Debate program.  The position's primary focus will be support of the debate program, including coaching, recruitment, and social media tasks. This role involves assisting with training, developing strategies, analyzing performance, providing feedback to students, and establishing a social media footprint for the team. Additionally, this position may help with organizing tournaments and ensuring a positive team environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Coaching and Training (30%)

• Assist with training sessions and practices, focusing on areas like argumentation, delivery, and research.
• Provide individualized feedback and guidance to students to help them improve their debating skills.
• Develop and implement training programs for different debate formats.
• Help students prepare for and participate in tournaments and competitions - local and at other universities/colleges.

Recruitment (15%)

• Identify and recruit new students to join the debate program.
• Participate in recruitment events and activities.
• Target potential candidates for the speech and debate team through social media outreach.

Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Operate all the team’s social media accounts including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X, and others as needed.
• Build and maintain a social media presence and following.
• Liaison with the Marketing team to increase recruitment potential.
• Assist with the organization and management of tournaments and competitions.
• Help with budget management and fundraising efforts.
• Maintain records and documentation related to the program.
• Coordinate with other coaches, staff, and faculty.

Student Development (15%)

• Foster a positive team environment.
• Mentor and support students in their academic and personal growth.
• Help students develop essential communication and critical thinking skills.

Other Duties (20%)

• Travel to and judge in tournaments and competitions - local and at other universities/colleges including University of Tennessee, University of Alabama, Middle Tennessee State, Walters State, and a variety of others.
• Scout and analyze opposing teams.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in debate.
• Potential to coach specific debate events or positions.

EQUIPMENT

• Activities also involve work with personal computers and peripheral devices, as well as basic office machines.
• Additionally, candidate must be a licensed driver and able to operate rental vehicles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Experience of being a part of a Speech & Debate team – student or coach.
• Knowledge of NPDA, IPDA, and other debating styles/rules.
• Knowledge of social media marketing via a variety of social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, and others.
• Ability to work effectively with broad groups of students and colleagues.
• Familiarity with active learning techniques and pedagogy.

JOB STANDARDS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of prior experience in competitive debate, coaching, and/or teaching.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and mentor students by fostering a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to learn, participate, and grow by providing constructive feedback, building positive relationships, setting clear expectations, and implementing other positive teaching/coaching strategies.
• Knowledge of debate theory and practice.
• Prompt attendance at all practices, tournaments, community service events, award ceremonies, etc.

JOB LOCATION

The position is an on-site role in the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building, located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. This will be the primary workplace, with tournament travel 3-4 times each semester within and outside of Tennessee, including overnight travel. Occasional travel and/or teaching responsibilities to off-campus sites and local schools within the five-county service area and state-wide travel for TBR initiatives and state affiliate meetings as needed.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by September 18, 2025.

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report